There’s no denying the thrill of living in New York City. Unfortunately, this beauty mecca also presents its fair share of skincare challenges. Pollution, ever-changing weather conditions, and a general lack of shuteye demand that residents give their skin the attention and care it deserves, from facials in a New York City salon to staying hydrated and taking a multivitamin.
While many skincare practices are universally beneficial, it’s always important to address practices that are particularly beneficial in certain areas. To help, we’ve outlined a few of the most common concerns we witness among NYC residents — along with top solutions to address these issues.
Combat Pollution With Exfoliation — And a Multivitamin
Air pollution has long been one of the biggest downsides of living in New York. Research suggests that it’s starting to get better — but that’s little consolation if you’ve regularly been exposed to it for months, years, or even decades.
Fail to step up your game, and you may find yourself dealing with more age spots or fine lines. What’s more, constantly spending time in a polluted environment will make your skin appear duller in general.
Thankfully, it’s never too late to fix your routine. At a minimum, you’ll want to thoroughly cleanse your face on a daily basis. This oft-repeated advice applies to everybody, but it’s extra important in NYC, where your face is exposed to car exhaust, pollution, and lots of germs in the air on a daily basis.
Regular exfoliation can bridge the gap as our natural exfoliation processes slow with age. Other benefits include softened lines and increased cell turnover.
Another oft-neglected option to combat pollution’s effects on your skin is taking a multivitamin. Select vitamins and antioxidants have been shown to counteract the oxidative stress associated with pollution exposure — and many of these can be found in standard multivitamins. Topical application can also be helpful.
Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration is a common phenomenon in New York City, where an on-the-go lifestyle can keep you from drinking as much water as you should. Unfortunately, dehydration exacerbates the appearance of fine lines — which, as we’ve discussed, are more likely to appear due to constant exposure to NYC pollution.
A simple water bottle may be one of your most effective tools for giving your face the youthful glow you desire. While water alone won’t turn back the clock, it will certainly complement your other anti-aging efforts and help prevent deep lines from forming.
Remembering to drink water throughout the day can be surprisingly difficult, so do yourself a favor and start the day with a big glass. This is also a great time to take the aforementioned multivitamin. Invest in a large water bottle to sip throughout the day — and don’t forget to build water-rich fruits and veggies into your diet.
Schedule Regular Facials
Getting a facial should be a no-brainer. As a busy New Yorker, you need a chance to relax while you receive the pampering you deserve. Furthermore, targeted facials may reverse fine lines, dullness, and other issues that make you look older.
Regular targeted facials are a powerful complement to the habits highlighted above — particularly if you struggle with consistency.
Of course, choosing the right facial is essential. Favorites for dealing with NYC-related aging concerns include:
- Microdermabrasion: A top exfoliation approach with many devotees in New York, microdermabrasion is a minimally abrasive procedure that treats light to moderate sun damage. It’s sometimes referred to as a power peel but should not be confused with chemical peels — it relies on manual methods instead.
- Dermaplaning: Level up your exfoliation with a treatment designed to strip away the top layers of skin. This treatment involves manually scraping away dead skin cells. It can remove peach fuzz and obscure the appearance of acne scars while keeping skin looking smooth and fresh — key for retaining a youthful appearance.
- Oxygen facial therapy: One of the most effective options for plumping up dehydrated skin, oxygen facial therapy can limit the effects of a polluted environment. During this treatment, an airbrush is used to deliver oxygen and antioxidants to the skin. It has a hydrating effect and may also boost collagen production.
Laser By Monica: The Anti-Aging Facials New York City Residents Need
At Laser by Monica, we understand the unique joys and frustrations of living in New York — and we’re well aware of the many ways in which the city can wreak havoc on your skin.
Our experts offer a variety of targeted treatments that address the most relevant NYC skincare concerns. These include three levels of facials, which can incorporate everything from brightening enzymes to LED skin therapy right in your home in New York City. Contact us today to learn more — or to schedule your appointment.