FEATURE DERMATOLOGY
HAPPY , HEALTHY SKIN IS EASIER TO ACHIEVE THAN YOU THINK !
WE DRINK green tea , we shop organic , and we dress in natural fibers , but what do we do for our skin ? Nothing feels ( or looks !) as good as clear , smooth skin , yet sometimes we forget how important it is to make sure our skin stays healthy . From simple tricks like moisturizing and drinking plenty of water to figuring out which skin care products work best for you , it ’ s all about practicing safe skin care .
“ It takes about a month to regenerate skin , so it usually takes two or three months — which is two or three skin cycles — to notice the full impact and benefits of adopting a healthy skin routine ,” says Dr . Mariana Atanasovski , Dermatologist at Allure Medical Spa . While she treats patients who have a variety of dermatologic conditions and concerns , one of the main messages she gives to her patients is to simply give their skin some TLC on a daily basis . “ Think of skin care as an investment ,” she says . “ Keep sunscreen wherever it ’ s handy — in the car , at work , around the house . Also , be sure to use moisturizer and makeup with sunscreen in it .”
Given the fact that sun exposure can lead to skin cancer , Dr . Atanasovski is especially adamant about using sunscreen daily , whether it ’ s a bright , sunny morning or a snowy afternoon . “ There are many types of ultraviolet [ UV ] rays ,” she explains , “ but UVA and UVB are the ones we have to be more concerned about , because they both contribute to different types of cancer .” UV rays also contribute to wrinkles , brown spots , skin irritation , and a host of other less-than-pleasant conditions .
And we ’ re not just exposed to UV rays when we ’ re in direct sunlight . Glass surfaces like car windows , both the driver and passenger side , allow UVA in particular to penetrate through . That ’ s why , Dr . Atanasovski points out , people are more likely to wind up with skin cancer on the left side of their face . If you spend a lot of time driving , that ’ s where the sun hits you the most . Likewise , if you work directly in front of a window every day , whichever side of your face is more exposed to the sun is more likely to show lines and spots and be at greater risk of cancer . ( For tips on how to minimize your sun exposure , check out Dr . Atanasovski ’ s blog post , Beyond the Basics : Sun Safety for Summer .)
Beyond using sunscreen , wearing hats , and putting on a pair of shades to protect your eyes and your skin , you can also promote healthy skin by getting into a skin care groove , from when you wake up in the morning to when you go to bed at night . Products like Allure ’ s Skin Care Pro incorporate organic , naturally derived ingredients that function as antioxidants , anti-aging agents , and anti-inflammatory protectants . For example , green tea is great to drink and it ’ s great for your skin , too , keeping it calm and less irritated throughout the day . Retinol has vitamin A and is FDA-approved to treat wrinkles and improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin . It also reduces the damaging effects of UV rays and can reduce pre-skincancers because it regulates cell growth and helps skin regenerate itself . ( Not surprisingly , the retinol-rich and oil-free Face Silk moisturizing cream is Allure ’ s most popular product .) Vitamin C is crucial for collagen development , which means it ’ s also an essential ingredient for younger-looking skin since collagen is what keeps skin supple and smooth . And glycolic acid ? That ’ s derived from sugar cane and is an excellent exfoliant .
So when it comes to your skin , be proactive ! Not only is skin health crucial to your everyday health , your face is what you show the world every day . Enjoying a healthy skin-care routine like the Allure Skin Care Pro line of daytime and nighttime products will ensure that you put your best face forward . The entire suite of cleansers , creams , and sunscreens only takes ten minutes a day to apply and costs only $ 4.30 a day . Talk about a great investment !
STEP 1 Green Tea Foaming Cleanser
STEP 1 Gycolic 10 % Cleanser
MORNING ROUTINE
STEP 2 15 % Vitamin C CRS
EVENING ROUTINE
STEP 2 Retinol Plus 5X
( Every other night for 2 weeks , then every night )
STEP 3 Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50 Spray
STEP 3 Face Silk
WHAT ’ S IN ALLURE ’ S PRODUCTS ?
RETINOL has anti-aging properties that protects against UV rays . It stimulates collagen production .
VITAMIN C increases skin density , brightness & also protects from UV rays .
GLYCOLIC ACID treats acne , scars , hyperpigmentation , melisma , pigment disorders and sun damage .
GREEN TEA enhances sun protection when combined with sunscreen .
RESVERATROL slows cellular aging while creating an even skin tone . It also helps prevent skin cancer .
EMBLICA is an antioxidant that helps tighten the skin .
COQ10 neutralizes major causes of aging by firming up the skin .
ZINC OXIDE is the most effective blocker of UV rays . It is also an effective acne treatment .
PHYTO-STEM CELLS repair skin cells . They combat aging appearances by starting cellular regeneration .
CAFFEINE protects the skin against UV rays and allows the skin to repair itself .
WHITE TEA is an antioxidant used to protect the skin from photo-damage , and suppress discoloration .
FRUIT & VEGETABLE ROOT EXTRACTS are found to not only be skin protective , but also essential for skin repair .
HYALURONIC ACID replenishes moisture and improves fine lines , wrinkles and blemishes .
28 SPRING 2017