Skin Deep
By Mark Loehrke
Appears in the September 2024 issue.
How to maintain an optimum epidermis
On any given day, dermatologist Juliana Basko-Plluska sees a wide variety of skin conditions among her patients at Basko Dermatology in Naperville. These include common inflammatory issues such as acne vulgaris, eczema, and psoriasis (which are generally treated with topical creams or ointments and/or oral medications) as well as a growing number of skin cancer cases (which often require surgery). She also performs cosmetic work to help enhance patients’ beauty and increase their self-esteem. “Dermatology is one of the few fields in medicine where clinical, surgical, and cosmetic skills can be integrated into one’s daily practice,” she explains. “I feel privileged to be able to touch on all of these different areas in any given day, which allows me to stay engaged and always keeps me thinking.”
While she enjoys treating her patients, Basko-Plluska believes that many of the cases she sees might never have had to come through her doors if people had more awareness of and better appreciation for their ongoing skin care. With that in mind, here are a few of her top tips for keeping skin healthy and vibrant—and maybe for avoiding future visits to the dermatologist’s office altogether.
Think Solar
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to prioritize sun protection—and not just in the summer. UV exposure all through the year plays a significant role in not only skin aging, but skin cancer development. Basko-Plluska says using broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 to 50) and reapplying every two hours is a great way to maintain protection, in addition to wearing broad-rim hats and UV-protection sunglasses and seeking shade when available.
Drink It In
Maintaining good skin hydration is another key to healthy-appearing skin, she says. A good moisturizer typically contains hyaluronic acid (a hydrophilic substance that attracts water) or ceramides (the main lipids in the skin barrier) and should be used once to twice daily all year long. “Well-hydrated skin has a tendency to look younger and less wrinkled,” she notes.
A Little Boost
Certain cosmetic products also can help revitalize the skin, Basko-Plluska says. Products containing vitamin C are good antioxidants that can prevent free radical formation and protect against skin cancer and aging. Also, retinoids can promote new cell growth and stimulate collagen production, firming up the skin and helping with skin texture and discoloration.
The Skinny on Skin
As the largest organ in the body, the skin is often a good indicator of a person’s general health. Since skin disease is often the first clue to an underlying medical condition, unusual signs or symptoms should not be ignored. “Seek care from a dermatologist if you have a rash or an unusual, changing growth,” Basko-Plluska advises. “A timely diagnosis can save your life.”
The Sooner the Better
Skin care should start at an early age, including—and especially—strict sun protection. “It is much easier to prevent skin aging than to reverse it,” she says. Healthy routines should start in childhood, but it’s never too late to start caring for your skin.
Speed up to Slow Down
Human beings shed about 30,000 skin cells a minute (from a rough supply of nearly 300 million) and form new skin cells every 28 days. However, this process, like many other bodily functions, slows down over time, with cell turnover taking up to six to eight weeks for someone in their 60s or 70s. Basko-Plluska says topical products such as retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids can help speed up this process and allow the skin to look more youthful.
Art: Halepak/istock
