Five Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance

Your skin can say just as much about your health as your inner workings. Learn from the team at InnovaMed Aesthetic Care, in Rockford, how to keep that skin looking great.

Health&Fitness-youthfulappearance-sum15

A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just impact our inner workings. Good habits can also help us to maintain a more youthful appearance.

The team at InnovaMed Aesthetic Care, 2601 N. Main St., in Rockford, knows what it takes to look healthy. The practice is led by Drs. Tracy Brito, Susan DeGuide and Linda Razbadouski, who’ve combined their knowledge of internal medicine with noninvasive cosmetic procedures. Licensed estheticians Sarah Ramirez and Tina Gipson, and Aesthetics Manager Debra Marks, also bring experience in applications such as injectables and laser removal of hair or age spots.

They know that a healthier appearance begins with a positive outlook. Surround yourself, as much as possible, with upbeat, positive people.

“It’s contagious,” Razbadouski says. “Mental health is just as important as physical health.”

Here are five simple ways to begin improving your appearance, inside and out.

1. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated

Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet isn’t just about healthy eating. Eating good, whole foods can help you to naturally cut back on unhealthy foods.

“Your body recognizes fruits and vegetables,” says Marks. “It will respond positively to them.” She likes to blend vegetables into a smoothie that includes Visalus Protein Mix.

Whereas some processed foods can dehydrate us, fresh veggies can help to keep us hydrated. They also have a positive impact on our skin.

“Your skin is your largest organ,” says Gipson. “It’s just as important to treat your skin well internally as it is to treat it well externally.”

2. Wear Sunscreen and Avoid Tanning Beds

Sunlight may give us a good summer tan, but it can be detrimental to the skin by creating dryness, which contributes to early signs of aging. Not only can excessive outdoor tanning cause you to lose your youthful appearance, but UV rays from tanning beds can create fine lines and deep wrinkles. Those lines are the result of the breaking down of natural collagen, says Gipson. If you spend lots of time outdoors, using sunscreen can reduce the effects of the sun and the development of skin cancer.

3. Exercise Regularly

Brito, DeGuide and Razbadouski believe that exercise contributes substantially to overall health, energy levels and core strength. And, they say, it can help you to sleep better. Ramirez has been a runner for more than six years, and she says she notices a difference in her energy level, body tone and overall health when she works out regularly.

4. Take Care of Your Skin

Nourishing, medical-grade skin care products can help to keep your skin in good shape, and the sort of exfoliating and invigorating skin care treatments provided by InnovaMed can help to provide a deep-down cleaning.

“By getting rid of dead, dull skin, you will stimulate and activate your new skin cells and obtain a healthy glow,” says Ramirez. “Our HydraFacial treatment is the perfect vehicle.”

Experienced estheticians can help you to identify the correct products and procedures, based on your skin type and age.

5. Wear Compression Hosiery

A specialized garment that gently squeezes your skin, compression hosiery can help to maintain a sufficient blood flow. Such garments can also help to prevent swelling and discomfort during pregnancy, says Brito, and they work well during long-distance travel.