Answers.com: Facial Rejuvenation on A Budget

The following is a preview of an article Dr. Miller wrote for Answers.com. Click here to read the full article.

Facial rejuvenation has become big business. Getting Botox injections and facial fillers like Juvederm and Restylane have become the number one cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. These injections are much more affordable than a facelift, but can still be cost-prohibitive for some. However, you may be surprised at what you can get for your money. Here are some ideas for facial rejuvenation for the consumer on a budget.

1. Under $50 A Month Or $600 A Year

If you can only afford $50 or less, wear sunscreen. Regardless of what you decide to do to rejuvenate your face, wear sunscreen. Sun exposure will negatively affect any anti-aging procedure you decide to do which means you need to avoid the tanning bed as well. Also, by wearing sunscreen now, you will need less facial rejuvenation in the future because you will have less wrinkles and less damage to your skin. If you only have money to do one thing to improve your appearance, wearing sunscreen would be the single most important thing to do.

2. Under $100 A Month Or $1200 A Year

If you have a little more to spend, add an exfoliating cleanser to your sunscreen regimen. Exfoliating cleansers contain glycolic or salicylic acid and will remove photo damaged skin from the face. A good exfoliating cleanser will cost between $40 and $60. Most good brands are sold at cosmetic physician's offices, but some cosmetic counters in department stores have options as well. Adding an exfoliating cleanser with your sunscreen should cost less than $100 a month.

For more facial rejuvenation recommendations for budgets between $200-$400 a month, read Dr. Miller’s full article on Answers.com.

Depending on your goals and budget, our team of experts at Greenville Dermatology can help you determine what treatment is best for your skin. To schedule an appointment, call (864) 242-5872 today. 

Winter Skincare Tips

Winter is in full swing across the country, and while we are lucky in the South to avoid much of the snow and ice that northern climates experience, we still must deal with winter air that can negatively affect our skin. Temperature changes and lower humidity levels frequently can cause dryness and ashiness, and for those already with sensitive skin, winter is a very tough season.

It’s important to consider making changes to your skincare routine during this time because some of the things that you do in summer months may actually harm your skin in winter months. This article lists many tips for winter skincare and we have highlighted some of our favorites below.

·         Be Gentle: Use gentle products that are engineered for dry skin and are alcohol free, which will also dry out skin.

·         Moisturize when needed: Apply moisturizer whenever skin feels itchy or dry. Apply extra moisturizer at night, when your skin has a chance to repair while you sleep. Use moisturizers like shea and cocoa butter on your hands and feet and cover with cotton gloves or socks overnight.

·         Take shorter showers or baths: Exposure to hot water during a long shower will dry out your skin. Take shorter showers and lower the water temperature to minimize the damage.

·         Avoid wool: Harsh fabrics like wool will cause dryness when they run against your skin. Try to wear softer fabrics or place a softer fabric between your skin and the wool garment.

·         Reduce indoor heat: Turning up your heat inside will dry out your skin. Try to keep indoor temperatures between 68-70 degrees.

·         Use sunscreen: Use sunscreen or products containing SPF at all times when outside, including during cold weather. This is especially important if you plan to hit the slopes!

·         Remember the lips: Chapped lips are one of the most frequently felt pains during winter. Remember to put moisturizer on your lips 30 minutes before going outside. This will give the moisturizer time to absorb into the skin.

·         Be vigilant: Dry skin can often be mistaken for a more serious condition, such as psoriasis or eczema. If you see red, itchy patches that do not respond to moisturizer and appear to get worse, consult a dermatologist for more specific treatment.

Fortunately, winter weather will eventually disappear and your skin should feel less dry. However, if your dry skin symptoms are more severe or continue to worsen, please call our team at Greenville Dermatology so we can help determine whether you should receive further treatment. Call Greenville Dermatology at 864-242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.