What Are The Things You Need To Know About The Skincare Pyramid?
Staying informed and consistent with your skincare is a commitment to yourself. When you nurture the health of your body, it shows. In the case of your skin, good health means a bright, glowing complexion, an even texture, and a youthful appearance. At Restore Center for Aesthetics in Munster, IN, we like to use the Skincare Pyramid to explain how you can make the health of your skin part of your routine.
What Is the Skincare Pyramid?
The skincare pyramid is similar to the food pyramid. The difference is that instead of focusing on your diet, it shows steps you can take to promote the health of your skin. Level one, or the base of the pyramid, explains how you can establish a healthy lifestyle that will benefit your complexion. Moving up the pyramid, the higher levels identify elements of your routine that can happen on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. Here are the levels:
Level 1: Always
The foundation of the skincare pyramid calls for consistent use of sunscreen and a healthy lifestyle. It specifies that you should stay properly hydrated, consume nutritious foods, and avoid cigarettes.
Level 2: Daily/Weekly
On a daily basis, your skin will benefit from a routine that includes cleansing and moisturizing in the morning and before bed. Every week, you should use an exfoliating product and possibly a face mask.
Level 3: Monthly
Once a month, your skin deserves some professional attention. Come in for a treatment to deeply moisturize, revitalize and recharge yourself. This treatment could be laser skin resurfacing, the Hydrafacial, or another option. As part of your treatment, we can provide a plan for you to follow throughout the month. Doing so will help address your unique needs.
Level 4: Annually
Once a year, make an appointment with a dermatologist. They can examine your skin for cancer or other concerns. Your annual appointment is a good time to check in about rosacea, allergies or any other conditions you might have.
Level 1 of the Pyramid: Good Habits
When you treat your body well, your beautiful skin will make it apparent to all. So, why are sunscreen and good habits so beneficial to your skin?
The Importance of Sunscreen
Did you know that sun exposure is the #1 cause of premature aging? Beyond having an aesthetic impact, UV rays can damage your cells and lead to cancer. When your skin absorbs the sun, it loses elasticity and the ability to renew itself. Sun exposure can also cause brown sun spots and otherwise compromise the texture of your skin. Fortunately, wearing an SPF every day can reduce this damage by 90%. Protect your health and your appearance by finding a sunscreen product that you will be happy to use whenever you go outside, even if it is cloudy day. Many sunscreens are specially formulated for your face, meaning that they won’t cause acne or clogged pores. You can even buy makeup or a moisturizer that includes an SPF.
Why Hydration Is So Essential
Don’t rely on topical products to keep your skin hydrated. Do it naturally, from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water every day is great for all of your organs, including your skin. It helps your body flush out toxins and keeps cells plump. Make sure you get enough water by having a glass with every meal and carrying a reusable water bottle throughout the day. Try to drink extra water on days when you exercise.
Great Skin Starts With the Greens
People don’t always associate the appearance of their skin with their diet, but eating plenty of vitamins can go a long way towards giving you a healthy glow. Here are some vitamins and minerals that are especially beneficial for your skin, according to nutritionists:
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- Biotin
- Iodine
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Zinc
Antioxidants, specifically, are a powerful aid to the process by which your skin cells remove toxins and renew themselves. You can incorporate vitamins and minerals into your diet by taking a multivitamin and by eating whole grains, fruits, and veggies. As part of your healthy diet, try to limit your consumption of sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. Even if you do nothing else, eliminate smoking entirely.
Level 2 of the Pyramid: Your Routine
Caring for skin with special creams and cleansers is a ritual that almost all women practice. It is something we grew up watching our moms and even our grandmothers do. The truth is that an effective routine is immensely beneficial to your skin. So, what are the steps?
Cleanse
Twice a day, use a cleanser that will remove any makeup and free your pores of dirt and debris. There are many facial cleansers on the market, and it might take some experimentation to find the one that is right for you. Your perfect cleanser will thoroughly clean your skin without causing irritation. You might benefit from a product that is specially formulated for your needs, such as to deal with sensitive skin or acne.
Moisturize
Immediately after you cleanse, apply a moisturizer to your skin. Moisturizing helps your skin maintain a healthy balance. If your skin is too dry, you can experience flaking, itching, and uneven patches. You might also get breakouts as your cells overcompensate by producing too much oil. If your skin is too oily, your pores can become clogged, causing whiteheads, blackheads, and blemishes. Moisturized skin stays healthier and shows fewer signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
Exfoliate
Products that exfoliate your skin remove the upper layer of dead cells and provide deep cleansing. After you exfoliate, you will see brighter, fresher skin at the surface. Exfoliating products come in two variants: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliants dissolve dirt and damaged cells, while physical exfoliants use small beads to rub them off. Experts recommend that you exfoliate once or twice a week. More frequency might irritate your skin, whereas the right amount of exfoliation can stimulate collagen and help your cells turn over.
Level 3 of the Pyramid: A Monthly Treatment
Going in for a professional treatment once a month can help you cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate on a deep level. It will create a good base foundation for your skin during the rest of the month. It also offers a chance to check in with an expert regarding your specific skincare needs.
Facials
One option for your monthly treatment is a facial. There are a number of different facials available, so talk with us to learn which one is best for you. Most involve a deep cleaning of the skin, a light massage, a thorough exfoliation, various masks and the application of serums that include vitamins and minerals. Conditions that can improve with a facial include:
- Dull skin
- Clogged pores
- Blackheads, whiteheads and acne
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven texture
The Hydrafacial
The Hydrafacial is like an amplified traditional facial in some ways, and it is also similar to microdermabrasion. There are three steps to the Hydrafacial, all of which are performed with state-of-the-art technology and a spiral tip: 1) Cleanse + Peel 2) Extract + Hydrate 3) Fuse + Protect This treatment uses hydra-dermabrasion to gently resurface your skin, flushing away years of damage and promoting a healthier, brighter complexion. The approach is very gentle and adverse reactions are rare. It is customized for every patient, incorporating serums that are specifically chosen for individual needs. The highly visible results of this treatment are making it extremely popular worldwide.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
If you want to go a step further with your treatment, laser skin resurfacing can give you a fresh start with light technology. The laser removes the upper layer of skin and all the damage it has accumulated over the years. By doing so, it stimulates the production of collagen and encourages your cells to renew themselves. When your new skin appears, it will have fewer fine lines and wrinkles. You will notice improvements in sun spots, acne scars, and other uneven patches.
Do You Need to Have a Treatment Every Month?
According to the Aesthetic Skincare Pyramid, having a professional treatment once a month is ideal. However, if that frequency is not within your budget, getting one every other month is also beneficial. If you want to make professional care part of your routine but can’t do so on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, consider scheduling something every quarter. Doing so will help your skin adjust to seasonal changes and remove the buildup of dirt and damage.
Level 4 of the Pyramid: The Yearly Check-Up
Caring for your skin on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis is important. So is visiting a dermatologist once a year to catch health issues early. If you wear sunscreen regularly and keep the condition of your skin good, you will reduce the likelihood of any problems coming up during your appointment. However, it is always a good idea to go in and make sure everything is normal. Furthermore, if you have conditions like eczema or severe acne, your dermatologist can recommend products that you can use at home to address these issues. They can review your skincare routine and your diet to determine if you can make any beneficial changes.
Schedule a Consultation
Come in to our practice for a consultation to determine your unique needs. We can help you review your at-home practices and recommend the kind of professional treatment that is right for you. When it comes to caring for your skin, there are many options. We at Restore skincare help you understand how to best promote your natural beauty from the inside out, whether that is by making good lifestyle choices or using topical products that your skin can absorb deeply.
Use the Skincare Pyramid to Achieve a Beautiful Complexion
When it comes to your skin, establishing a healthy routine is very important. The pyramid can help you understand which practices and products will help you maintain a vibrant look that showcases your inner vitality. To review, the levels of the pyramid are:
- Level 1: Wear SPF, hydrate and eat nutritious food
- Level 2: Cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate regularly at home
- Level 3: Get a professional treatment once a month
- Level 4: See a dermatologist every year
Every person’s skin is different, and you may need to try a few different products and play with the frequency. When you find an approach that works, your skin will be happy, and it will show. We can help you fine-tune your routine and provide your monthly treatments. Contact Restore Center for Aesthetics in Munster, IN for a consultation. We look forward to offering you treatments that promote healthy skin for a beautiful look.
