It’s a fact that looking good makes you feel better. A healthy glow radiates outwards. In this installment of our Doctor’s Office Series, board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Caren Campbell explains how a simple skincare routine can improve your appearance, boost your confidence, and more.

We feel good when we look good. We look better when we are feeling good. There is no doubt that the mind-body connection exists.

Think about how you feel after you exercise, meditate, or express gratitude. You’ll likely feel lighter, happier, and more confident when you exercise, contemplate, or practice gratitude.

Research shows that Meditation and other Self-Care Practices not only help to reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed and less worried, but they can also slow down the aging process. This is because stress hormones cause inflammation, and healthy cells are multiplied.

Why do we then applaud those who exercise and practice mindfulness but seem to judge those who actively care for their skin and take steps to reduce the signs of aging and improve appearance?

Get rid of your skincare shame.

Each of these activities is important for your overall health. Let go of any guilt you might feel about caring for your appearance. Unapologetic with the products, daily routines, and procedures that your dermatologist performs.

Why? Why? Because it was never the intention to alter the way you appear. It is important to identify which skin care treatments and products will enhance your beauty by addressing the concerns you have.

You may want to address lines on your face that make it appear as if you are angry or dark circles under your eyes that make it look like you’re tired even when you feel alert. Broken blood vessels and sagging skin can also make you seem older than you really are. You can work with your dermatologist on a plan that will keep you looking young and vibrant, whether you are after an amazing nap, a wonderful day spent with loved ones, or you are without a few extra years.

In addition, by addressing some of your appearance problems that may be negatively affecting your self-confidence, you will also set yourself up to succeed in other areas. A positive self-image has been shown to lead to reduced anxiety, better relationships, and greater professional success.

Dermatology simplified

It may seem like there is a lot you can expect from a skincare routine: healthy skin, an improved appearance, increased confidence, and so on. It’s really quite simple. It’s actually what I call “dermatology streamlined.”

Simple routines are better because they’re easier to follow, and you’re more likely to get the results that you want. Most people cannot follow beauty trends, which require you to perform up to 20 steps and then wait long periods between each one. This is particularly true for people who have careers and families or are partners, friends, or caregivers.

Skincare is all about less. So, I recommend the holy trinity for simple skin care: sunscreens, retinoids, and antioxidants.

Sunscreen

sunscreen has to be the best anti-aging solution. UVA and UVB sun rays cause dull, discolored skin. Overexposure to UVB and UVA rays from the sun can lead to skin cancer. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin carcinoma.

Physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreens) contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunscreens are reflective, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb light. Physical sunscreens begin working immediately after application. They protect against a wider spectrum of rays, including blue light from electronic screens.