November: National Healthy Skin Month!

Hello beauties!!! November is one of my favorite times of the year, but one of the main reasons is it is National Healthy Skin Month! Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it is crucial that you take very good care of it. You’re never too old (or too young!!!) to get on board with taking steps to love your skin.

Here are some of the best things you can do:

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

This is a crucial step to healthy skin! And here are some easy things you can do to protect yourself:

• Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with an active ingredient of zinc oxide provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear sun protective UPF clothing for outdoor activities.
• Seek shade when you can and wear a hat!
• Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours when outdoors.
• And if you need that golden glow, the tanning bed is NOT a good replacement for the sun! Instead opt for a self-tanner product. There are so many good ones on the market today. They not only smell nice but provide a natural sun kissed glow, as well!
• And don’t forget to protect your lips! Use a lip balm with an SPF! Your lips need protection too!

 REGULAR SKIN CHECKS

No matter your skin color, skin cancer can happen to anyone. Did you know one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime? That is a staggering statistic! But when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Do regular self skin check examinations, while taking note of spots on your body that may have changed in shape, size, or color since the last time you checked. It’s also an easy annual appointment to make. Just mark your calendar and get scheduled for a professional skin check with a dermatologist, just like you would any of your other annual doctor appointments! Early detection is key!

WASH YOUR FACE

You would not believe the amount of clients I have who come in and tell me that face washing is NOT a regular part of their morning and evening routine! Face washing is so important, especially on your face where makeup, dirt, dust and pollutants collect each day!

• Use a gentle cleanser. Mikel Kristi Skincare has two delightful cleanser options, both of which will leave your skin clean without over-drying it.  
• Do not scrub and try to stay away from washcloths and other abrasive facial pads. Scrubbing irritates and damages the facial skin.
• Use lukewarm water and pat skin dry with a towel. GENTLE is key!
• And don’t over wash.Over-washing can irritate and dehydrate the skin. 

GET GOOD SLEEP

When you sleep, your skin can produce collagen, essentially helping with the plump look we all want to achieve and delaying the appearance of sagging skin. Our body cannot heal itself without proper sleep. Studies show that only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 hours would do to increased cortisol and inflammation 

REDUCE STRESS

Studies have shown that any type of negative stress DOES play a negative roll in the health of our skin. This should be no surprise since stress can affect our bodies negatively in so many other ways as well. Conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and hair loss are just a few conditions that see an influx during times of stress.  

USE A VITAMIN A RETINAL SERUM NIGHTLY

Retinal Vitamin A helps eliminate and reduce signs of aging. It helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and it improves skin texture. It's definitely a crucial ingredient in the quest for healthy and beautiful skin! My patients swear by our Mikel Kristi Vital A Rejuvenating Serum. This night time serum is the perfect way to partner with the aging process by boosting collagen production, increasing natural exfoliation and providing potent antioxidant protection.  With a natural Vitamin A Complex, this synergistic blend of Vitamin A, Niacinamide, and our antioxidant charged skin lightening compound, will help transform the look and feel of your skin, while helping to support the skin’s natural renewal process.

For more skincare info and healthy skin tips, be sure to checkout our blog at  www.mikelkristi.com/blogs/mk 

Here's to your best skin ever!