Whether you have acne or hyperpigmentation with fine lines, facials aren't the cure-all! You should be using your skincare every day, twice a day. Why should you commit to an at-home skincare regimen? The best answer is to maintain and extend your professional treatments.
Beyond that, the answer is that you are “on your own” at home all month, twice daily. A facial occurs one time per month, usually. You need to be your own self-care advocate at home!
1. Lactic Acid Peels
Ask your Esthetician if lactic acid peels are right for you. This ingredient is great for aging/changing skin since it helps replenish your natural ceramide levels and as mentioned above, contributes to smoother, hydrated skin. It is brightening too, which is a good strategy for lightening sun damage. For those local to Valley Village, California, see Faces by Fern's Menu of Services here.
2. Ceramide-Rich Moisturizers
Choose ceramide-rich moisturizers, especially during the colder months, to maintain the skin-changing benefits of your treatments, and definitely - if you already have dry or dehydrated skin, these moisturizers are good for you too. Here are healthy aging product suggestions.
3. Use Serums to Target Specific Skin Concerns
Add serums! Serums are power players for delivering specialized, concentrated ingredients which every aging skin needs. The must-haves:
Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture and plumps the fine lines and wrinkles
Vitamin C - to combat free radical damage from pollution and UV exposure. From the National Cancer Institute: “Free radicals are an unstable molecule made during normal cell metabolism (chemical changes that occur in a cell). Free radicals can build up in cells and cause damage to other molecules, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins. This damage may increase the risk of cancer and other diseases.” Key takeaway: It also accelerates aging.
Peptides - to trigger your skin’s collagen production and help grow new skin cells for a more youthful look
Retinol/Vitamin A - This serum is a game changer for older skins and is important for anyone over 35, in my humble opinion. Vitamin A has the special characteristic of encouraging new skin cell growth, encouraging a brighter tone, smoother texture, and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Dietary Antioxidants
The Mayo Clinic offers this advice: Plant-based foods are the best sources. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and even cocoa. As a bonus, fruits (like berries), vegetables, and whole grains high in antioxidants are also typically high in fiber, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and good sources of vitamins and minerals. Sounds like a win-win! Why not commit to adding more of these foods to your diet?
4. Sun Protection
You knew I’d mention this one! Sun protection includes:
Seeking shade and avoiding the mid-day sun when scheduling outdoor activities
Wearing broad-brimmed hats - men too! Think “safari” hats.
Donning sun-protective clothing like light sun shirts, fingerless gloves, and arm sleeves.
Broad Spectrum SPF and good quality sunscreens are worth the expense. A good one may seem pricey, but not when compared to the pain and fear accompanying a skin cancer scare.
My Favorite SPF products are:
Faces by Fern Mineral Sunscreen | Face Reality Daily SPF 30 | Tizo Non-Tinted Sunscreen
Other non-skincare lifestyle elements play a role in healthy aging, like going to bed on time. Good to know: research shows that sleeping between 8 p.m. and midnight sets you up for the best chance at restorative sleep, no matter when your alarm is set to wake you in the morning.
Reducing alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and adding relaxation time is important to your overall sense of calm, which adds to your sense of a “good life.” It feels good, too!
