Taking care of your skin requires different strategies at different stages of your life. At Peraza Dermatology Group, we want to be your skin care resource every year along the way, so we’re offering some basic tips for each generation.
At every stage, we urge you to make sure you are using plenty of sunscreen every day. If you think about sunscreen like you think about brushing your teeth — you should never miss a day of one or the other — you’ll be well on your way to protecting your skin for both health and beauty as you age.
In your twenties, it’s time to start thinking about using retinol. This is a topical treatment you can put on your skin once a day, usually at bedtime, after washing your face. A retinol will begin to protect your skin from the damage the sun tries to inflict. Retinol is an over-the-counter (OTC) cream or serum that stimulates collagen production in your skin cells. Talk with one of our providers about the best time to start using a retinol. You can expect to see a visible reduction in the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, spots, and other irregularities.
As with any powerful product, we urge caution. In addition to speaking with a qualified medical professional, you should start slow.
“Skin protection is a lifelong endeavor; don’t rush things. If you start too fast, you can encounter some harsh side effects, including redness, flaking, itching, and peeling,” advises Dr. Daniel Peraza.
A pea-sized amount of a low-potency retinoid is generally a safe place to start. When used correctly and deliberately, retinoids can give your skin a rejuvenated glow that many patients love. In addition to many prescription products, we recommend SENTÉ Bio Complete Serum and Green Cream, a high potency retinol, as reliable options.
When you enter your thirties, your body continues to evolve and change. Now is a good time to think about a more formalized cleansing routine, toning, and exfoliating.
“If your skin looks tired and saggy, it can often be because you have not exfoliated to get rid of the old cells on top of the dermis,” says Dr. Jose Peraza.
A chemical exfoliation a couple of times a week can restore your skin to a more youthful look in short order. There are also cosmetic procedures that can help with these signs of aging, but you’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish at home. We recommend products such as SENTÉ Daily Soothing Cleanser and SENTÉ ATP Reset Moisturizer.
Additionally, your thirties are a great time to incorporate an eye cream into your skin care routine. Because the skin around your eyes is so thin, it loses moisture faster than other parts of your body. As a result, it can look fatigued and worn out even when you feel great. Eye creams can be your best friend.
“It’s best to apply eye creams very delicately; avoid harsh rubbing and instead dab it into the appropriate areas. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides and vitamins C and E to keep your eyes looking fresh and feeling fine,” offers Kira Schachinger, PA-C.
As you continue to age, Mother Nature’s impact becomes more pronounced. Especially in Northern New England, we are active people who spend a lot of time outdoors. It’s natural that the sun has affected our skin. During these years, it’s important to be proactive with your skin and also pay extra attention to areas that are too frequently neglected.
“In your forties and fifties, it’s important to focus on moisturizing to counteract the reduced amount of oil your skin is producing,” says Dr. Daniel Peraza. “And with all the focus on our faces, it’s easy to forget other key areas, like the neck and hands. Incorporating these areas into your skin care routine is essential to protect your skin’s health and appearance.”
In our sixties, seventies, and beyond, our skin care routine needs to adjust again. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests key strategies, including shortening bath time, ditching bar soap and fragrance-laden products, using warm — not hot — water, and prompt use of a moisturizer after bathing.
“No one likes dry, itchy, irritated skin,” Dr. Jose Peraza notes. “As we age, we can make small adjustments that deliver a big difference. And while we recommend it at every stage, it’s extremely important as we age to schedule regular exams with a qualified medical professional.”
All told, there are distinct stages of skin care just as there are distinct stages of life. Whether you have specific questions or are just interested in developing better skin care practices, please feel free to ask us your questions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.