Hammerling-Hodgers: Fall has officially arrived, it's time to reassess your skin care regimen
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Despite the still-blazing temperatures, Sept. 22 ushers in the first day of Fall, and that means it’s time to reflect upon your skin routine and reassess your concerns.
After spending many weekends at the beach during the summer, brown spots and wrinkles may be more visible, especially if you failed to protect your skin from the sun with sunblock and a hat.
The cooler, drier air that will eventually arrive in the next month or two can wreak havoc on the skin by drying it out if not properly moisturized.
September is National Skin Care Awareness Month and it’s time to make some adjustments to your skin care regimen.
Susan's previous three columns:
Psoriasis maintenance: There may be no cure for psoriasis, but there are ways to keep it in check
Got small, red bumps?: Don't wait. See your dermatologist immediately
Choosing the right cleanser for your skin is an important part of the daily routine.
Usually, in the summer a lighter, thinner cleanser is used by a lot of consumers.
However, during the fall and winter months, it can be helpful to select a thicker and more hydrating cleanser such as Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Milky Cleanser, Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser or Neutrogena Hydrating Cleansing Gel.
No matter what the weather is like outside, don’t forget to use sunscreen even though its cooler weather during the fall.
Sunblock helps to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, preventing signs of aging such as dark spots or wrinkles and helps us to keep our youthful glow.
Some various over-the-counter sunblocks to try are Vanicream or Cerave Mineral Sunblock, Elta MD Facial Sunscreen, Eucerin Sensitive Sunblock with Titanium Dioxide, La Roche Posay Melt-In Sunscreen Milk.
Don’t forget to apply your favorite moisturizer.
La Roche Double Repair Face moisturizer, Elta MD tinted moisturizer, or Neutrogena Hydroboost gel cream. It doesn’t matter which one you pick, but it does matter to be something that you will use daily and feel nourishing enough to use daily.
If your skin can tolerate it, using a retinoid nightly can help even out the skin as well as improve skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles.
Various retinoids are available such as ROC which is over the counter, prescription retinoids from the dermatologist or some offices sell retinoids better known as Retin-A or Tretinoin Cream.
Be sure to wear sunscreen daily since retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
A visit to the aesthetician with a relaxing facial or chemical peel may provide exfoliating of the skin as well as stimulating collagen production.
Laser treatments help to reverse signs of aging such as brown spots and wrinkles, scars and sun damage.
Dermaplaning is great to remove unwanted peach fuzz of the skin and can enhance various skin care products by allowing it to penetrate the skin better.
For those who don’t establish a skin routine now, then in 20-30 years from now your skin will show that aging compared to others who pampered their skin.
Basic tips that contribute to healthy skin is watching what you eat, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
Certain types of foods and drinks like fried foods and alcohol may contribute to inflammatory skin problems such as acne or rosacea.
Conversely, fruits, vegetables, almonds and avocados can help keep the skin healthy since they are rich in antioxidants.
Try to get 6-8 hours of sleep on a regular basis because it is critical in restoring your skin by allowing your body to rest.
It has been shown that regular exercise at least 30 minutes per day several times a week can help to keep skin healthy and youthful.
By exercising, it improves blood circulation, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin which promotes collagen production and new skin cells which keep the skin glowing.
Be sure to clean your phone and pillowcase on a regular basis in order to eliminate all the oil and bacteria being transferred to your skin.
It can be overwhelming on where to start or what needs to be done when looking at your skin in the mirror.
In order to be the most efficient and effective in getting the best treatment plan for you and your family, make sure to visit your dermatologist who can customize a plan that is affordable and will be effective for your goals.
Our skin deserves to be pampered, and when it is, we will come out looking our best.
Susan Hammerling-Hodgers, a Member of the National Psoriasis Foundation, is a PA-C (Certified Physician Assistant) and MPAS (Master of Physician Assistant Studies) and works at Brevard Skin and Cancer at the Merritt Island, Titusville and Rockledge offices.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: September is National Skin Care Awareness Month; here are helpful tips
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