For better or worse, a significant part of how we showcase ourselves to the world, starting from our physical appearance, originates from our skin. The health of our skin isn’t determined solely by external influences but also by our daily intake, encompassing both dietary choices and exposure to environmental stressors. It’s crucial to pay attention to what we consume to preserve the well-being and appearance of our body’s largest organ.
Not All Self-Esteem is Created Equal
Throughout years of research, psychologists have explored the link between a person’s physical appearance and self-esteem. As we know, a healthy diet and exercise are essential to staying strong and feeling good. Fortunately, diet and exercise are within our control, a deep understanding that allows us to feel empowered due to what we know about our psychology and our ability to build self-esteem. Science has shown us that self-esteem isn’t calculated on a rating scale with high and low measures, but the type of self-esteem received.1
If we focus on nurturing our self-esteem through aspects within our control—such as our thoughts and actions—we enhance our resilience to external criticism and judgment, fostering a more secure sense of self-worth. Relying on external validation, especially in the age of social media, can lead to unhealthy dependencies and fragile emotional stability. Therefore, cultivating self-esteem from intrinsic values and personal behaviors is a healthier approach to enhancing one’s self-worth.
Enhancing Our Healthy Habits with Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green
Even our healthiest lifestyle habits may not always adequately address external concerns. We turn to our trusted medical experts to accelerate the healing of skin conditions, seeking assistance ranging from topical products to procedures and treatments for more stubborn issues.
StyleLugo.com met with New York City board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green, to discuss her career practicing over 25 years to address the skincare issues of men and women from the inside out.
However, Dr. Green emphasizes that skincare goes beyond products and procedures. It’s about understanding the patient’s needs, history, and goals. With a patient-focused approach, her consultations delve into what bothers her patients, their skincare routines, diet, stressors, past treatments, and desired outcomes, ensuring personalized recommendations for optimal results.
The Role of Diet and Mental Health
Maintaining a healthy diet is very important for skin health and a foundation for overall wellbeing. Diets high in sugar can cause collagen damage, resulting in saggy, dry skin. Excessive sugar can also exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Instead, focus on well-balanced diets rich in leafy greens, proteins, and healthy fats to support healthy, radiant skin. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as avocados, strawberries, and dates, can help to reduce free radical damage and oxidative stress.
Starting with stress reduction is a key step in enhancing both mental well-being and skin health. Stress can induce inflammation, triggering flare-ups of conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Additionally, chronic stress can accelerate aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Engaging in regular exercise and yoga can effectively reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, as physical activity is known to lower stress hormones while boosting endorphin production, natural mood enhancers in the body.
Regardless of skin concerns like acne, aging, or sensitivity, every effective skincare routine begins with three fundamental steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Cleansing twice daily removes dirt, dead skin cells, and impurities, while moisturizing replenishes hydration and nourishment. Sunscreen, a non-negotiable step, shields the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Skin conditions can pose challenges, impacting social and professional engagements and often carrying emotional burdens. Psoriasis and acne, for example, are often stigmatized due to misconceptions and societal biases. Visibility plays a significant role, in individuals feeling judged or misunderstood because of their condition. Education and empathy are essential in challenging these stigmas and fostering acceptance and support for those affected.
Many individuals with such conditions may avoid social or work-related activities to conceal their symptoms, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression. If a skin condition is significantly affecting your quality of life, seeking assistance from a board-certified dermatologist is an option, including a mental health counselor to manage the emotional and psychological impact of your battle. They can collaborate with you to manage symptoms, improve your condition, and potentially enhance your overall well-being.
Exclusive Product Line by Dr. Michele Green
With sincerity and compassion, Dr. Green provides valuable comprehensive consultations that have allowed her to establish a full-service practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Her career, enriched by experiences with global skincare brands such as L’Oreal, Johnson & Johnson, Bioré®, and RoC®, has contributed to her entrepreneurial vision to also launch a line of skincare products.
After years of providing valuable guidance on the types of products to purchase, Dr. Green decided to use her background in research, development, and safety testing of worldwide product launches, and create an exclusive product line of skin cleansers, moisturizers, skin treatments, and various sunscreens for all skin types.
MG Skin Labs consists of over 20 products to address various skin conditions, from fine lines and wrinkles to pigmentation inconsistencies, sun damage, and more.
Among her arsenal of skincare offerings, vitamin C is a heroic ingredient that deserves some applause. The Vita-C Advanced Serum ($85) is the ultimate anti-aging solution for skin that has begun to exhibit changes in texture, color, and tone due to its exceptional concentration of the vitamin. The fast-absorbing serum revitalizes and moisturizes skin while improving texture and radiance in patients with brown or red spots and fine lines. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also helps neutralize free radicals’ harmful effects.
In addition to promoting collagen production, Essential Antioxidant Infusion ($150) delivers a concentrated concentration of vitamins A, C, E, and other nutrients to exfoliate, renew, and replenish the skin overnight. With diminished visible lines and wrinkles, repaired skin elasticity, and improved skin texture, you can achieve a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Cosmetic and Medical Treatments
Beyond topical treatments, Dr. Green has a wide array of medical and cosmetic treatments to address problematic areas that require further focus. Lasers are a popular tool in her practice, and it’s with an eye on the future that Dr. Green intends to remain on the cutting edge of FDA-approved laser technology for skin health.
For the moment, the most popular treatment is the Vbeam laser, which rids the face of redness from acne and rosacea by targeting the red pigment in the blood vessels. The process involves emitting a burst of light at a wavelength of 595 nanometers, aiming to pinpoint the pigment. As the laser acne scar treatment begins, the emitted light energy transforms into heat within the skin. This energy penetrates from the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, to the inner layer, known as the dermis.
Dr. Green also sees great success with Thermage®, a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that relies on radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen production, improving the appearance of loose skin and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles without the need for an invasive surgical procedure from a plastic surgeon, incisions, scars, or anesthesia.
Excited to bring a state-of-the-art skin resurfacing laser to her practice, the Frazel Dual laser treatment works like a magic eraser for sun damage and completely gets rid of dark spots and acne scars. Fraxel is commonly used to rejuvenate the face, neck, décolletage, back, hands, arms, and legs.
Continuing down the body without the use of lasers, Dr. Green can eliminate those stubborn fat bulges from nine areas using FDA-approved CoolSculpting, which relies on fat freezing, or cryolipolysis, to eliminate up to 25% of unwanted fat cells in one session. CoolSculpting is not a weight loss device, but an effective tool for those with pockets of fat that don’t respond to a healthy lifestyle. Ideal candidates are at or near their goal weight. Recently, Dr. Green has seen this procedure gain in popularity with men, as well. From CoolSculpting to Kybella injections to permanently eliminate the double chin, men are increasingly embracing self-care to look and feel their best, from an elevated skincare routine to enhanced procedures and treatments.
Ultimately, Dr. Green believes that skincare is not just about vanity; it’s a matter of health and self-confidence. By nurturing one’s skin, individuals can embark on a journey of self-improvement, where looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.
Taking Control of Your Skin Journey
Navigating skin concerns can be challenging, but you’re not alone. By prioritizing self-care, seeking professional guidance when needed, and challenging societal stigmas, you can reclaim control of your skin journey. Remember, your skin is unique, and caring for it is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Getting that radiant, healthy glow involves more than just skincare routines; it’s about nurturing both your body and mind. By embracing a holistic approach to skincare and embracing self-love and understanding, you’ll uncover the keys to not just great skin, but also to feeling confident and empowered from within.
For more information on Dr. Michele Green and MG Skin Labs, please visit https://www.michelegreenmd.com/.
- Ito, M., Kawasaki, N., & Kodama, M. (2011). Three types of self-esteem: its characteristic differences of contingency and contentment of sources of self-esteem. Shinrigaku Kenkyu: The Japanese Journal of Psychology, 81(6), 560–568.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21400859/
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