No tags yet.
We all want to age gracefully, we want to look like it's genetics and not Botox that is keeping our WTF face forehead lines in check. I mean seriously I make that annoyed and confused furrowed brow expression at least 10 times a day, I know it's going to come back to haunt me.
Okay, maybe we can't stop the lines and wrinkles from happening but we don't have to take it sitting down. We can put up a fight to keep our skin healthy and supple, even as we grow older. We are all going to age, why not age smarter? We've compiled a list of anti-aging tips the pros swear by. Professional estheticians and dermatologists, these are the people you want to listen to about your skin.
SPF and Sun Protection- Most dermatologists agree that UV exposure is the number one cause of premature aging out there. It is so common in fact it has its own term to describe it. Photo-aging is the term used to describe the aging effects of sun and UV rays on the skin. To avoid the effects of photo-aging, apply an SPF daily and reapply every few hours as needed.
Seek shade, especially between 10-2 when the sun’s rays are at their peak. Dress to protect, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, SPF clothing. Don’t think you're protected from the sun’s rays just because it is cloudy out, or if you're inside. UVA rays from the sun can penetrate windows.
Protect your skin from Free Radicals- Free radicals are molecules that lack an electron. We are exposed to free radicals daily from pollution/environmental toxins, processed foods, stress, UV rays, and more. Free radicals cause damage to the skin that can prematurely age us, cause wrinkles, and tissue damage. They affect the body by damaging the immune system and cells and can lead to heart problems, cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease.
To protect your skin and body from the free radicals it is important to use antioxidants. Antioxidants work to stabilize free radicals by sacrificing their own electrons and giving it to the free radical neutralizing it and stopping it from causing damage. To protect your skin from free radical damage you will want to use an antioxidant like vitamin C, A, or E. Vitamin C is wonderful for giving skin a youthful-looking glow. Also, help fight free radicals by eating antioxidant rich foods like spinach, broccoli, blueberries, apples, nuts and especially walnuts. Take a multivitamin every day as well.
Daily moisturizer- Moisturized skin looks and feels healthier. When your skin is well hydrated it appears more youthful and diminishes signs of aging. Moisturizers, especially those with hyaluronic acid help to plump up the skin, filling in fine lines and wrinkles.
When your skin is dehydrated those same fine lines and wrinkles are severely exaggerated making you look older.
Skin that lacks moisture can appear lackluster and dull. Think about a sponge, when it is dried out it looks shriveled and wrinkled, when you put it under water it fills and plumps up, just like your skin. Moisturized skin also helps to reinforce the skin's barrier and protect the skin from environmental toxins. Moisturize in the morning before applying SPF and at night as the last step in your skincare routine.
Girl, Wash your Face- I know after a long day you may want to skip this step and throw yourself into your comfy bed, but if you want to keep your skin looking young and healthy skincare experts advise against it. Throughout the day your skin is exposed to toxins in the air that over time break down collagen in your skin and damage it. If you skip washing your face at night and just go to bed your allowing those toxins to further penetrate into your pores as you sleep. Plus, if you wear makeup and don’t remove it before bed it can clog your pores causing breakouts.
Pro Tip: Take this step further by following a full skin care regimen, morning and evening, recommended by a skincare professional.
Get Facials Regularly- Getting a professional facial once a month or at least a few times a year is important to help maintain a youthful, glowing complexion. As we age our skin cells don't turn over as quickly as they used to and this can cause a build-up of dead skin cells and other gunk to build up in the pores. When this happens skin appears dull and unhealthy.
Exfoliating at home in between facials can help but it is important to have that deep clean from a professional facial. Don't be afraid to try other services to keep skin looking and feeling healthy. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are wonderful services to help your skin stay healthy. If you're looking for a professional to help give your skin a kick in the pants then give us a call at (608) 783-8380 and we will get you set up ASAP with one of our skincare pros who will help get your skin on the right track.
