The Basics of Healthy, Beautiful Skin at Any Age

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Haddock to learn which available treatments are available and appropriate for your skin type and condition. Also available through Dr. Haddock's office are several lines of skin care products that are dermatological level and endorsed. But beyond that there are some tried and true basics that anyone can incorporate into their daily routines to enhance the health and well being of their skin. And, healthy skin IS beautiful skin.

Protect your skin from the sun!
Although we all require some exposure to sunlight, our Texas sun is fierce, and it can be your skin's worse enemy. Choose a moisturizer with at least an SPF15 sunblock, and use it even on days when you are mainly indoors. If your moisturizer of choice does not have SPF protection, invest in sunblock to apply under your moisturizer, and use it daily. Your face receives harmful ultraviolet rays even while you walk from the parking lot into the market or mall, or drive your car. If you are going to be out of doors protect your skin with not only sunblock but lightweight clothing, hats, sunglasses, and even a shady spot. If you are sunbathing, it is essential to use a protective sunscreen and to limit your exposure. Start with a small amount (15 minutes) of exposure and do not sunbath during the most extreme heat of the day. Although we have come to think of a tan as "healthy" looking, what we are really seeing is damaged skin. If If you MUST have a golden look in the summer to feel comfortable, another option is to consider some of the self tanning products available today.

Drink plenty of water!
Water is the most essential nutrient our skin requires. Drinking plenty (at least 8 glasses) of water daily will help your skin maintain a healthy, hydrated glow as well as enhance it's natural elasticity, firmness and smooth texture. Try it! It's one of the easiest steps we can all take towards a glowing complexion.

Eat a healthful, balanced diet!
Eating whole grains, vegetable and fruits in their most natural state possible can do wonders for your complexion. Full of valuable antioxidents and vitamins, these foods nourish your skin from the inside out just as they do the rest of your body. Remember, the "dermis", our skin, is in fact the largest organ in the human body. Give your skin the proper fuel it needs for good health. Today there are many products containing vitamins and minerals, but applying these topically can never replace the benefits of aquiring sufficient amounts of necessary nutrients through our diets.

Get moving!
Regular exercise will do as much for your complexion as it will for your figure. Exercising promotes good circulation, and this will help give your face the healthful, youthful glow we sometimes try to emulate with cosmetics.

Wash your face before bed!
If you wear makeup, remove it thoroughly at night. Wash your face and throat with a cleanser suitable for your skin type, and moisturize. Even if you have oily skin, moisturize the eye area and the throat. Getting into the habit of washing your face at night is well worth it, no matter what your age. Remember, your skin needs to breath, and the body does much of it's own repair work at night while we rest. Washing and moisturizing your skin before bed provides the best environment for your skin's natural rejuvenation process.

Don't smoke!
Smoking is very damaging to your skin. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do, you already have heard of the many health reasons to quit. Add the health and appearance of your complexion to that list. If you don't smoke, remember that second-hand smoke and other toxins are also harmful. Avoid prolonged lengths of time in smoky nightclubs or other areas where the air does not circulate freely. If you do find yourself in these locales on occasion, it is all the more important to heed the advice above and clean your skin thoroughly before bed.

So, in review, treat your skin like the valuable organ it is. Remember, not only does it provide us with many years of service, many times it is the first thing people notice about us. Following these guidelines will help you achieve and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.

FAQ's and Information for Beautiful, Healthy Skin

Today's medical advances have brought great strides in skin care and treatment. Dermatologists and other specialists offer many exciting treatments that can result in immediate and dramatic results. Almost daily, new products appear on department store and drugstore shelves, promoting younger, clearer, and more beautiful skin. Many of these products do indeed contain ingredients that are beneficial to youthful, healthy looking skin. Some of them are little more than basic lotions with a clever label. How do you begin to sort through them all? What ARE the basics for a clean, beautiful complexion?

Click here to learn more about the active ingredients in today's skin care products.