4 Practical Skin Care Tips for Anti-Aging

We all want to look our very best for as long as we can. While there are many cosmetic procedures – both surgical and non-invasive – to help us look younger, there are also practical every-day things that we can do for good skin care.

As a dermatologist I suggest that you start out with the practical, and you might be surprised how far it will get you in your quest to look your best.

1. Skin Discoloration.

Problem:  You have spent too much time in the sun (age/sun spots) or you could be suffering from melasma (a skin condition that can appear with hormonal fluctuations such as during pregnancy or being on birth control pills).

Helpful to Do: Use skin lightening creams and sunscreen, hats, sun protective clothing and even oral sunscreen pills.

2. Leathery skin.

Problem: This is a true tell tale sign that you have spent a lot of time under the sun. Usually seen on older people who loved tanning their skin.  Remember that tanning beds damage your skin just like getting a tan under the sun.

Helpful to Do: Minimize sun exposure. Use products with lactic acid or glycolic acid to help smooth the skin. Get weekly facial scrubs. Also remember to consult your dermatologist if there are any new growths on your skin! With all the sun damage, you will be more prone to skin cancers.

3. Dark circles and puffy under eyes.

Problem: Could be hereditary but can also be a sign of chronic allergies. This can also appear from constantly rubbing the eye area.

Helpful to Do: Good ol’ cool cucumbers and tea bags can temporarily decrease swelling and constrict blood vessels that can create the appearance of dark circles.  Potato juice can have skin bleaching properties as long as it does not irritate your skin.

Using your favorite eye moisturizer and gently massaging the area once or twice per day can help mobilize fluid in the under eye area and lessen puffiness.  There are also good non-irritating brightening products that can be used to decrease the dark circles.

4. Dry, Itchy Skin.

Problem: You can have a condition called “atopic dermatitis” or eczema, or you could be suffering from a thyroid condition.  Hypothyroidism is not uncommon with adult women and can cause dryness of the skin and also generalized thinning of the hair.

Helpful to Do: Apply body oil before taking a shower.  Use lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing the skin.  Apply cream moisturizer immediately after showers when skin is still slightly moist. At night apply Vaseline balm and wrap with saran wrap to instantly soften and moisturize skin.

Be sure to check with your personal physician or dermatologist to make sure you have no medical issues that might be causing these typical skin problems.

Dr. Tess Mauricio, “America's Favorite Dermatologist,” is an author, renowned international speaker, physician, educator and nationally known media personality. This http://www.scrippsderm.com

">San Diego dermatologist is the Founder of the MBeauty by Dr. Tess clinics with locations throughout Southern California.