By Carissa St. Rose

As we age, our face begins to display years of fun in the sun, stress, and our lifestyle choices in the form of fine lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sagging skin. Most of us are well aware of the common aging culprits, but how much do we really know about the effects of what’s aging us?

SUN EXPOSURE

90% of all premature aging can be attributed to the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. And if that isn’t terrifying enough, overexposure can also lead to skin cancer. The key to minimizing health risks is to avoid sunshine altogether…just kidding…add SPF 50 to your morning routine and reapply every 2 hours and/or before sun exposure.

LACK OF SLEEP

Collagen, elastin, and antioxidant levels increase as we sleep, so be plan on obtaining at least 7 hours of shut-eye to avoid a dull complexion with visible fine lines and wrinkles. You should also make a habit of washing your face before bed to eliminate bacteria and free radicals (environmental youth stealers!) from your skin.

STRESS

Increased stress levels create higher levels of cortisol in the body, which impacts our skins ability to regenerate and heal itself. Increased cortisol levels also create the perfect environment for breakouts to thrive.

DRINKING/SMOKING

An immediate effect of drinking and smoking is dehydrated skin that creates a lackluster complexion. Long-term effects of excessive drinking include a flushed appearance, broken capillaries, and inflammation. Smoking creates fine lines and wrinkles in the skin, while also releases carcinogens (cancer causing agents) into the body, which worsens over time.

UNBALANCED DIET

Opting for fast food and a non-nutritious diet can cause inflammation, breakouts, and a dull complexion. Your body requires nutrient rich fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to fight wrinkles and maintain a healthy overall appearance.

A well-balanced diet and consistent hydration, daily application of SPF, minimizing stress levels, and getting ample sleep are the first steps towards decreasing signs of aging (both internal and external). Treating visible signs of aging starts with implementing a daily regimen with high-quality skincare products. Some of my faves for a solid anti-aging regimen are the DBH Vitamin C20 Serum, Collagen Stemedic Serum, Life Due Serum, and Radiant Age Defiance Cream.

Aging can be a pleasant experience if you tackle it holistically. Committing to healthy habits, clinical facial treatments, and high-quality skincare products ensures improvement of all signs of aging. If you don’t feel your age, why should you look it?! I highly recommend working with an Aesthetician on a customized treatment plan to quickly achieve results, and testing out the above products to fuel your skin with nutrients. Remember, great skin doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by appointment!

You can also take this brief online skin assessment or contact us directly for guidance on the perfect regimen for you!

Xoxo,

Carissa