Six Skincare Resolutions for the New Year!

With the holidays behind us it’s time to gear up for the New Year – the one time of year when we put pen to paper to outline all our resolutions. While losing weight and saving money may top your list this year, don’t forget about your skin. Here are some quick and easy resolutions your skin will love in 2012:

Protect your skin from the sun everyday: Make a commitment to protect your skin from UV damage and wear sunscreen under your makeup or purchase makeup that has at least SPF 15. UV damage can cause premature wrinkles and sun spots. By protecting your skin from UV rays you will continue to look more youthful throughout the New Year! Iowa Plastic Surgery carries the IPS™ Sensitive Sunscreen 30.

Throw away outdated skin products: Make-up that hasn’t been used in a while and other opened, outdated skincare products may be hosting bacteria and can cause breakouts. Open the medicine cabinet and empty your make-up bag. If you haven’t touched that skincare product or piece of make-up in months it’s time to say goodbye. Your skin will thank you later.

Sleep without make-up: Not removing make-up is one of the worst don’ts when it comes to your skincare routine. Make-up clogs pores and can leave your complexion looking dull. Wash, tone and moisturize your skin every night before bed this year.

Exfoliate: This is the step most people skip as part of their skincare routine. Try exfoliating at least once a week with the Clarisonic® (Iowa Plastic Surgery carries at an excellent price and Bobbi can recommend the one for you) – You will see an immediate difference. If you can make it into our office, try a microdermabrasion, a chemical peel or facial. Peels can take years off our face.

Consult a trained specialized professional before pursuing medical spa services (Botox®, Dermal Fillers): Minimally invasive procedures including Botox® and dermal fillers such as Artefill®, Juvederm®, or Radiesse® continue to grow in popularity. But not every physician is well trained to perform these procedures. Make sure you check the physician’s credentials and training, and validate they have extensive experience using the products they have recommended. Don’t have white coat confusion! A white coat does not make them a cosmetic expert!

Manage stress: Stress affects your health and over time can cause over-production of oil and inflammation which results in bad skin. Relieve stress this year by taking a walk, going to a yoga class or other exercise. You will stay happier, your health will improve and it will be reflected on the outside. But if outside, don’t forget to protect your skin!

Winter has finally arrived and so is the season of dry, flaky skin. Bobbi (our medical aesthetician) says you may need to make some adjustments to your skin care regimen. A more hydrating moisturizer may be needed during the day and/or night to provide that extra care. The best skin regimen would be a combination of medical mircodermabrasion and/or peels with moisturizing products. Microdermabrasions and peels will help remove dry, flaky, dead skin cells.

Hydrating is very important for all skin types. Oily or acne-prone skin also gets dry during the winter. Keep in mind that if the skin gets dry, the body will try to compensate by producing more oils in the oil glands and that can set up a vicious cycle of dry-oily-acne skin.

*Content supplied by Suneva Medical

Product Spotlight

IPS™ Repair Moisturizer – Restore skin’s natural moisture barrier from within. Clinically proven to reduce dry, cracked, flaky skin compromised by procedures such as microdermabrasion and superficial chemical peels.

The IPS™ Sensitive Sunscreen 30 – Ideal for application post procedures such as microdermabrasion, superficial chemical peels that can leave skin dry or sensitive.

Clarisonic® – This device uses sonic frequency to remove oil, dirt and debris from the skin, while gently exfoliating to keep pores clear. The Clarisonic® also leaves skin feeling smooth and soft and is a great addition for any skin type.