Protect and Prevent! Wear sunscreen every day- rain or shine, inside or out. Most people feel that they only need to protect themselves when out in the boat or the beach. It is actually the accumulated damage that contributes the most to skin aging- things like driving, sitting next to a window, walking the dog, and running errands. I typically advise my patients to keep their sunblock next to their toothbrush, so that it becomes a daily habit, much like brushing their teeth. Not all sunscreens are created equal. It’s important to choose a product with at least SPF 30, and one that protects against a broad spectrum of radiation- UVA, UVB, HEV, infrared light, and blue light. Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide typically have a broader coverage.
Introduce an antioxidant/Vitamin C serum daily. Vitamin C has anti-aging, damage-repairing, anti-inflammatory, and UV-protecting properties. Antioxidants bind and deactivate free radicals in our skin, which are harmful, unstable molecules created by UV radiation and environmental stressors, that cause deep-seated skin damage and premature aging. When antioxidant serum is used concurrently with sunscreen, the effect is synergistic for maximum protection. Vitamin C also inhibits abnormal pigmentation in the skin, leading to a brightening and smoothing effect. Other antioxidants are vitamin E, ferulic acid, phloretin, and resveratrol.
Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare regimen. Although summer heat increases oil production, it can actually still dry out your skin by loss of water from the deeper skin layers. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally found in our skin that can attract and hold thousands of times its volume in water. Apply a serum containing hyaluronic acid daily to restore skin hydration, add plumpness, and seal in moisture. It’s like giving your skin a large glass of water. Speaking of water- don’t forget to drink at least 64oz of water daily to hydrate your skin from the inside.
Use non-comedogenic products. These include water-based ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin rather than oil-based ingredients such as ceramides. This also applies to makeup. Swap out heavier coverage foundations with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, dusted with a fine layer of mineral setting powder. This will allow the skin to “breathe”, decreasing the chance of trapping sweat, oil and dirt in the pores and creating breakouts.
Start planning for a post-summer skin rescue now. Fall is the perfect time to utilize stronger treatments to repair and reverse some of the damage your skin has endured over the summer. I always do a peel series in the fall, consisting of 3 or 4 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. This allows the damaged skin cells to rise to the surface and slough off, revealing healthy new skin. Other treatments that can be used are: laser resurfacing, photofacials (IPL) microneedling WITH radiofrequency, platelet-rich-plasma, or stem cell recruitment therapy. These can be used in addition to, or in combination with, the peel series. Your skin health expert should be able to provide an individualized plan for your skin type and concerns. I would also be happy to provide guidance and recommendations.
For more, join MOXIE + McCollough Institute, featuring Dr. Yula Indeyeva on Wednesday, August 28th from 4:30 until 8:30 for our Summer Skin Rescue event. Giveaways, special pricing on injectables, hors d’oeuvres and more!
Meet Dr. Yula Indeyeva Dr. Yula Indeyeva is a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Skin Enhancement Specialist at the McCollough Institute in Gulf Shores. Dr. Indeyeva brings a unique perspective to Coastal Alabama, especially as it relates to enhancement of the human mind and body.
She was born in Russia, and moved to the United States at the age of 12. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University for both her undergraduate and medical school degrees. Dr. Indeyeva completed her bachelor of science degree (B.S.) in biology, graduating summa cum laude from the University’s Honors Program. She went on to obtain her Doctor of Medicine degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She subsequently joined the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS) at the Virginia Commonwealth University for her surgical training as a head and neck surgeon.
During her residency training, Dr. Indeyeva was exposed to a wide range of both cosmetic and functional head and neck surgery cases, including minor and major facial trauma. Following residency, she chose to pursue a highly competitive fellowship through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and completed her fellowship in June 2018 under the direction of world-renowned Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. E. Gaylon McCollough, former president of the American Academy (and certifying board) of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
In keeping with the innovative services Dr. Indeyeva brings to the Gulf Coast, she has initiated a community-wide screening and early intervention project for skin cancer screening and treatment, as well as a unique, non-surgical, technique for correcting visible deformities of the outer ear in newborns.
She remains active in our wonderful community, as a member of the Pleasure Island Junior Woman’s Club, Gulf Coast Athletic Club, and Medical Society of Baldwin County. She is also an active participant of the FACE TO FACE Humanitarian Program to provide pro-bono surgery to victims of domestic violence. She is very passionate about skin health, and has recently had the honor of serving on the medical advisory board for PCA Skin. In her free time, she enjoys water activities, biking, skiing, meeting new people, traveling, and cooking.
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