Tips for maintaining beautiful skin

The face and neck are the main areas of concern for women, whose skin generally tends to age more quickly than men's because it is thinner. Over time, atrophy of the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin, occurs due to changes in collagen fibers and elastin, a substance responsible for the health of the fibers that ensure skin elasticity. Blood microcirculation also tends to decrease, and the tissue no longer receives as many nutrients. The consequence of this is wrinkles.

But that's not all. From the age of 30, the cells that color the skin's surface, called melanocytes, decrease by 10 to 20% each decade. As a result, the remaining melanocytes become more pigmented. Harmful sun rays increase the number of these cells incorrectly, causing age spots, another sign of skin aging.

Fortunately, today we have a large number of products that can mitigate the effects of time on the skin, organizing collagen and activating local circulation. Vitamins have also been widely used, not only orally but also topically, increasing the penetration of the active ingredients in beauty creams. However, all the innovations that have helped preserve skin beauty do not eliminate the five basic commandments of well-cared-for skin:

It is important to remove accumulated dead cells, perspiration, and natural skin secretions. Exposure to street smoke and other pollutants are other reasons that justify a thorough cleansing. If done once a day, the best time is before bed. Without residue, the skin will breathe better during the night. The maximum limit for cleansing is three times a day. For normal skin, it is best to use creamy emulsions, cleansing milks, or liquid soaps. Cleansing milks or creams are also indicated for dry skin, which should not be cleansed with soap. For oily or combination skin, it is best to use liquid soaps, gels, emulsions, or non-oily cleansing solutions.

There are mechanical and chemical ways to do it. In the first case, abrasive creams with microspheres that give them a sand-like texture are used. They are indicated for normal or oily skin and should be applied at most once a week. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, can be done daily, provided the concentration of active substances is low. The most commonly used today are retinoic acid, also called acidic vitamin A, glycolic acid, derived from sugarcane sugar, and kojic acid, derived from rice. In addition to stimulating collagen production and improving local circulation, these products reduce skin spots.

Even oily skin needs to be hydrated, as it also loses water. For these skin types, the best moisturizers are in the form of gel, gel-cream, or oil-free creamy lotions. Incorrect use of these products can cause excessive oiliness and acne. Those with very dry skin should use a special moisturizer for the area around the eyes, which tends to suffer more from age and environmental factors. For sensitive skin, a good precaution is to avoid products with strong fragrances, artificial pigments, and alcohol.

It is common for women with problematic skin to suffer from constipation, and when the disorder is treated, the skin's appearance improves almost automatically. To keep the intestines always healthy, it is very important to adopt a diet low in fats and rich in fiber and natural foods. This prevents constipation and other problems that can affect the intestines and, consequently, the skin. Another good tip is to include lactobacilli in the daily diet, as they benefit the intestinal flora. It is also important to avoid, whenever possible, the prolonged use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and birth control pills, which affect the intestinal walls, allowing toxic substances to invade the body. This will also affect the skin. Food allergies are another factor that can damage the intestinal walls. You can use Fat Free to eliminate intestinal problems.

Just observe the parts of our body that are not exposed to the sun - they do not wrinkle as much as those that are continuously exposed to the sun, such as the face. The action of sunlight causes profound skin changes that are costly to the skin's youth. Therefore, the use of sunscreens should be opted for, especially in the tropical climate in which we live. Anyone who really wants to protect their skin should use sunscreen every time they leave the house and not just when going to the beach. The use of the product should start in childhood, as the harmful effects of sun exposure accumulate throughout life. Hydration and more thorough cleansing should start around age 20, and the use of preventive wrinkle creams from age 30.

This content is part of Clínica Revitalize's commitment to translating science into accessible clinical practice — without losing rigor or depth.