CLEVELAND – November is Healthy Skin Month.
Here are three anti-aging mistakes to avoid if you want to maintain your youthful glow.
First, don’t reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
“Most people I meet apply sunscreen first thing in the morning,” says Dr. Shilpi Hetalpal, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. “But as the day goes on, you stop reapplying. What most people don’t realize is that sunscreen only lasts two hours at best.”
Dr. Khetarpal said sunscreen is always necessary, regardless of whether it’s cloudy outside or whether you’re working indoors all day.
She recommends reapplying a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every two hours.
If you’re wearing makeup, you can also use a powder SPF instead.
The second anti-aging mistake is not using retinoids to stimulate collagen, which helps keep skin plump.
Dr. Khetarpal says it should be part of your nightly skin care routine.
Finally, people often forget to use topical antioxidants such as vitamin C and ferulic acid.
“When I wash my face in the morning, I apply topical antioxidants first, then sunscreen,” she said. “We know that topical antioxidants not only reverse the signs of aging, but also protect us from the elements. And they have also been shown to help with pigmentary diseases.”
You don’t have to feel pressured to buy the most expensive brand. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good.
Dr. Khetarpal said the key is to look at the ingredients.
If you’re not sure which one is best for you, you can always consult a dermatologist.
