skin health BY NORA HESTON TARTE
NOT JUST SKIN DEEP BEAUTIFUL SKIN IS HEALTHY SKIN We’re not just talking about beauty, here. While healthy skin is certainly more luminous, hydrated, smooth skin is also indicative of overall health. “Our skin is the largest barrier against infection we have,” says Dr. Ruby Gill of Gill Aesthetic Institute in Lodi. “Keeping our skin healthy and hydrated helps keep this barrier durable.” When skin becomes dry, it cracks and those cracks can let in debris and bacteria leading to infection. There are a few steps people can take to ensure their skin stays healthy. Step one is establishing a legitimate skincare routine that involves moisturizer and sun protection. “Investing early in the health of your skin with a faithful skincare regimen will not only better protect it from harsh effects of the changing seasons, but also keep you looking and feeling your absolute best all year long.” Moisturize often using thirst-quenching products both in the morning and at night and include intensive hydrating products weekly or biweekly such as masks. You should also be using sunscreen everyday year round. Dr. Gill suggests grabbing one with zinc and titanium for the best protec20
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2020 SJ HEALTH AND MEDICAL GUIDE
tion. The words “broad spectrum” should also be on your sunscreen. When choosing any products, especially for the face, look for ingredients such as SPF, retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid to protect skin. “Our medications and skin products utilize the purist ingredients and the most potent actives to achieve unparalleled outcomes,” Dr. Gill says. The science behind the formulas goes like this: vitamin C repairs damaged skin cells, brightens skin, and evens skin tone; hyaluronic acid hydrates skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; retinoids have powerful anti-aging properties; and AHAs exfoliate skin, alleviating dull complexions and promoting skin cell generation. What you don’t put on your skin is sometimes just as important as what you do put on your skin. Harsh soaps or makeup and chemical-heavy products can cause skin to chafe and crack. Dr. Gill specifically suggests staying away from products with DEA, parabens, propylene glycol, and formaldehyde, all of which can wreak havoc on both health and appearance, dulling skin’s natural glow. When you’re at a loss or are experiencing especially problematic skin, visit a doctor who can provide a visual analysis of the skin to uncover answers about how to treat your biggest complexion woes. CONSULT AN EXPERT: Gill Aesthetic Institute 999 S. Fairmont Ave., Ste. 235, Lodi (209) 334-0799 GillMed.com
