As an esthetician, the number one complaint that surfaces within the consultation is the “A” word. Yes, you got it…Aging! It is inevitable that we all will age; it is a part of the “Cycle of Life,” hence the term “Healthy Aging” as opposed to “Anti-Aging.” Aging does not occur abruptly once you hit a certain age, however it is true that as we get older our cells do not turn over as quickly as they do in our youth. With new technologies, treatments and education about aging, though, we have more tools than ever to slow down the signs of aging.
Aging is the key skin care motivator for 75% of all women, and with all of the anti-aging products that have hit the market in recent years, you have to wonder, “do all of these products work?”. The answer is a simple one, NO! If it were that easy, we wouldn’t be writing a blog on Healthy Aging Tips!
There are a handful of ingredients that have been proven to have a true effect on aging skin. And remember, “new” isn’t always better! Some of the best anti-aging ingredients are good old antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E. These ingredients slow the aging process by neutralizing free radicals, stopping oxidation before cells are damaged. New research even suggests that Vitamin C can help remove DNA damage from free radicals if they get past a cell's defenses! A cocktail of antioxidants will provide better results than just one as you get the specific benefits of each, so look for products that feature a combination.
Newer to the market but extensively studied and highly recommended are various types of Peptides, which are essentially short chains of Amino Acids (the building blocks of protein). Peptides have been proven to penetrate the skin and rebuild the dermal matrix, meaning they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and support the skin’s healing process. Some types of peptides, such as Oligopeptides from Hibiscus, actually temporarily inhibit facial contractions for a Botox-like effect!
And don’t forget, it’s never too late to take measures to prevent further aging of the skin. Sun exposure is the biggest external skin aging factor, and yet many still fail to apply sunscreen EVERY DAY, rain or shine. Those who do apply sunscreen religiously may not be doing it properly - when sunscreen is tested for SPF it is applied as thick as frosting on a cake, so slather it on generously for optimal protection!
The most important thing to remember when it comes to your Healthy Aging regimen is that “patience is a virtue.” Your skin may look and feel better within a few days, however it takes at least 3 skin cycles (between 21 and 40 days each, depending on your age) before there are measurable results from a new skin care routine.