Moisturizing may already be part of your daily routine, but do you know why dermatologists stress the importance of moisturizing? One reason — applying moisturizer is so important in wrinkle prevention. From a topical standpoint, using a moisturizer with a sunscreen containing at least SPF 30 on all exposed skin will aid in the prevention and worsening of wrinkles. Moisturizing also helps maintain a healthy barrier by preventing dry skin and cracking, which can lead to infection if not properly addressed. In addition, moisturizing can also help reduce inflammation beneath the outermost layer of skin, thus supporting your overall health. This could potentially fend off diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. You should never eliminate moisturizing from your skin care regimen. Here are a few more reasons why moisturizing is key:
Wrinkle Prevention:
The daily use of a moisturizer containing SPF 30+ is proven to prevent sun damage like wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. Here at Collins, we carry the best dermatologist-recommended SPF moisturizers like the EltaMD product line that help restore, protect and maintain healthy skin. Be sure to use daily and reapply!You’ll be glad you did 10 years from now.Infection Prevention:
The skin is your largest organ. Without moisture, the skin can begin to itch and crack, which can lead to infection if not properly taken care of. Think of your skin like the paint on a car. If the paint is cracked or chipped off, the body of the car is exposed to the elements, causing rust and other structural damage. When the skin fissures from lack of moisture, an infection can easily occur. In order to protect what’s underneath the skin, the outermost layer must do its job by keeping foreign elements out.Chronic Disease Prevention:
A recent study shows that regularly moisturizing your skin could reduce the risk of developing some chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. As a person ages, inflammation increases everywhere, but especially in the skin. Since inflammation is linked to a range of conditions, and because the skin is such a large organ, inflammation in the skin could be a leading cause in the development of a range of conditions. Keeping the skin moisturized maintains the health of the skin and overall production of cytokines, which essentially help repair cracks in the skin, thus preventing pathogens from getting into the bloodstream.Utilizing a moisturizer each day is, as shown, a major part in skin care and the body’s overall health. Maintaining soft, smooth skin all over the body is not only an aesthetic goal, but is also skin-deep. If you are unsure about which brand or type of moisturizer is right for you, book an appointment online with one of our providers today, or give us a call at 512.379.6090.