The great thing about medical spas is that they offer customers a chance to walk in, undergo a procedure, and walk out with younger, smoother, and healthier skin. As wonderful as medical spa procedures may be, the average person can only afford or make time for so many visits per month or year. What this means is that event the most avid medical spa clients need to be aware of how to properly maintain their skin outside of the medical spa environment. Santo Criscuolo is the owner of Ambrosia Medspa, a Kirkland, Washington, facility. As part of his commitment to helping customers achieve healthy skin for life, he offers the following tips on what clients should do on their own to keep their skin in the best possible shape:
Wear sunscreen, but not just any sunscreen
Most residents of the Seattle area are no strangers to weather that is rainy and grey. However, many people tend to operate under the false assumption that due to such conditions, there is no need to wear sunscreen on a regular basis. The fact of the matter is that harmful UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin even on the cloudiest of days, making regular sunscreen use a must. It is also important to apply sunscreen even at times during which you have no intention of being outdoors. Sunlight can penetrate household and car windows to attack the skin and cause damage over time. (Ever notice how the left side of your face tends to get hotter and redder while you’re driving than the right side? That would be the sun, shooting its rays through that driver-side window.) While sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine, it’s important to find a product that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. A mineral-based sunscreen can work to nourish your skin while providing it with the sun protection it needs. Since mineral products don’t contain preservatives, they allow the skin to breathe better, thus making them the healthiest, most natural skin care products available. So as tempted as you might be to purchase that bargain drugstore brand, know that a higher quality product means solid protection with fewer skin-related repercussions.
Keep moisture in check
Seattle certainly sees its fair share of rain, but just because it’s nice and moist outside doesn’t mean that the same holds true for the inside of your house. An abundance of dry air can easily work to dry out your skin. So to combat this problem, get a humidifier for your home to keep moisture in the air. This will not only help your skin, but also allow you to breathe better at night.
Wash those hands well
While it should go without saying that it’s important to wash your hands on a consistent basis, some people make the mistake of doing a “quick wash” to avoid interrupting their regular routines. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly to eliminate bacteria that could otherwise end up affecting your skin (and your health). This practice is especially crucial during the food preparation process, as particles are likely to get on your hands. Since your hands, in turn, are likely contact your face at some point thereafter, it’s important that you keep them clean and disinfected to avoid unwanted breakouts.
Exfoliate without the foam
It’s a good idea to wash your face in the morning to clean away that bedtime bacteria and wake yourself up in the process. Most people assume that soap needs to have a lot of foaming properties in order to actually get their skin clean. However, the presence of foam usually indicates harsh ingredients in the product that can dry out the skin. For best results, ask a trusted medical spa professional to recommend an exfoliating soap that will work with your skin type.
Give yourself a pat…on the face
Many people make the mistake of applying makeup and facial products with too much force, and the same holds true for drying the face after a cleaning. When you put on makeup or moisturizer, try to work your products into your skin by softly patting them into place. If your face is wet, then gently pat your skin dry using a towel instead of rigorously wiping your cheeks. The more tenderly you approach your skin, the less likely you’ll be to cause unnecessary stretching.
Now that you know how to keep your skin fresh and healthy outside of the medical spa, you can actually put yourself in a better position to make the most of your visits. Remember, keeping your skin healthy requires awareness and regular care, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Beautiful skin is simple, and if you follow these basic steps, then your skin is bound to serve you well in the long run.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
