Giving Your Skin the TLC It Deserves

March 10, 2017


skin care iowa city

skin care iowa cityYour skin is your largest organ, and it receives abuse from many sources: unprotected hours in the sun, products with harsh chemicals, and unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Our skin tells our age, so it’s never too early to start treating your skin with the care and attention it deserves.

A Cornucopia of Products

There are many skincare products out on the market, and it can be intimidating to select the right products that will work for you. Whether you want to target aging wrinkles, sun spots or more, a skincare regimen does not have to be complicated or expensive. With a little knowledge about your skin type, you can find core products that will help your skin stay balanced, refreshed, and glowing. Creating a skincare routine can be daunting, but a good place to start is with a basic skincare routine that addresses your skin’s specific needs. To avoid confusing your skin and creating unwanted adverse reactions, don’t use too many products at one time. Once you find products that work for you, stick with that routine and your skin will thank you.

What Is Your Skin Identity?

Before choosing a personalized skincare regimen, consider what skin type you have. Understanding your skin type is an important first step so you don’t treat your skin with products that could cause allergic reactions. There are five general skin types:

  • Normal – balanced, not particularly sensitive, and not too oily or dry
  • Oily – enlarged oil glands and pores, shiny, prone to acne
  • Dry – dehydrated, flaky, textured
  • Combination – oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry in other areas
  • Sensitive and acne prone – red, easily irritated, and allergic to many products

Tailored Skincare

Now that you are familiar with your skin type, it’s time to develop a basic routine to meet your skin’s needs. No matter your skin type, begin with a habit of cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing and protecting your face morning and night. The type of products you use will depend on your skin. Remember, what works well for one person may not work for you.

Keep It Simple

The way you take care of your skin contributes to your complexion’s vitality, glow, smoothness, and bounce. In order to care for your skin properly and effectively, understand what products you should include in your morning and nighttime routines.

Wash That Grime off Your Face

Before you wash your face, start with clean hands. This will prevent any transfer of bacteria from your hands to your face, which could result in breakouts. If you wear makeup, first use a makeup remover, then splash your face with lukewarm water and begin to cleanse. Oatmeal is a natural, universal cleanser and exfoliator, and is suitable for all skin types because of its calming and soothing properties. Apply your cleanser of choice in gentle upward motions and rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry with a towel and do not use rubbing motions, which can cause irritation of the skin.

Out with the Old, in with the New

Exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and keeping your skin texture smooth. Your skin cells renew themselves every 28 days, so you should exfoliate no more than two to three times a week. Rinse off your exfoliator with lukewarm water, pat dry, and follow with an alcohol-free toner. Avoid using products with alcohol, which can strip your skin of essential oils and cause dryness and irritation.

It’s Time to Recalibrate

After cleansing and exfoliating, your skin pH may be slightly unbalanced. Using toner helps to neutralize your skin, remove residual traces of makeup, and gives your skin a healthy glow. Follow with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type.

Lock In That Moisture

Think of your moisturizer as the top coat for your skin. Moisturizer seals in hydration for your skin and keeps your skin looking supple, vibrant, and youthful. Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, supple skin keeps the wrinkles away. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer in an upward circular motions and don’t forget your neck and décolletage, as these areas are quick to show signs of aging.

Shield Your Skin

As part of your morning skin routine, always follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, which is effective in deflecting both UVA and UVB rays. Excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays causes damage to your skin on a deeper level and can lead to the development of skin cancer. So slather on that high-level SPF sunscreen before you spend time in the sun.

Common Skin Conditions

Skin conditions such as rosacea, dryness, age spots, sun damage or hyperpigmentation are common, but there are treatments available to prevent these conditions from getting worse. If you suffer from rosacea, your skin is sensitive, easily irritated, textured, and embarrassingly red all the time. Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, there are prescription oral and topical solutions to help reduce discomfort and redness. Speak to your doctor about a regimen that is right for you.

If you suffer from age spots, sun damage or hyperpigmentation, you have probably spent many years in the sun. Age spots are a type of hyperpigmentation – the increased production of melanin, the pigment that produces color in our skin. Age spots are brown or black in color, are rounded and flat, and are benign. Treatments to fade the pigmentation include prescription creams containing hydroquinone, lasers and chemical peels. These treatments can increase sun sensitivity, so be sure to generously apply sunscreen.

If you suffer from dryness, your skin is dehydrated, rough, scaly, and itchy. Weather, medical conditions, and repeated hand-washing can exacerbate this condition and cause painful fissures in the skin. Be sure to stay hydrated, moisturize frequently, and avoid using products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals that can aggravate your skin.

When to See Us

It’s never too early to start caring for your skin, both inside and out. While topical products are effective, they can only accomplish so much. Remember, beautiful and glowing skin begins with a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and your skin will reflect your good lifestyle habits. Our professional team at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery would love to discuss options for your aging concerns. Please call us at 319-800-6877 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kahlil Andrews and his staff.

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
5.0
2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
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