If you ask me, age is just a number. Unfortunately, our skin hasn't bought into that belief. Sigh. As you mature, so will your skin. While there are many factors that play into how quickly your skin will reveal your chronological age and even make you appear older (gasp!), factors such as your cumulative sun exposure over your lifetime, your skin hygiene and of course genetics (the thing we can never escape) all play into how your skin will show signs of maturity. But you're not helpless here. So without further ado, here's our top three skin care tips that every woman should know to help maturing skin.
TIP 1: LATHER UP THE SPF.
Let's talk sun exposure. Anyone older than 30 grew up during a time when tanned skin and summers outside with no type of sun protection were the norm. Having spent my formative years in the Midwest, the tanning bed was just another extracurricular activity for many of my peers (fortunately, I limited my time to only the week before prom). But those years of exposure to UVA rays contribute to premature collagen loss (hello wrinkles and sagging skin) and hyperpigmentation (sun spots or age spots) which age the appearance of the skin. From this day forward, you have got to take sun protection seriously. This means application of sunscreen daily to your face, neck and any other exposed area of skin like the back of your hands. Even. in. the.Winter! If the sun is up, you are being exposed to UVA (A as in aging) light which will break down collagen and make you look old. We are going to be working so hard on building your collagen back up! Let’s not sabotage all our hard work. More on sunscreen and sun protection in another lesson.
TIP 2: LIVE LIKE YOU WANT GOOD SKIN.
Now, on to skin hygiene. There are habits in our daily lives that help or hinder our overall skin health. The trifecta of health - diet, sleep and exercise - also strongly impact the health and appearance of your skin. The “cleaner” your diet, the better for your skin. Actually getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, the better your skin. Exercising 30 minutes a day, the better your skin. These are no brainers. And if you are smoking…for so many reasons…you’ve got to stop. Your skin as well as your entire body will thank you.
TIP 3: FIND YOUR ROUTINE. START YOUR ROUTINE.
Another component of your skin hygiene is your actual skin care regimen. Yes, it matters what you are (or are not) putting on your face. This is not a one size fits all model, but there is a one size fits most model. I will be going more in depth on each step and ingredient mentioned so you have a firm grasp on the importance of the recommended ingredients. In short, in the morning you should be utilizing Vitamin C, +/- moisturizer depending on your skin type and always (seriously…ALWAYS) then applying an SPF that you like. The spf should stand on its own and not be combined with a moisturizer. In the evening, start your routine with a double cleanse - first using an oil based product to break up your sunscreen and make-up. Rinse. Followed by a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to remove any lingering funk. Next, you need to incorporate niacinamide into your regimen. Niacinamide can also be in your am routine. I like to use a moisturizer that has niacinamide in it. Lastly, if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, apply a retinoid of some type. More on retinoids in another lesson too. Remember, your face, neck and chest are all one unit. What you apply to your face also goes on your neck and chest. Plus there is always a little extra product hanging around, so put that on the back of your hands.
Phew…we covered a lot today. If you're looking for an easy way to start working skincare into your mornings, be sure to check out our blog on the power of vitamin C. And be sure to tell yourself three things you like about yourself when you look in the mirror this evening and be thankful for your own unique beauty.
Ready to take care of you? Or just chat more about your skincare concerns and how we can best address them? Book your appointment or virtual consultation here.
Grace Aesthetics and Wellness
Where beauty meets well-being
1030 Liberty Rd, Ste 100, Eldersburg, MD
443-398-8425
Disclaimer: The insights shared in this blog post are meant for educational and informational purposes, crafted with care to empower your journey towards wellness. However, please remember that they are not a replacement for personalized medical advice or consultation. Your unique needs deserve the attention of a qualified professional for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. We're here to support you on your path to radiant health and beauty!
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