Can you influence how your skin ages?
Did you know that genetics, accounting for 40% of your skin's aging, could either be comforting or concerning? But fret not, as you have control over the remaining 60%.
Here's how skin ages:
40% Genetics
30% Skin Care
30% Lifestyle
These factors work hand in hand, offering numerous ways to help your skin age gracefully.
And here's a crucial reminder: the sun plays a significant role in damaging your skin or accelerating aging issues such as crinkly skin, dark spots, and texture changes. Sun damage accumulates over time, with just 10 minutes of exposure daily potentially causing significant issues. Despite recommendations for 15 minutes of daily unprotected sun exposure for Vitamin D, opting for a quality supplement is a safer choice. Remember, your lips, eyes, and hands also require sun protection.
What happens to your skin in your 20s and 30s?
In your 20s, your skin undergoes minimal changes. It remains soft, well-hydrated, shedding dead cells every 3 to 4 weeks, maintaining a fresh appearance. However, you may notice a gradual decrease in water retention capability, as hyaluronic acid begins to deplete due to factors like UV rays and pollution. Consequently, your skin may feel drier, less supple, and lose its radiance. While collagen loss initiates, it hasn't become evident yet. Hence, protection is vital during your 20s.
Moving into your 30s, minor changes become noticeable, such as expression lines around the eyes and forehead, and dark spots from UV damage. Your skin may also become drier and more sensitive to temperature changes. However, this is the time for action. As you begin to notice these changes, it's crucial to switch to a more hydrating cleanser, incorporate ample moisture, and add a treatment product at night. Protection and prevention become paramount.
Thoughts on Prejuvenation Care:
Your skincare routine in your 20s and 30s significantly influences your skin's aging process. While injectables and advanced treatments like Botox or fillers can help correct aging issues, they aren't necessary for prevention. Adopting good lifestyle and skincare habits is key. Starting injectables at a young age is costly and lacks a good history, with potential long-term effects unknown.
Skin Care Strategies for your 20s - Protect & Maintain:
Establish a gentle yet effective cleansing routine, avoiding harsh ingredients.
Apply sunscreen daily, ideally starting in your teens, with SPF 30.
Incorporate an eye cream from age 25.
Include Vitamin C for moisture, antioxidant protection, and collagen stimulation.
Use a nighttime moisturizer tailored to your skin type.
Schedule facials seasonally to hydrate and treat your skin.
Consider micro-dermabrasion for a refreshing and brightening boost.
These are basic recommendations. If you have specific concerns such as acne, break our prone skin or rosacea specific treatment plans should be followed.
Skin Care Strategies for your 30s - Protect & Prevent:
Build on the strategy for your 20s by adding a treatment skin care product at night. Doesn’t have to be a retinol, but could be a good hydrating peptide cream that starts to work on stimulating collagen & elastin so the loss is reduced and good moisture levels maintained. Ingredients that build collagen include cooper peptides and neoderlym.
Professional treatments 4 times a year. Select ones that are hydrating and can stimulate collagen & Elastin such as chemical peels, micro needling, or micro-current. And polish skin with Micro-dermabrasion or dermaplaning for fleshing and brightening.
A note about your eyes!
Remember, the skin around your eyes ages faster, necessitating a dedicated eye cream. While Botox may seem tempting, long-term use can pose risks, making a good eye cream a safer option.
Be cautious with false eyelashes or extensions, as the glue can damage delicate skin and even cause permanent eyelash loss. Instead, opt for eyelash growth products like Latisse or RapidLash.
General Lifestyle Tips:
As noted above, lifestyle can have a significant affect on how your skin ages. Good lifestyle habits that impact your skin include:
Prioritize sufficient sleep for optimal skin repair.
Regular exercise improves circulation, enhancing skin radiance.
Opt for a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar, which can cause glycation and alter skin texture.
Skin Care Tips:
Establish consistent skincare habits with proven products.
Never sleep with makeup on, as it can accelerate aging and cause breakouts.
Combine injectables with a reliable skincare routine for a healthy, beautiful appearance.
Choose skincare products wisely, opting for medical-grade options for optimal results. Understand the difference between drug store, department store, Facebook, Sephora, Ulta, and medical-grade products. They can all be expensive so invest wisely.
Avoid overusing potent ingredients like retinol or alpha hydroxy acids, as they can irritate the outer layer or protective layer of your skin.
As your skin changes with the seasons and over the years, adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Regularly reevaluate your regimen to accommodate hormonal changes and maintain skin health. At SkinTrust, our "Ask the Esthetician" service ensures personalized care tailored to your skin's needs.