Secrets to Flawless Skin

Lisa Benest MD

An even-toned and softly-textured complexion can help you have a youthful appearance. But environmental elements and lifestyle choices make tone and texture more difficult to maintain. Uneven skin tone, texture and color can be the result of a variety of factors, including environmental exposures, pollutants, sun exposure, tanning beds and even diet. Most people (yes, men, that includes you!) want to present a healthy and youthful image. There are some very simple ways of doing this – ways that will fit right into your daily routine, but will make a big effect on your skin's health and appearance! They are simple secrets to healthier, younger looking skin.

EXFOLIATE – This process removes dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull. Using a cleanser or lotion that contains alpha (glycolic) or beta (salicylic) hydroxy acids will keep your skin looking fresher and more youthful.

CLEANSE – Daily cleansing is essential to remove excess oil and dirt from your skin. This will help prevent pimples and acne as well. Ensure you use a cleanser that is meant for your skin type.

MOISTURIZE – Whether your skin is oily or dry, you may benefit from moisturizing your skin. Moisturizers moisten your skin by locking water on the surface. Keeping skin hydrated always helps boost a blah complexion, but new lotions made with niacinamide (vitamin B) and other thirst quenching nutrients do more than that.

PROTECTION FROM SUN - Ultraviolet rays present in sunlight are one of the biggest enemies of your skin. Protect your skin from the sun with a daily sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. For those of you who are active outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming/heavy sweating. New studies show that combining green tea extracts with sunscreens provides more potent protection against sun damage.

EAT WELL - Adding a dressing made with olive oil to your salad may increase your skin’s radiance. The monounsaturated fats in the oils help increase the absorption of the disease-fighting antioxidants and skin-smoothing nutrients found in dark leafy greens and colorful vegetables. A diet high in antioxidants and low in refined, processed foods not only keeps our skin smoother, it also protects us against skin cancer and other forms of cancer.

EXERCISE – Being physically active is directly related to the health of your skin. Sweating clears out the skin pores and stimulates blood circulation. This, in turn, cleanses the skin and brings a glow to it. Moderate exercise such as walking for a half hour, cycling, swimming, etc will help in maintaining the health of your skin over time.

These are some simple secrets to flawless and healthier looking skin. Everyone can implement most of these into a daily routine and see a difference in no time! Consult with your dermatologist and discover other ways to halt the process of time on your skin and see a beautiful, healthy, and younger looking appearance.

Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about skin rejuvenation, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse. Check out their website for a complete list of all their treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com