We’d like to welcome a special guest today. Dr. Gary Goldfaden, founder of GOLDFADEN MD, shares the five anti-aging rules you should follow.

In the last decade, dermatology’s focus has turned to cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, laser resurfacing and skin peels. These procedures typically involve the use of toxic topical agents. Dr. Goldfaden, who himself strives to live a healthy lifestyle, wondered whether natural agents could produce results equal to those seen in such procedures. He began investigating the use of natural agents and a “whole health” approach to skin care, believing it would benefit his patients who wished to stave off the visible signs of aging, but who feared procedures and chemicals.

“I’ve made my practice one of prevention and restoration, as well as treating skin disease proactively,” says Dr. Goldfaden, who practices at Academy Dermatology in Hollywood, Fla. “For years, I’ve followed a healthy lifestyle and proper diet,” he explains. “As I’ve aged, I’ve added more supplements to my daily regimen and have avoided environmental and other toxins. I believe that appropriate diet, nutrients and supplements, coupled with avoidance of smoking and damaging environmental factors such as prolonged sun exposure, contribute to one’s outer health and beauty. To be healthy on the outside, you must be healthy inside.” The skin is the body’s envelope and largest organ, notes Dr. Goldfaden.

Maintaining a glowing and youthful complexion is certainly something that many need to work at through diet, exercise and topical treatments, but here are five must-do rules that every dermatologist agrees is necessary in obtaining gorgeous skin.

Diet Counts

Clear and glowing skin starts from the inside. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (the most beneficial is salmon) can greatly reduce inflammation, reduce dryness and increase circulation – a key attribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Daily consumption of vitamins – specifically my favorite vitamin, vitamin D, and an overall multi-vitamin – greatly impacts your overall health.

Exfoliation is Key

The beginning of every successful skin care regimen starts with exfoliation. Exfoliation is key. You would be surprised how much smoother and brighter your skin can be after just one exfoliating treatment. Regular exfoliation – the removal of dead surface skin cells, dirt and oils – greatly reduces the appearance of discoloration, fine lines and dull, lackluster skin and prevents future breakouts. It also allows topical products, particularly super potent treatment serums, applied onto the skin afterward to penetrate deeper, increasing the overall treatment.

Super Potent Anti-Aging Ingredient to Use

Retinoids have been proven to be one of the most powerful anti-aging properties and every woman over the age of 30 should be incorporating them into their skin care regimen. With regular use, vitamin A or retinoids work to stimulate your skin to make collagen, help to repair sun damage, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish overall discoloration and promote cell turnover. Vitamin A stimulates skin cell renewal by increasing the rate of cell division, resulting in a plumper complexion. Additionally, retinol-based products can help to unclog pores, thus inhibiting dead skin cells that can cause future breakouts and prevent acne scars from forming.

Most Powerful Anti-Aging Step – Stay Protected

One of the most IMPORTANT things that you can do for your skin is stay protected from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Rain or shine, sun rays work to breakdown collagen fibers, increase skin cancer cells, create unwanted pigmentation and promote premature aging. We love GOLDFADEN MD Sun Visor - Ultra Light Oil-Free SPF 30 Mist because it’s an easy-to-apply, oil-free and fragrance-free translucent mist, which makes this the ideal sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.

Partying Really Does Count

“Smoking causes the narrowing of blood vessels throughout your body, including those that supply the outermost layers of the skin with oxygen and nutrients,” Dr. Goldfaden says. “Regular smoking slowly starves your skin of vital oxygen and other substances, such as immunity-boosting vitamin A that is essential for that youthful-looking glow and radiant complexion. Alcohol has a similar effect by destroying the body’s supply of Vitamin A.”

Do you have a question about anti-aging? Share with us in the comments.