Whether you have acne or hyperpigmentation with fine lines, facials aren't the cure-all! Between facials, use your skincare every day to maintain the benefits of your professional skincare treatments.

Take the time to care for your skin and you'll be rewarded with a healthy and glowing face. 

Here are 5 ideas for a more youthful appearance

1. Ask your Esthetician if lactic acid peels are suitable for you. This ingredient is excellent for aging/changing skin since it helps replenish natural ceramide levels and, as mentioned above, contributes to smoother, hydrated skin. It is also brightening, which is a good strategy for lightening sun damage. For those who live in Los Angeles, see Faces by Fern's Menu of Services here.
2. Choose ceramide-rich moisturizers, especially during the colder months, to maintain the skin-changing benefits of your treatments. Definitely, if you already have dry or dehydrated skin, these moisturizers are good for you, too. Here are healthy aging product suggestions.
3. Add serums! Serums are power players for delivering specialized, concentrated ingredients that every aging skin needs. The must-haves:
• Hyaluronic Acid - binds moisture and plumps 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: free radicals also accelerate 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 skin and is essential for anyone over 35. Vitamin A has the unique characteristic of encouraging new skin cell growth, resulting in a brighter tone, smoother texture, and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Dietary Antioxidants: The Mayo Clinic offers this advice: Plant-based foods are the best sources of dietary antioxidants. 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?
5. 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. Here are SPF recommendations.

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. 

Reducing alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and adding relaxation time are important to your overall sense of calm, which adds to your sense of a "good life." It feels good, too!

Would you like to talk about your skin concerns? Schedule a phone consultation with Fern by clicking here and choosing Complimentary Phone Consultation. I'd love to hear from you!