Scottsdale Health February 2020

If you are still getting after that New
Year’s resolution to get your body
in shape, then congratulations! Not
everyone can keep up with their fitness
commitments. Now is a great time to
build on your success and optimize a part
of you that you probably pay a little less
attention to — your skin. With these few
additions to your pre- and post-workout
routine, your skin will be in top shape!
Hydrate and
moisturize
First, keep chugging
water. Hydration is
the foundation for
both a superior workout
and glowing skin.
When you hydrate,
you enable your cells
to perform optimally,
whether they are
building muscle or
skin. Drinking about
beauty
/ by Felicia Taghizadeh
Skin Shape Up
Tips for before and after workouts
half your body weight
in ounces every day
will ensure that your
skin retains elasticity,
minimizing the
appearance of wrinkles.
On the outside,
it also helps to apply
a moisturizer at least
twice a day. There are
several multi-tasking
moisturizers on the
market that improve
your skin barrier,
infuse vitamins, and
add potent peptides
that give your skin a
boost.
Add vitamin C
If you are seriously
committed to your
workout, you probably
make sure that you
get enough vitamins.
But when was the
last time you thought
about Vitamin C for
your skin? Vitamin C
serums may seem
like an extra and
unnecessary step
but are actually one
of the best ways to
reduce environmental
stressors for your
skin. A potent antioxidant,
vitamin C
applied topically will
strengthen your skin’s
ability to prevent and
repair damage from
pollution, sweat, and
chemicals. Your multitasking
moisturizer
should contain vitamin
C, cutting down
on the number of
products in your gym
bag. Serums packed
with additional minerals
like Ferulic and
vitamin E are worth
their weight in gold.
Always cleanse
Once you’ve finished
your workout you
may be tempted to
take a quick shower
and get on to the
next part of your day.
But please, please
make sure you wash
your face. Don’t just
splash some water
on it. Use a face
wash with a light
exfoliant, like glycolic
acid, to help remove
the sweat, dirt, and
dead cells that have
built up.
Use retinoids
Hopefully your arms
won’t be too tired for
a few evening healthy
skin steps. Wash
your face, again.
Next, make sure that
you use a retinoid
serum. Just like you
need protein to build
muscle, you need retinoids
to build healthy
skin. These vitamin
A derivatives help
your cells turn over
faster and increase
the blood flow and
collagen production
in your skin. With the
addition of a retinoid,
your skin may look
more vibrant and
have less wrinkles
and fine lines. Look
for a skin cream that
contains retinoids or
purchase a retinol
serum. Apply a few
drops before bed and
let the heavy lifter go
to work.
Lather sunscreen
Lastly, no skin care
routine is complete
without sunscreen.
If your workout takes
you outside, in the
pool, near a window,
or involves breathing,
then sunscreen
is essential. UV A
and B rays increase
the speed of cellular
degeneration. Sun
exposure of any kind
makes your skin look
old faster. Choose a
mineral sunscreen
as these products
contain fewer synthetic
chemicals,
form a physical barrier
to the sun, and
usually last longer
than chemical sunscreens.
Technology
has improved so you
won’t have that whitish
tinge that was a
byproduct of older
mineral sunscreens.
Felicia Taghizadeh is the director of operations at Arizona Facial Plastics, which is the leading plastic surgery practice and med spa in Phoenix. Dr. Farhan
Taghizadeh and his wife Felicia opened Arizona Facial Plastics in October 2016 where they specialize in plastic surgery, sexual rejuvenation, skin care, and overall
aesthetics. www.arizonafacialplastics.com.
48 ScottsdaleHealth 02/20