Expert advice for keeping skin young and healthy

The radiance of youthful skin is something that everyone is lucky enough to have at some point. But as the years pass, that nature-given glow tends to dull and slacken, leaving most people searching for a way to recapture that look.

The booming cosmetic and skincare business produces plenty of one-jar wonders that promise radical results, but many of them don’t deliver. Dermatology experts know, however, that taking a broader approach to caring for your skin is the optimal way to get results.

Skin is inherently complex, and it faces a daunting variety of challenges, so it makes sense that treating it effectively takes an equally multi-faceted strategy. From your lifestyle choices and habits to the products you use, keep three things in mind when it comes to your skin:, protection, reversal, and rejuvenation.

So many people think that having younger-looking skin is simply a matter of not having wrinkles, but according to Dr. Neil Sadick, a renowned dermatologist and researcher, it goes far beyond that. “Changes in pigmentation, pore size, fine lines and skin tone all contribute to skin looking older,” Sadick says. “So it’s important to treat each of those problems and address the causes in order to maintain a youthful look.”

Because skin care shouldn’t be an afterthought, it’s important for women of all ages to protect their skin – starting in their 20s and 30s. But no matter your age, consider these tips for keeping your skin healthy and looking its best:

A well-rounded skin care regimen. Just as a diet made up of only one food wouldn’t be enough to fuel your body, a one-dimensional approach to skin care won’t be sufficient to keep your skin looking its best. A regimen that protects during the day, works to reverse signs of aging, and rejuvenates through the night will address all of your skin’s needs.

The Park Avenue Prescription kit from Sadick Dermatology group includes two creams and a serum which are clinically proven to address visible signs of aging and help prevent and reverse environmental damage. The kit is affordably priced at select Sephora locations inside J.C. Penney, where skincare consultants can provide advice, as well as in Sephora stores and online.

Sun protection. Avoiding the sun is the best way to prevent damage from its UVA and UVB rays, but as summer arrives and spending time outdoors takes over, it’s often unavoidable. Using a skin cream with a minimum SPF of 20 will help protect your skin, but you should also use clothing, like hats, lightweight long sleeved shirts and long pants, to keep the sun off your skin.

A skin-friendly diet. A healthy diet will be reflected in a healthy complexion. Focus on fresh foods that are abundantly available throughout the summer as part of a delicious solution for healthy skin. Avoid fried and highly processed foods whenever possible to look and feel even better.

Staying hydrated. One of the best ways to keep your skin glowing is to keep it supplied with water. But you’ll need to do more than keep a bottle of water handy. Use a moisturizer that keeps your skin continuously hydrated – not only will it help your skin look better in the moment, but it also helps to protect over the long term.

Your face is your calling card – the first thing people see when they meet you, and often, what they most remember about you. Protecting your skin with a multifaceted routine will help you put your best face forward for years to come.