This post is sponsored by Galderma and SHE Media. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Galderma.
Forget looking for a quick fix! Help your skin truly look and feel better with these 6 Tips for Taking Better Care of Your Skin!
From such a young age, we are surrounded by picture-perfect examples of “beauty.” Almost every day we walk past flawlessly retouched faces on magazine covers where the only thing everyone seems to have in common is how perfect their skin is. Of course, deep down we all know that everyone is human and that everyone experiences skin issues, but it can be so hard not to get down on yourself when you look in the mirror and do not see the same level of perfection you are constantly surrounded by.
6 TIPS FOR TAKING BETTER CARE OF YOUR SKIN
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For many years, I experienced redness and irritation of my skin, especially on my face. I let these imperfections take their toll on my confidence while I secretly perused the skin care aisles of my favorite stores looking for a magic fix that would make my skin look and feel better. I have since learned that there is no magic fix, but with the help of a healthy skin care regimen, and sometimes a visit to the dermatologist, you can get back to feeling like your confident, awesome self in no time. 1,2
Here are my 6 Steps for Taking Better Care of Your Skin:
Step 1: Consult a dermatologist! When I used to search the internet for answers to my skin problems, I would read lists like this and “Consult a Doctor or Dermatologist” was always at the bottom of the list. It made me feel like this should be the last step, the “when all else fails,” reserved for the absolute worst cases of skin-related drama. No. No. No! You of all people know your skin the best and if you feel like you could use a little support and an expert’s opinion then you deserve just that. There is no shame in seeking professional help — that’s what they are there for.
Did you know that more than 16 million Americans have a chronic inflammatory skin condition called rosacea?3 I bet you have heard of it, but did you know that it can present as one or more symptoms and may be either consistent or come and go?1 Symptoms of rosacea may include facial redness and blushing, acne-like breakouts, visible blood vessels, or even skin sensitivity in the form of burning, stinging, and itching.1 Because rosacea can present so differently, a lot of people do not even realize that they have it or that it is treatable.1,4 I have many friends who silently suffered while living with rosacea for years when a simple trip to the dermatologist could have offered them help.
It is also important to note that, if left untreated, rosacea can worsen, so if you’ve been diagnosed, do not be afraid to team up with a dermatologist and ask about Soolantra® (ivermectin) Cream, 1%, a cream formulated with a gentle moisturizing base to effectively treat bumps and blemishes of rosacea in as little as two weeks. 1,5,6
Step 2: Stay Hydrated! It isn’t a secret that our bodies need to be replenished with water to function. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water and our skin acts as a barrier against fluid loss.7,8 When our bodies, and therefore our skin, are sufficiently hydrated, we are less likely to experience dry skin, and may even see a reduction in wrinkles!9
Step 3: Wear Your Sunscreen!1 Most of us are good about using a facial moisturizer with SPF in it, but sometimes we forget about the rest of our skin. Even if I am not spending the day outside, I try to make it a point to lotion up with at least SPF 30. If I am spending more time outside, or lounging by the pool, I make sure to reapply my sunscreen every hour because, personally, sun exposure has been known to cause flare-ups of my skin. It is important to understand your own triggers and causes so that you can take steps to prevent them.1 Taking this extra precaution ensures I have the best chance of avoiding skin irritation and redness.
Step 4: Remove Your Makeup!10 I know. Sometimes all you wanna do is crawl into bed and close your eyes, but I assure you the bedtime task of removing your makeup is worth the effort. Removing your makeup gives your skin a chance to breathe overnight and unclogs your pores to combat blemishes.9,11 Plus, I am convinced I sleep better with a clean face and pillowcase.
Step 5: Go without Makeup!10 I try to go makeup free at least one day a week. Why? Partly because it serves as a much-needed rest for my skin, but also because I am beautiful. With or without makeup, good skin days and bad, wrinkles, dark circles, freckles and all, my skin and the makeup I use to enhance it do not define me. Research has shown that people living with rosacea feel sad or depressed about their skin’s appearance and even avoid social situations out of embarrassment.1,2 The more time I spend educating myself and taking steps to better my skin, the more I learn to love it, and the easier it gets to accept the reflection I saw in the mirror.
Step 6: Treat Yourself! Put a little extra time and money into treating yourself to a professional facial or even a DIY spa day in your own home. This serves two purposes: you get to treat your skin to a little extra TLC and you get a time out from your daily stressors. Emotional stress has been known to cause rosacea flare-ups.12 Taking an hour or two to focus on yourself can be achieved with a little extra planning and can go a long way in keeping yourself healthy and happy.
Taking time to plan and execute a skin care routine can be the first step in reaching your skin goals! It is important to note that, left untreated, rosacea can worsen so do not be afraid to team up with a dermatologist and ask about Soolantra® cream, a powerful medication formulated with a gentle moisturizing base to fight bumps and blemishes. Remember, your skin is important, but it does not define you. The more you understand your skin, the better equipped you will be to take care of it. For more information about rosacea triggers, skincare tips, treatment options and how to find a dermatologist near you, visit Soolantra.com.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Indication: SOOLANTRA® (ivermectin) Cream, 1% is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use. Adverse Events: In clinical trials with SOOLANTRA Cream, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≤1%) included skin burning sensation and skin irritation.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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1 National Rosacea Society. All About Rosacea. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
2 Rosacea: Beyond the visible online report, BMJ Hosted Website. http://hosted.bmj.com/rosaceabeyondthevisible. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
3 National Rosacea Society. What Is Rosacea? https://www.rosacea.org/. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
4 National Rosacea Society. Rosacea Awareness Month Aims to Demystify Widespread Disorder. https://www.rosacea.org/rosacea-review/1999/spring/rosacea-awareness-month-aims-to-demystify-widespread-disorder. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
5 Soolantra® (ivermectin) cream, 1%, for topical use, Prescribing Information. 2014.
6 Stein, L., et.al., Efficacy and safety of ivermectin 1% cream in treatment of papulopustular rosacea: results of two randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled pivotal studies. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 2014. 13(3), pp.316-323.
7 United States Geological Survey. The Water in You: Water and the Human Body. https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
8 Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. How does the skin work? https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
9 University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health. The Benefits of Drinking Water for Your Skin. https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/the-benefits-of-drinking-water-for-your-skin/26334. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
10 National Rosacea Society. Facial Cleansing for Rosacea. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skin-care/facial-cleansing-for-rosacea. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
11 University of Pittsburg Medical Center HealthBeat. Makeup Removal: How Necessary Is It? https://share.upmc.com/2016/01/is-makeup-removal-necessary/. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
12 National Rosacea Society. Rosacea Triggers Survey. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/materials/triggersgraph.php. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
