Skincare is now synonymous with luxury and relaxation. However, it shouldn’t only be a pastime or special treat. On the contrary, skincare is part of overall health and wellness, and having the right tools at your disposal to care for your skin can be a great way to keep you looking and feeling your best.
Dr. Lindsay Clark is a cosmetic dermatology expert who specializes in skincare and functional medicine. She knows, firsthand, how patients dismiss skincare until it’s too late. Below are some key insights she shares into the importance of skincare for overall health.
Prevent Acne
Many people think acne is only reserved for teenagers in the middle of puberty. On the contrary, anyone at any age can develop acne, with women more prone to the condition. While acne is usually mild and can resolve with regular cleansing and non-prescription products, you might need help from a dermatologist if your acne is severe.
Dr. Clark says, “Many of my patients do things for their acne like trying new skincare routines every week, changing products, or even scrubbing too harshly which all make it worse. It’s always better to talk to a skincare professional for the best advice and resources.” Not treating your acne early on can lead to scarring, difficulty with self-image, and can also lead to heavy reliance on prescription treatments like Accutane. Skincare goes a long way in helping prevent acne in adulthood, as well as other skin conditions.
Prevent Skin Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, around 5.4 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, with many people unaware of the symptoms until after their cancer has progressed. Unfortunately, skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body, and while treatable in its early stages, can become fatal. Fortunately, regular skin care can not only help you notice changes in your skin but can also, in some cases, prevent skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using SPF-30 sunblock regularly to protect your skin from harsh UV rays. Dr. Clark says, “Sunblock might seem like just one additional step you have to take when getting ready in the morning. But, it does wonders in helping protect skin against UV damage and even skin cancer.” Dr. Clark sees many patients struggle with skin cancer diagnoses and knows that skincare is one of the best ways to fight against skin cancer and serious skin conditions.
Prevent Early Aging
Wrinkles, sunspots, and loss of elasticity are normal symptoms of aging. However, some people might have more severe signs of aging or even begin early aging if they don’t practice a proper skincare routine. There are various ways you can prevent early aging with skin care, including:
- Moisturizing: Penn Medicine states that moisturizers are among some of the most important skincare products along with sunblock. That’s because moisturizing your skin can help lock in moisture that keeps your skin supple and soft, even with older age. While you can’t prevent wrinkles altogether with moisturizer alone, you can prevent early aging and help make wrinkles less apparent.
- Exfoliating: Exfoliation is a great way to remove dead skin cells, which can help reduce the signs of wrinkles and make your facial features look more youthful. In addition, exfoliating can also help in cell growth, allowing heightened production of collagen and elastin. While you might not think exfoliating does anything else besides clear away dead skin, it can be one of the best tools in your belt to prevent early aging.
- Serums: Adding a serum to your skincare routine can help restore and replenish your skin, preventing signs of aging. Serums are quite different depending on their specific purpose, but for the most part, they contain ingredients like antioxidants to help protect the skin and for added benefits. Today, serums are a popular choice for skincare after cleansing and before moisturizing and can help target wrinkles, redness, and other signs of aging on the skin.
All of these skincare steps are vital in helping reduce signs of aging and are fairly easy to implement. Knowing what these products can do for you and implementing them into your morning or night routine goes a long way in protecting your skin for life.
About Dr. Lindsay Clark MD
Dr. Lindsay Clark is the current CEO and Medical Director of Entrada Medical Group. She has dedicated her career to helping patients achieve their best skin and boost their confidence with cosmetic dermatology care. She trained under renowned plastic surgeons and dermatologists in Northern California and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Highland Hospital. She now specializes in Cosmetic Dermatology and functional medicine.
