This article was co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.
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Having nice skin takes more than just using the right products. You also have to take good care of your skin and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have skin issues that can’t be managed with at-home remedies and lifestyle changes, you may wish to seek professional treatments.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow important is washing my face in keeping a healthy complexion?Margareth Pierre-Louis, MDDr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.
Board Certified DermatologistFor healthy skin, you should wash your face daily. Our skin has natural oils on it and our face has oil glands. Over time, what can grow in those oil glands and on the surface of your skin is yeast. So if you don't wash your face daily, you can start to get a mild yeast infection of the skin, which can lead to itchy, flaky skin. -
QuestionI just turned 32, and I am starting to see a few lines coming through (mostly on my forehead). What kind of treatment would work best for this?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
Licensed CosmetologistRetinols are a great choice for anti-aging. You can find over-the-counter products that contain them or get a prescription for a higher dose. Using a chemical exfoliant, particularly a beta-hydroxy acid, will help remove dead skin cells and keep your skin radiant. You should also apply a moisturizer every time you wash your face and use sunscreen daily.
Tips
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Consider seeing a dermatologist. They will be able to prescribe medication that can help your skin.Thanks
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The ingredients in flavored toothpaste (such as cinnamon and strawberry) can lead to skin irritations. If you have acne around your mouth and are using a flavored toothpaste, try switching to a plain one.Thanks
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The air inside your home can affect your skin. If you have dry, flaky skin, try getting a humidifier. If you have acne and your home is very dusty, try getting an air purifier.Thanks
Warnings
- If you get an allergic reaction to a product, mask, or scrub, stop using it immediately and talk to your doctor.Thanks
- Everyone's skin is different. What works for your friend may not work for you.Thanks
- The type of water you have at home may affect your facial cleanser. For example, soft water doesn't rinse very well, while hard water prevents soaps from lathering. If this happens to you, try using less cleanser, or going for one that doesn't lather as much.Thanks
- Most facial cleansers need to be used for 6-8 weeks before you start seeing any effects. If nothing happens at first, do not throw away the product. Give it a few more tries.Thanks
References
- ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop
- ↑ Mayo Clinic, Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22468-pimples
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/treat-deep-painful-pimple
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://arizonaderm.com/top-5-makeup-products-recommended-by-dermatologists/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/skin-care-ingredients-explained
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes
- ↑ Mayo Clinic, Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229916300280?via%3Dihub
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/choosing-the-best-sleep-position
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/23-foods-good-skin
- ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/workout-affect-skin
- ↑ Mayo Clinic, Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin
- ↑ Mayo Clinic, Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715121/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shea-butter-benefits
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/facial-fillers/about/pac-20394072
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-resurfacing/about/pac-20385114
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/facial-redness
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681160/
- ↑ Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/treatment/con-20020580
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/home-remedies-for-acne
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26061422/
- ↑ https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/6/1261
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224957875_Clay_Jojoba_Oil_Facial_Mask_for_Lesioned_Skin_and_Mild_Acne_-_Results_of_a_Prospective_Observational_Pilot_Study
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coconut-oil-for-skin
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
About This Article
The easiest way to improve your skin’s complexion is to wash your face twice a day to get rid of dirt and oils. Additionally, avoid touching your face throughout the day, which can push dirt and bacteria into your pores. You should fight the urge to pop any pimples, since this could lead to redness and scarring. Along with good skincare habits, reduce the amount of dairy, white flour, and sugar you eat in order to prevent acne, sagging and premature aging. To learn more, like how to choose the right skincare products for your skin type, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"I had very dry skin and use to smoke heavily. I also didn't much water. After reading this article I made some lifestyle changes, and my skin looks better every week. The part about stress, exercise and drinking lots of liquids was especially helpful."..." more