Last year, more than eight-point-seven-million people underwent
cosmetic procedures to enhance what nature gave them, or didn’t.
But experts tell us that Americans may be jumping into invasive
procedures too quickly.
Despite the media coverage of makeover reality shows, the
majority of Americans are not looking for extreme
transformations. According to the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery, most of us want to look better, naturally, with
68-percent preferring a subtle change. And experts agree that
looking your best could be accomplished at home for considerably
less.
Dr. Linda Franks, a leader in the specialized skin care
frontier, says “To get that timeless, healthy look you need to
start with an appropriate skincare regime. Taking good care of
your skin can stave off fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and even
dry skin.”
Where to begin? At the sink! Doctors say whatever your skin
type, the key is to cleanse it gently. Avoid hot water and use
lukewarm instead, to prevent over-drying. And throw in the towel
– traditional washcloths are too abrasive for the face, so use
your hands and fingers.
Sixty-eight-percent of women claim to have sensitive skin which
means dry, tight, chapped or easily irritated skin. Dr. Franks
advises moisturizing regularly and avoiding harsh cleansers with
ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives because
sensitive skin is easily damaged and takes longer to recover.
If your skin is dry and easily irritated, don’t wash more than
once a day. You may risk stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Dr. Franks recommends looking for non-irritating cleansing
washes that are soap-free, moisturizers that are light,
oil-free, and water-based to help maintain the skin’s natural
barrier. Another tip—make sure to choose a facial moisturizer
with an SPF of at least 15, which protects against both UVB and
UVA rays.
Skin sensitivity may also result from the third most common,
non-surgical skincare procedure known as Microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is a quick and easy, non-invasive procedure
that helps to reveal healthier-looking skin by sweeping away
dead skin cells. Dr. Franks reveals that, following the
treatment, the best way to avoid irritation is by opting for an
ultra-gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
A new clinical study shows that PURPOSE gentle cleansing wash
and dual treatment moisture lotion with spf 15 are compatible
with this procedure.
How else can you obtain optimal skin health? Here are some other
healthy basics to keep your skin looking its best:
Dr. Franks says, “Exercise opens up blood vessels to make skin
look healthy and youthful. It’s so important for healthy skin.”
Regular cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the skin
which assists in collagen production. Maintaining muscle mass
through exercise can also help anchor and support skin, keeping
it taut. And drink up! At least eight, eight-ounce glasses of
water a day are crucial for optimal skin hydration.
So before you sign on for an extreme and expensive makeover,
just think back on some simple, beauty basics! You just might
like what you see!