Secrets to Healthy Skin

We all want skin that looks and feels healthy; that’s why it’s so important to face problematic skin head-on. If left untreated, wrinkles, acne, liver spots, rosacea, and other conditions can cause permanent skin problems—and damage self-esteem. Fortunately, there are a variety of remedies that can help people overcome these issues and lead happier, healthier lives.

Common Treatments

Wrinkles, sunspots, scars, and rosacea can really wreak havoc on a person’s appearance. The scarring from acne, the redness associated with rosacea, and the spotting from years of sun exposure can all lead to unhealthy skin.

There are plenty of ways to address skin conditions, including facials and peels; diet is also important. Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and promote skin health. Even better, they are easy to find in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other foods. For example, antioxidants in pomegranates, green tea, and dark chocolate can increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Colorful vegetables, such as yellow and orange bell peppers, contain carotenoids, which can protect the skin from sun damage. For a healthy dose of elasticity-promoting omega-3s, try a handful of walnuts.

Topical products are also important. Sun block and sunscreen should be used any time you’re outdoors for any length of time. Retin-A is a common acne treatment that increases skin cell turnover and promotes collagen production. Antioxidants, such as topical vitamin C, can help combat the signs of aging by reducing the wrinkles and age spots associated with too much sun exposure.

Keeping the layer of collagen in your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water also helps your skin remain thick and healthy. In addition to rejuvenating facial skin, drinking at least eight cups of water per day is great for your entire body.

Diet Tips for Healthy Skin

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in fish oil or fish oil supplements and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated. 

The skin-health properties of green tea  just can’t be beat. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s protective to the cell membrane. It may even help prevent or reduce the risk of skin cancer. The polyphenols in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties that are also beneficial to skin health overall.

Medical Approaches for Healthy Skin

If these remedies don’t produce the desired results, there are other options to help you maintain a vibrant, youthful appearance. Cosmetic clinics, such as my Aesthetic Laser & Vein Centers in Santa Rosa and Napa, California, provide complimentary consultations to help meet your aesthetic goals. Don’t forget to check out a clinic’s reviews before booking an appointment.

Many people find that combining natural skin treatments with cutting-edge medical procedures can be an effective way to get the healthy, great-looking skin they desire. Skin treatments have improved considerably in recent years, generating improved results with virtually no side effects. Some of these treatments include PhotoFacial, PhotoDynamic Therapy, Microdermabrasion, and Fraxel Re:Store.

>> Photofacial

PhotoFacial uses intense pulsed light, applied gently to the skin, to treat rosacea, sun damage, acne scars, broken capillaries, fine lines, age spots, and other issues. Five 15- to 45-minute sessions typically produce smoother, more evenly toned skin with minimal discomfort and virtually no down time.

>> Photodynamic therapy

PhotoDynamic Therapy applies specific light wavelengths to an area treated with a topical photosensitizing agent. This treatment helps heal skin that has been damaged by the sun, eliminating precancerous spots and other dangers. The treatment is also effective against acne, as it minimizes pores and reduces oil glands. In three or more treatment sessions, patients can see maximum results. You will need to stay out of the sun for a while—and keep your skin protected—but the side effects are minimal.

>> Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation therapy used to treat damage from sun exposure, age spots, stretch marks, and other issues; it can be performed on most parts of the body. Fine crystals are moved across the skin to release damaged skin cells, which are then vacuumed away. Twenty-minute treatments, one to three weeks apart, can yield fantastic results, with no recovery time.

>> Fraxel re:store

A recent skin treatment technology is Fraxel Re:Store resurfacing, which is revolutionizing skin treatments. The process uses thousands of laser lights to remove damaged skin cells and encourage natural healing. It works on acne scars, age spots, sunspots, and crow’s feet and is an ideal treatment for people of all ages and skin tones. Best of all, it produces no side effects and requires zero recovery time.

Remember, if you’re suffering from painful and unsightly skin conditions, there are more options than ever, and a good team of top professionals will help you get there. New technologies can give you the healthy and beautiful skin you’ve always hoped for, eliminating the skin problems that are holding you back.

By Walter W. Tom, MD, FACS