At the start of a new year, it is common practice to set some resolutions – maybe it’s to work out more or eat smarter. What about making a resolution this year to take better care of your skin? It could be as simple as changing out some daily habits and becoming aware of lifestyle issues that are affecting your skin. Or, maybe it’s time to take a good look at all those skin care products collecting dust under the bathroom sink and get rid of what isn’t working for you.
At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, we see patients from Jacksonville, FL, and the Northeast Florida area with a variety of different skin types and skin conditions. We commonly hear that they are not seeing results from their current lineup of skin care products and need help identifying the right ones to use. Our professional team of board-certified plastic surgeons and expert staff have the knowledge and know-how to help you get that clean, glowing complexion you thought was only possible in magazines.
Let’s take a closer look at why you might not be seeing results from your current skincare routine and how the team at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery can help you stick to a new resolution to clean up your skin.
Factors that affect the skin
There are multiple factors that can affect skin condition, influencing how it looks and feels. While we can’t prevent all of them, there are many that are within our control. Common factors that affect the skin include:
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Climate
- Sun exposure
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Interaction with certain chemicals or conditions at work
- Diet and nutrition
- Medication
- Getting enough sleep
- Stress levels
- Smoking/tobacco use
- Chemicals in skincare that may be too harsh on some skin types
By being aware of the conditions you encounter and choosing the type of skin care based on the factors you come into contact with daily, you can better protect your skin and keep it looking younger longer.
Do you know your skin type?
When it comes to their skin care routine and the products they use daily, it is common for our patients to become confused and wonder if they are really working. In some instances, our patients get frustrated, thinking that their skin care products are actually making their skin look worse!
The most important step when it comes to caring for your skin and using the right products involves knowing your specific skin type. Every person’s skin is unique, but there are some common skin types that may help you identify where your skin fits in. These are:
- Oily
- Normal/Combination
- Dry
As the largest organ in your body, your skin is just as important as the lungs, heart, and brain. If you use products like cleansers that are too harsh or for the wrong type of skin, they could be damaging instead of helpful. Or, if you use moisturizers that are too thick or heavy for your specific skin type, you could be decreasing your skin’s natural oil production, resulting in drier skin.
Talk to a member of the team at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery to learn what your skin type is and what it needs to be radiant and healthy. This knowledge will help you choose the right balance of skin care products specifically for you.
Are you using too many skin care products?
It can be completely overwhelming to walk into your local drug store or department store and see rows and rows of different skin care products. How do you know which to choose for your skin? From pre-washes to moisturizers, cleansers and exfoliators, serums, and masks – the options are plentiful. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation regarding skincare, and it can be challenging to know what you can realistically expect. And here’s some food for thought – even the highest-rated, most expensive products can be ineffective if you use too many at a time.
At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, you have access to experienced medical aestheticians who have specialized training and experience in safely improving your skin, utilizing the appropriate modalities and options for your skin type.
We use high-quality, prescription-grade products paired with professional facial treatments that provide our patients with real results. Our products and facial treatments have been proven effective with legitimate independent clinical studies using standardized testing.
What you put on your face daily is important. It is your first line of defense for healthy skin. If what you put on your face is not helping, then it is a waste of your time and money. Contact our office today for a one-on-one consultation with one of our professional medical aestheticians for a real results-oriented plan to get you on the path to healthy, glowing skin.
Can you moisturize too much?
One of the most common issues we encounter among our Jacksonville-area patients at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery is the frustration that they are not seeing any improvements from their large assortment of skin care products, especially when it comes to moisturizer. Many patients have said that it seems the more moisturizer they use, the more they feel they need.
Many non-medical products found at big box stores and/or online are not capable of making real changes in your skin. They typically sit on the top layer of your dead skin, inhibiting your own skin’s natural abilities.
Current training teaches us that piling up moisturizers may provide a temporary “feel good” sensation, but it results in more dryness as the dead skin is actually glued down, forming a thick wall that blocks the communication process of your skin. This common over-moisturizing pattern contributes to many unwanted skin conditions, such as wrinkles, roughness, dullness, acne, irritation, and more.
The skin’s needs change over time; taking the time to identify its needs is essential for it to look and feel its best. At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and medical aestheticians encourages patients to always be mindful of their skin's health and check in regularly to make any adjustments to their current skincare lineup. This constant attention will keep your skin beautiful and balanced.
We invite you to clean out your cabinet and start 2020 out with a visit to our Ponte Vedra Beach, FL office. We have a number of exciting treatments and specials that will help you put a fresh face forward this coming year. Click here for more information and set up your personalized skin care consultation at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery today.
