Get Thicker Skin

GET THICKER SKIN: Expert Tips to Boost Your Skin Barrier

Your skin is constantly hard at work, Celebrity Dermatologist William Schweitzer, M. D. of ProDerm Image Cosmetic Dermatology explains that “your skin is the largest organ of your body and perhaps it is the most wonderful too. Your skin covers your entire body and acts as a shield from the elements.” The uppermost layer of your skin, the stratum corneum, protects everything that lies within.

Skin Barrier 101
Your wonderful skin bends with ease, warns you when something is too hot or too cold, repairs itself if broken, and plays a huge part in your appearance. Your skin’s outermost layer is your skin barrier which acts as your personal armor. Dr. Schweitzer says that “the barrier is highly impermeable, it is designed to prevent the loss of water and other natural moisturizing factors from leaving your skin and prevent biological irritants and environmental chemicals from entering the skin.”

Treat Your Skin to Some Natural Oils
Numerous studies show that natural oils like CBD are more effective at preventing skin acne than vitamin C and E. It’s thought that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can have skin clearing effects.

Back to Basics
An individualized skin care regimen is key to achieving healthier skin and a dermatologist can guide you in selecting skin care products designed for your type of skin. Use a gentle face wash, a daily moisturizer with a SPF 30 or higher, include a vitamin C serum or a multi-vitamin serum, and use a night cream formulated to restore essential cells and rebuild the skin’s matrix. Dr. Schweitzer says that “using too many anti-aging products at once can irritate your skin. Have realistic expectations as over the counter anti-aging products deliver limited results.”

Wear Your Sunscreen
There are plenty of sunscreens available but the right kind of sunscreen can effectively protect your skin from damaging UV rays. “Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. It’s important to understand that an SPF 30 sunscreen does not provide twice as much protection as an SPF 15 and it does not protect you for a longer amount of time. An SPF 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s rays, a higher SPF can block a slightly greater percentage of the sun’s rays. All sunscreens must be re-applied every two hours and right after swimming or sweating.” Dr. Schweitzer recommends.

Feed Your Skin
Your diet plays a large role in promoting your skin’s ability to maintain its natural moisture. Dr. Schweitzer says “Include foods that are rich in essential fatty acids which are commonly found in salmon, flax seeds, walnuts, and olive oil. A healthy diet that includes three to five servings a week of these essential fatty acids will aid in reducing red, flaky, dry skin.” Include some Chia in your diet. These wonderful seeds contain high levels of Omega-3 which your body needs but it does not produce. Omega-3’s help keep skin hydrated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.prodermimage.com
Book your next appointment with Dr. Schweitzer:
805-379-5970

ProDerm Image
Cosmetic and Regenerative Dermatology
960 South Westlake Blvd., Suite 208
Westlake Village, CA 91361