Hang on, while I take you down an interesting trail, and give you some basic understanding of why our skin ages and how we can make a difference just by changing our habits and having a simple skincare regime. Yes, you can have younger looking skin, no matter when you start. But as you will learn, the earlier, the better.

Taking preventative measures early can diminish and change the course of aging. It is NEVER too late to begin a responsible skincare program to ensure healthy skin through all ages.

Did you know? Hyaluronic acid and collagen production begin to decrease at around age 20 to 25. By the time we are 40, these levels are already 50% less than they were in our 20s

Okay, lets dig in:

Cellular Senescence – And although Senescence is a natural part of aging, sometimes cells enter senescence too early, resulting in premature aging.

Definition: These are aged Cells that no longer proliferate due to damaged DNA. They are unable to complete apoptosis, which is the necessary and normal dying off of old cells. Instead, they hang around and release cytokines, and induce more senescence. This cycle causes premature aging of the skin.

While biologically young cells die off in apoptosis, Senescence cells are sneaky. They are slow to die. So, senescence cells – even though they no longer replicate themselves – persist and cannot easily be killed. The result? Premature wrinkles and aging of the skin.

(Every cell has a limited number of replications it can make. Known as the “maximum replicative capacity of the cell.)”

The other really important thing is, it only takes one senescence cell to create a chain reaction among nearby cells, making them all enter senescence too. Once a cell stops regenerating, there is no way to fix it.

The result – The underlying structure collapses, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

Genetics, lifestyle and environment all play a role.

But there are things you can do to reduce senescence.

Oxidative stress is a really big one. When too many free radicals are roaming, the cells become damaged, causing breakdowns and damaged DNA. Damaged cells  = Cellular Senescence.

Preventative skincare and healthy habits can reduce Cellular Senescence.

Some additional things to consider that can remove Senescence Cells:  Intermittent fasting; Ketosis; high intensity exercise; Cardio exercise. Supplements like Quercetin and Resveratrol can also have a positive effect.

Advanced Glycation End Products – AGEs

Definition: Free sugar molecules that are circulating our blood stream. They end up in our tissues and cells because as we age we lose our ability to update those cells.

This leads to cramped collagen and elastin fibers that are no longer able to thrive. They are fertile ground for the multiplication of free radicals and the appearance of oxidative stress.

This significantly enhances the appearance of sagging skin, and creates a unique wrinkle pattern, a cross web or linking, also known as ‘sugar wrinkles.’

Can sugar consumption cause visible premature aging? In terms of Glycation and your skin, yes it can.

What Do You Do Now?

First we need to remember that all action, is good action. At any age. Its never too late to affect change.

Permanent and healthy results ALWAYS happen over time. We are such an immediate society, we forget that all good things are usually a result of accumulated good habits over time.

There are treatments that can offer a healthy immediate effect, and treatments and products that are preventative over time. A combination of these will give you the best long term results.

Love yourself. Start with a positive and respectful attitude towards yourself. High five yourself every day.

Choose good quality Skincare rich in antioxidants. Also consider periodic preventative treatments, like facials or micro needling to encourage collagen induction and replacement of hyaluronic acid.

Start Here:

If you already have skincare, do a good purge. Be honest. Go through your products. Keep what serves you, toss the old stuff you have been “hanging onto because it was so expensive and you can’t bring yourself to get rid of it.”

Look at ingredients. If you need help, download the App called Yuka. You can scan, or type in the name of nearly every cosmetic product. You can scan labels while shopping to ensure you’re taking home the best. Scan your products at home. If its yucky, it should leave. ‘Using up’ poor products is counter-productive to you, and is just delaying giving yourself what you deserve, the best most healthy products. I have also done the purge, it only hurts for a minute.

If you need help with suggestions or healthy skincare options, call or message me. Consults are always welcome, and I am always available.

Skincare Must Haves:

Retinol: Affects cellular turnover. Cellular turnover is accelerated, refines and smooths skin, stimulates collagen production. Retinol can cause mild reactions to some, and in some cases clients may need to proceed slowly until their skin becomes used to the increased activity from the retinol. If you are sensitive, consider a milder form of retinol, the vegan version Bakuchiol. If you do have a reaction to retinol, redness/inflammation….apply Hyaluronic Acid which will have a calming effect and lessen the reaction time. Retinol is always a nighttime treatment because it is photosensitive.

Vitamin C Serum: An amazing antioxidant. Manages those pesky free radicals. Vitamin C should ALWAYS be in a sealed pump bottle, and a dark container. Vitamin C becomes unstable when it comes in contact with the air and sunlight and loses its effectiveness very quickly. If its in a jar where you are constantly removing the lid, it is useless. Vitamin C is a morning serum because it will protect your skin throughout the day. The best vitamin C…Kakadu Plum, which has 100x the Vitamin C of an orange.

Hyaluronic Acid: Plumps, hydrates. Smooths.  It is a plumper and attracts 1000x its own weight in water. It is naturally in your body, mostly in your skin and joints and it depletes with age. Use Hyal 2x day, morning and night, after your serums. Using Hyal after your evening retinol will help minimize any potential irritation from the retinol.

Gua Sha Stone: Using a Gua Sha will increase the absorption of your topicals and can also lift the skin, causing a smoothing effect. Using a stone daily can be one of the biggest changes you can affect yourself. Ensure you are using your stone with an oil meant for skin. Like either Rose Hip Oil or Rejuveniqe Oil. The stone must have slip on your skin and should not pull. The stone should also be flat when pulled across your skin, not perpendicular.

Medi Spa treatments:

Micro Needling: Collagen Induction, increase levels of Hyaluronic Acid, Skin rejuvenation and Repair. Thickens the Dermis. Why is this important? Because as we age, our skin gets thinner.  It is a cumulative treatment that results in new collagen and elastin each time, the skin becomes thicker, more supple. Recommended treatments are 3x, 6 weeks apart.

OxyGeneo Facials:

Tighten. Oxygenate. Exfoliate. Infuse. Restore.

Plump and hydrate. Restore volume. Firm and tighten pores. Address sun spots and pigmentation. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You will see and feel results after one treatment. A course of treatments and then moving to a regular maintenance schedule is best. Start with one facial a week for 4 weeks and then move to a maintenance schedule that meets your needs and budget.

Dermaroller® Home Roller:

Highly effective and something affordable that you can do for yourself at home. A Dermaroller® will last a year based on useage of 3x week. Treat wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. Stimulates new collagen. See brighter, fresher, younger-looking skin. Allows for unparalleled hydration – get the most out of your moisturizers! A home roller affects the epidermis only, there should be very little discomfort and ABSOLUTELY NO bleeding of the skin when home rolling. If you are considering a home roller, please contact me, these are available through my office.

There is only one Dermaroller®! Please be wary of imposters! Dermaroller® brand is made in Germany and is available from approved distributors only!

There’s more, but that’s enough for today! Feeling like making some changes? Let me know how I can help. Sometimes it’s just a decision, sometimes it’s a little more. I hope this gives you the information you need to make healthy changes, and relove the skin you’re in.