6 Skin Care Tips to Keep Your Youthful Appearance

Some people wear their wrinkles as a badge of honor, but most of us would rather hide the lines that tell the world our age. 

At Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan, we offer a comprehensive line of professional aesthetic services based on cutting-edge research and years of experience. However, even the most advanced treatments won’t help (or last) if you don’t have a quality skin care routine. 

Your age is your business — skin care is ours. Here are six essential tips from Kathy Kuehne, LE, our resident licensed esthetician, to keep your skin glowing and healthy regardless of age.

1. Exfoliation

As your skin renews itself, it pushes dead cells to the surface, where they eventually fall off. Too many dead skin cells lingering on the surface make your skin look dull, so step one is exfoliation — eliminating those dead cells.

Daily cleansing should involve a high-quality facial cleanser and your fingertips, but exfoliation calls for something a bit more abrasive. 

Choose the right exfoliator: Look for products with gentle ingredients like enzymes or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Kathy offers recommendations for high-quality skin care products suited to your skin type:

• Use gentle pressure, and don't scrub too hard because it can cause micro-tears in your skin.
• Exfoliate once or twice a week — over-exfoliating can irritate your skin.
• Avoid exfoliating around the eyes and lips.
• Follow up with a moisturizer.

2. Moisturize

Your skin is mostly water, so keep it quenched with a good moisturizer. Your skin’s needs may change with the seasons and your age, so talk to Kathy about your skin type. Here are some general moisturizing guidelines:

• Choose a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for lightweight, oil-free formulas. For dry skin, opt for a heavier cream.
• Apply moisturizer to damp skin to lock in moisture.
• Focus on problem areas, and pay extra attention to dry patches, like elbows and knees.
• Consider using a humidifier because adding moisture to the air keeps your skin hydrated.
• Don't forget your neck and chest — these areas can show signs of aging just as much as your face.

3. Sun protection

Nothing ages your skin faster than the sun. It doesn’t take long for the ultraviolet rays to penetrate the layers of your skin, destroy the cells below, and deteriorate your once-youthful texture and tone. It can even damage your DNA, which could lead to skin cancer. Here’s what Kathy says about sun protection:

• Wear sunscreen every day, even overcast or cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
• Reapply regularly: Sunscreen wears off throughout the day, so reapply every two hours.
• Stay in the shade or avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10am-4pm).
• Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. 
• Don't forget your lips, as they burn easily. Look for a lip balm with SPF.

4. Rebuild collagen

Collagen has become a buzzword in the cosmetics industry because it’s the main component of healthy and youthful skin. Collagen is a protein your body produces, and it’s abundant in your connective tissues, eyes, bones, and skin. 

Unfortunately, that production slows when you hit your 20s, and eventually, the decreased supply becomes noticeable as your skin loses its volume and elasticity. You can up your collagen count by:

• Using topical retinoids that stimulate collagen production and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Kathy may recommend an over-the-counter product or prescribe a stronger solution. 
• Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, focusing on foods like citrus fruits and leafy greens that help your body produce collagen.
• Using a supplement that supports collagen production.
• Getting enough sleep because your body produces collagen while you slumber.
• Not smoking because it damages collagen production and accelerates aging.

We also offer injectable treatments, such as Juvéderm®, which restores lost volume, smooths out wrinkles, and stimulates new collagen production.

5. Antioxidant support

Another reason your skin looks aged is oxidative stress — when you have too many unstable free radical molecules that damage your DNA. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals and protect your skin and overall health. You can help by:

• Eating foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, dark chocolate, and green tea
• Using a vitamin C serum
• Taking an antioxidant supplement

Kathy helps you select the products and routines best for your skin.

6. Partner with professionals

Partnering with Kathy Keuhne at Rick J. Smith, MD, takes the guesswork out of skin care. She analyzes your skin and personalizes your treatment plan so you can achieve your aesthetic goals. 

From signature facials and customized chemical peels to laser skin resurfacing and microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Kathy reverses damage, erases wrinkles, and restores your skin’s youthful appearance. Call or click to schedule an appointment.