Skin Care Treatment Tips Derms Implement Themselves

Soak the Protection

To guarantee she layers on adequate sunscreen (" the finest way to keep skin youthful"), Garland, TX-based skin doctor Lisa Garner, MD, president of the Women's Dermatologic Society, fills the hollow of her palm (about 1/2 teaspoon) with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to coat her face, neck, and ears. "I generally have to apply two coats to finish exactly what I've ejected, however that's how I ensure I'm covered."

Look Sun-Kissed

" A little tint takes years off your face by evening out your complexion," which a current research study discovered is a key marker of youthfulness, says Ranella Hirsch, MD, a skin specialist in Cambridge, MA. Her favorite for a natural look: Olay Complete Touch of Sun Daily UV Moisturizer + A Touch of Sunless Tanner ($ 15; pharmacies), a lotion with a low level of self-tanner.

Consume a Skin-Saving Breakfast

The first meal of the day for New York City derm Doris Day, MD, consists of almonds. "They contain essential fatty acids, which help put the brakes on swelling that speeds up fine lines, drooping, and blotchiness." Not feeling like a nut? Salmon, tuna, and halibut ready lunch/dinner sources.

Spray Away Dryness

To keep her skin flexible, LA-based derm Jessica Wu, MD, sprays it several times daily with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water ($ 8.50; pharmacies). (She typically spritzes her face when stuck in traffic!) Bonus: The water is loaded with minerals like selenium that protect versus UV damage.

Zen Your Skin

If anybody has stress, it's physicians. High levels of stress can spike hormone production that causes breakouts or aggravates conditions like psoriasis. "Controlling stress keeps your skin calm-- but that's easier stated than done," says Annie Chiu, MD, a derm in LA. Taking a 10-minute time-out to apply a face mask and relax on her bed works for Chiu. Another trick: Ban the 'Berry. "I shut off my cellular phone after 8 at night. Every little bit assists!" she says.

Safeguard with Powder

Sunscreen quits working in less than 3 hours, so reapplication is crucial, says Washington, DC-based derm Elizabeth Tanzi, MD. For easy touch-ups, she utilizes powder sun block. "It's light, so skin care remains undamaged." Her fave: Colorescience Pro Sunforgettable Powder SPF 50 ($ 60; colorescience.com).

Set Your Potions

" A 'cross-training' program is the essential to quick renewal. Some ingredients-- like sun block and antioxidants in the morning and retinoids and peptides at night-- work much better as a team," states New Orleans derm Mary Lupo, MD

. Develop a Bedside Manner

" I often find it difficult to stay with my anti-aging program at bedtime," states Francesca Fusco, MD, an NYC derm. To prevent missing her evening regimen, she shops these items in a beautiful skincare case she keeps her nightstand. "So if I've forgotten-- or was simply too exhausted to apply items at the sink-- I can do it quickly while in bed." Her must-haves: Renova (an Rx retinoid), EpiCeram (an ultrahydrating Rx moisturizer), SCO lip balm, Earth to Skin Care Cracked Heel Renewal, Creative Nail Design Solar oil (to soften cuticles), and Listerine White Strips.

Wear Your Veggies

Frozen peas assist relieve itchy, irritated eyes for Jeanine Downie, MD, a derm in Montclair, NJ. "Once I get home from work, I eliminate my skin care and put a bag of frozen peas on my lids for about 5 minutes." The cold helps minimize swelling and coloring, a side result of repeated inflammation from her eczema. Unlike inflexible ice packs, a bag of peas quickly conforms to the shape of the eyes for a quicker result.

Prevent Impact

" The repeated disconcerting of high-impact cardio like running can compromise collagen and result in sagging," says Oakland, CA, skin specialist Katie Rodan, MD. "So up until a 'face bra' is invented, I'll stay with cycling and the elliptical maker."

Strike a Pose

A lot of derms will bend over back-ward for great skin. Hema Sundaram, MD, a Washington, DC-area skin specialist, bends forward. Yoga moves "like Child's Pose, Downward-Facing Dog, and Sun Salutations improve blood circulation-- the boost of oxygen is exactly what gives skin that charming yoga radiance." Another factor to require to the mat: New research discovers regular yoga practice may minimize the swelling and stress that speed skin aging.

Lather with Care

Mild cleansers are one of my finest tricks," says Chicago derm Jonith Breadon, MD. She's partial to CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($ 11; pharmacies), which includes ceramides-- fatty materials that help retain moisture.

Avoid Sodium

Diet soda is a vice that Audrey Kunin, MD, a Kansas City, MO, skin specialist, just cannot give up-- she downs up to 6 cans a day. When she recognized that the sodium in soda (anywhere from 25 to 50 mg per can) made her eyes and jawline puffy, she switched to a brand name that does not punish her skin: sodium-free Diet Rite soda. "It pleases my yearnings and my skin looks better."

Cut Back on the Sweet Stuff

The breakdown of sugars, called glycation, damages the collagen that keeps skin smooth and company. To prevent this natural procedure from careening out of control, Naila Malik, MD, a derm in Southlake, TX, sticks to low-glycemic carbs like whole grains; they're naturally low in sugar, and the body processes them gradually to restrict the loss of collagen.

Pump Iron to Plump Skin

" I am religious about strength-training, and I constantly inform patients to do it more as they grow older," says Patricia Farris, MD, a skin specialist in Metairie, LA. The benefit: firmer skin from the neck down, the result of having better, more encouraging muscle tone. "It's like adding volume to the face with fillers, other than on your body," states Farris.

Tea Up

In her teens, Amy Wechsler, MD, an NYC derm, began drinking green and black tea for the taste. Now she consumes three to five cups a day to secure her skin. Research suggests that both types of tea consist of protective substances-- like EGCG and theaflavins-- that assistance prevent skin cancers and the breakdown of collagen, the cause of wrinkles.

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