Over-the-counter creams, masks, and serums containing alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid) or beta hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid) can improve the skin’s tone, smoothness, and texture while reducing breakouts and pores. The best way to start is with a gentle, over-the-counter retinol cream applied sparingly, at bedtime, under moisturizer.ĭabble in acid. Sounds too good to be true, right? It would be, if not for the irritation, redness, and dryness that retinoids can cause - especially if you overdo it with a formula that’s too strong, or if you apply one too liberally or too often.
They can gradually thicken and strengthen fragile or crepey skin and help with pores and blemishes, too. Creams, gels, and serums derived from vitamin A (retinoids) have been proven to reverse signs of sun damage and age, including fine lines, wrinkles, spots, and sagging. Talk to your doctor before you start any new supplement.ĭab on a vitamin A cream. Though these supplements may offer bonus protection, it’s important to note that dermatologists do not consider them a substitute for sunscreen, hats, clothing, sunglasses, and shady spots. The fern extract Polypodium leucotomos has been shown to reduce the risk of sunburn and make the skin a bit more resilient to UV damage. The B vitamin called nicotinamide has been shown in human studies to lower the risk of skin precancers and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Antioxidant supplements can help keep skin healthy, too.
Before I even reach for my first cup of morning coffee, I make sure I’ve layered one on under my daily sunscreen.Ĭonsider a supplement. Vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, and resveratrol are antioxidants that can help skin cells repair their DNA and fend off free radical damage from sunshine, pollution, and the body’s metabolism. Support your skin with an antioxidant serum. That’s why dermatologists like me are always harping about wearing a broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen all year long. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are out in force mostly during summer, but ultraviolet A (UVA) light reaches our skin year-round, gradually damaging and aging our skin whenever we step outside. But you might be surprised to learn that protecting against ultraviolet (UV) light gives the skin an opportunity to heal and actively reverse old damage (much like “smoker’s lung” can improve significantly a few years after quitting cigarettes). You’re probably aware that sunscreen guards against new damage.
0 kommentar(er)
