Key Prevention Factors for Young Healthy Looking Skin

I believe it was Benjamin Franklin that once said, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Humbly, I would like to contribute to the opinion of Mr. Franklin and argue for the certainty of death, taxes, AND… the inevitable moment you find yourself looking in the mirror and thinking, “man, I wish I had taken better care of my skin.” 

Here are some of Weight Loss and Vitality’s secrets to Maintaining Healthy Skin and Preventing Premature Aging 

1. Protect your skin from the sun
   • Our ZO skincare line has the broadest, most comprehensive sun protection available. ZO’s triple spectrum protection guards against UVA/UVB, high-energy visible (HEV) light, and infrared (IR-A) rays.
     • Each product also includes anti-inflammatories and antioxidants to minimize inflammation and prevent free radical damage. 
   • Wear physical barriers and/or apply sun protection liberally and frequently. 
2. Keep your skin healthy from within
   • NO smoking
     • It speeds up the breakdown of collagen and constricts vessels so vital nutrients do not get delivered to the layers of your skin.
   • Drink water
     • Your skin is an organ that requires proper hydration to function. Ample hydration keeps the skin from looking dull and improves elasticity.
     • At a bare minimum your skin needs between 32 to 64 ounces of water daily. However, we recommend women get 91 ounces and men strive for 125 ounces per day.
   • Alcohol in moderation
     • Drinking dehydrates the skin and dilates vessels. 
   • Glutathione and Vitamin C
     • The combination of glutathione and vitamin C packs a major antioxidant punch. Additionally, studies have shown that glutathione improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, and reverses the effects of photoaging. 
     • Weight Loss & Vitality offers glutathione and Vitamin C IVs that can be done on your lunch break or scheduled at your convenience in one of our 2 offices.
   • Avoid too much sugar
     • Glycation is when sugar molecules attach themselves to protein fibers in your cells. The modification of proteins or lipids after the exposure to sugar produces Advanced Glycation End products or AGEs. AGEs accelerate the aging process by triggering organ dysfunction and tissue aging. 
     • Additionally, foods that spike insulin induce inflammation and worsen underlying skin conditions.
   • Make sure you are getting enough healthy fat
     • Omega 3 fatty acids, found in some fish and nuts, are responsible for the health of your cell membranes. As the cell membrane is what influences the cell’s ability to hold water, these fatty acids contribute to softer, moist, and wrinkle free skin.

3. Adopt an early and effective skin care program to prevent skin damage and premature aging.
   • ZO Prevent Aging Daily Protocol
     • A simple daily system to cleanse, exfoliate and tone skin.
     • Works to normalize skin functions and is safe for all skin types.
     • 10% vitamin C corrects existing pigment, prevents future pigment, and provides antioxidant protection.

4. ZO Stimulator In-office Chemical Peel with Dermaplane
   • Provides a unique combination of exfoliating ingredients to renew and revive skin. 
   • This gentle peel can be done in our office weekly or monthly for maintenance of your youthful skin.
5. “Baby-Tox"
   • Some of the first wrinkles we see are a result of repetitive movements or expressions we have made over time. Examples include the lines between our eyebrows or “frown lines” and the lines around our eyes that come from always smiling or “crow’s feet.” “Baby-tox” is the practice of using small amounts of neurotoxin in these areas to immobilize our facial muscles so we do not make these repetitive motions. “Baby-tox” prevents the formation of future, deeper wrinkles that will not go away with neurotoxin alone. 
6. Get enough sleep
   • During sleep your skin’s blood flow increases allowing it to rebuild collagen and repair damage. 
   • While you’re getting your 8 hours of sleep, try to keep your face off the pillow. Sleeping with your face pressed against your pillow can create “sleep lines” that may eventually turn into wrinkles. 
7. Exercise
   • Physical exercise induces the expression of antioxidant enzymes and leads to the reduction of oxidative stress. 

Author

Krissi Reeber, PA-C Krissi Reeber, PA-C, is a beloved certified physician assistant working at Weight Loss and Vitality in Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington, DC.In her role, she works closely with the physician's to offer compassionate and comprehensive care to patients. She’s trained in noninvasive, in-office procedures to enhance the body and face along with optimizing intimate wellness of both males and females. Krissi’s love for knowledge is evident through her impeccable academic record. She received two bachelor’s degrees with highest honors from the most prestigious universities in Florida. Following this, she pursued a Master of Arts in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education from the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, graduating with highest honors. Krissi also decided to earn another master’s degree at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, where she graduated in the 99th percentile of her physician assistant class.