Ask An Expert: What You Should Know About Preventing Skin Damage

Hello Modern Guys and Gals,

Welcome to our first Ask The Expert blog post. We will feature some of the top questions people ask about their skincare needs. Melissa is an esthetician in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with more than 7 years of experience in the beauty industry. Throughout this month we’re focusing on prevention, so we asked Melissa to summarize some of the most common questions about preventing skin damage and signs of aging.

Q: Is it too early start an anti-aging regimen?

A: It’s never too early, or too late, to start an anti-aging regimen.

If you’re in your 20’s your skin cells are still capable of repairing themselves with relative ease. You don’t need to rely heavily on thick creams or anti-aging products, but DO make sure to use moisturizer and sunscreen daily. Eating healthy and drinking lots of water will also help prevent aging, so make these part of your routine at any age.

Q: How do I pick the right products for my skin?

A: There’s a ton of products available on the market and each does something different. Everyone’s skin has different needs. It can be really overwhelming.

The best answer to this is that you don’t! Let me do it for you! As an esthetician, I’m familiar with ingredients, what they do, and how they react to different skin types. I can help you pick the products that will work best for your individual skincare needs.

Q: Do I really need to wash my face every day, even if I don’t wear makeup?

A: Yes, cleansing is part of any good anti-aging routine.

Makeup isn’t the only thing that can clog pores or age skin. Sweat, and our skin’s natural oils can clog pores as well. It’s important to wash your skin after a workout or any activity that causes sweating.

Our skin also picks up toxins from the environment. Toxins soak into our skin and can cause irritation or premature aging. It’s important to wash these away at least once each day.

In addition, cleansing your skin allows your skincare products to fully absorb. Your routine will depend on your skin type and lifestyle, so it’s best to let me recommend a cleansing product that’s tailored for your personal needs. If you’re worried about dry skin, there are plenty of gentle cleansers that won’t cause dryness.

Q: Do I still need sunscreen in the winter?

A: Yes, or a moisturizing product that contains sunscreen. Don’t rely on a makeup that contains sunscreen because it’s often not applied correctly to prevent sun damage.

The sun’s rays are still in the atmosphere in the winter, or on cloudy days. These rays destroy our skin cells and can lead to cancer. Sunscreen acts as a barrier between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which will protect your skin from UV-A and UV-B rays.

Q: Will laughing give me wrinkles?

A: I would never want to tell you not to laugh, but certain facial expressions can cause wrinkles. Facial expressions cause our muscles to contract and create lines. Over time, these lines can set in and become permanent. If you need glasses or contacts make sure to use them so that you’re not squinting to see. Don’t forget your sunglasses on bright days so that you’re not squinting from the sun. Squinting can cause wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.

The easiest way to maintain healthy skin is to prevent signs of aging before they start. Even if you’re already showing signs of aging, it’s never too late for preventative methods. Melissa’s best advice is to work on your skin from the inside out. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, exercise, and maintain a healthy diet. Take care of your body, and your body will take care of your skin.

Do you have a question for Melissa that you would like to see us cover? Leave a comment and you might see your question in our next Ask an Expert blog post!