Health Watch - Looking Better: Younger Skin

Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about looking better. Previously, we talked about facial fillers that can be injected to plump up wrinkles. If that’s out of your budget or comfort zone, you can take care of your skin to prevent wrinkles and keep your skin looking young.

Dr. Sarah Weitzul, a dermatologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says you don’t have to buy expensive skin-care products to get the best results. The most important step in a skin-care routine is a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation. Then use a retinoid to build collagen, minimize fine wrinkles and reverse some sun damage. The next step is a cream containing a hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid — but pick one that just uses one of these, not a soup of ingredients. Finally, a preparation with antioxidants like vitamins C or E can help slow aging. A diet rich in antioxidants is also good for the skin.

Visit www.utsouthwestern.org/dermatology to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in dermatology.

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