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Skin-Care Tips

Skin-care tips from Dr. Francesa Fusco, Mount Sinai's assistant clinical professor of dermatology.

ONE YEAR AHEAD

Establish a regimen for the year: Exfoliate weekly, schedule monthly facials, and use an SPF moisturizer. Eat a low-sodium diet, drink eight glasses of water a day, quit smoking, and avoid drinking binges. Take vitamin C and zinc and get an Rx for Nicomide, which is excellent for skin health.

SIX MONTHS AHEAD

Use the YAG laser for dark spots.

Start sclerotherapy for minor varicose veins.

THREE MONTHS AHEAD

Reduce the appearance of cellulite with mesotherapy (entails massaging the skin and plumping it up with botanicals).

Gently brush flaking lips with an infant toothbrush soaked in baking soda and water, and apply Aquaphor.

ONE MONTH AHEAD

Keep your hands clean if you touch your face often; don't apply hair products too close to the hairline.

In the summer, exfoliate often: Perspiration and sunscreen occlude pores.

Last session of laser therapy.

TWO WEEKS AHEAD

Use vitamin-K gel around the eyes to relieve swelling.

If you're prone to stress-induced cold sores, start on lysine, an amino acid that prevents them.

Have your last facial.

For a sudden pimple, apply an OTC hydrocortisone cream or get a cortisone injection from your dermatologist.

THE DAY OF

Don't use acne medications.

Don't get facial hair waxed, threaded, or bleached.

Don't exfoliate.

Treat your face like a precious jewel. If you get an itch, don't scratch it. Just pat it.