By: Ruth Kerrison
Created on 25th March 2010
Like it or not, others make unconscious judgements about us based on our looks. And the condition of your skin is one of the most powerful statements you can make about yourself. Leading US plastic surgeon Dr Fred Coville shares his secrets for skin so healthy it glows
Our skin is like a billboard broadcasting messages to the world around us. Some of these broadcasts are intentional, such as having a tattoo or how you apply your make-up, but others are not and the condition of your skin sends messages about your health, age and even social status.
Beautiful skin is in, it always has been. And just like you, plastic surgeons are always looking for better ways to achieve this state of perfection, but in the end it always comes down to the basics.
Step one: decide what you want
Of course I know you want good skin. But what does that mean to you? Take a long hard look in the mirror. Is your skin pretty good already? Maybe you just want to maintain it and avoid problems
later?
Perhaps you have spots, or early wrinkles, or you simply think it looks a bit dull? Work out what your concerns are and that will help you decide how best to tackle them.
Step two: decide who you are
If you're the kind of woman who puts your make-up on in the rearview mirror while waiting for the lights to change, then maybe a full-scale multi-step programme is not right for you. Professional grade skincare, like the kind I prescribe, takes commitment on your part so decide what you are willing to do to improve your skin and be realistic. If you're not willing to commit at all, that's fine too... just don't expect anything to change.
Steps three and four: diet and exercise
I know you've heard it all before, but these steps do make a difference. I lump them together because that's the way most of us think of them. Simplicity is key here. Eating lots of fruit and vegetables, supplementing with good vitamins and minerals, adding some high quality fats in the form of healthy oils, keeping hydrated and engaging in a moderate exercise programme will make all the difference in the world.
Step five: prepare
Any good skin programme will start with a good clean. Acne spots are nothing more than pores blocked with oils and bacteria. So get rid of all the make-up, oil, dead skin and grime and allow it to accept the things you are going to use to improve it. Soap and water are not good enough. You need a good cleanser, followed by a toner. This prepares the skin and adjusts the pH so that the next step will work.
Step six: correct
Here is where exfoliation comes in. What we are doing here is getting rid of the dead outer layers and asking the skin to make a new, healthier layer. This is crucial to smooth, blemishfree skin. It stimulates better circulation and gives you a nice, healthy glow.
This step makes what you have look better. The real change to your skin happens in the next step.
Step seven: stimulate
Now, sorry to say, but truly good stimulation is not available in over-the-counter products. To stimulate the skin to become more elastic, decrease oil production, shrink the pores and correct pigment problems, you have to work down deep.
You must understand that the overwhelming majority of products work only on the surface. They may make your skin feel and look a bit better, but they won't make real change at a cellular level.
The deep layers of skin are where collagen and protein elastin are made, and where hydration occurs. Your cosmetic doctor can treat your skin at this level, using chemical peels, lasers or even surgery, and it's going to make a huge difference.
There are also some great prescription products that can work at this level - my personal favourite is the Obagi Medical line of treatments. Once you are treating the skin this deeply, you are actually changing the way your skin functions and enhancing it from within.
Step eight: protect
After all this work, you want to prevent further damage and you don't want to lose what you've built. So you need to protect it. That means avoiding overexposure from the sun, using high quality-sunscreens and occasionally moisturising.
Step nine: laugh!
Laughter really is the best medicine. A smiling face is a happy face and a happy face is a beautiful face. Faces are beautiful, dynamic things that express emotion and we don't need to iron out every last line to be attractive. Laughing and smiling release all kinds of wonderful hormones in your brain that keep your skin glowing, improve circulation, lower your blood pressure, reduce stress lines and will help you live longer.
Available from: Dr Fred Coville is a native New Yorker trained in Plastic Surgery at the prestigious Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan. Dr Colville trains physicians and other health professionals in a wide variety of aesthetic treatments, including the Obagi System. He can be reached by email at drfred@askdrfred.com. For more information on the Obagi system, speak to your cosmetic doctor or visit www.obagi.uk.com
