When you think about it, most of the products targeting the adult female demographic (30 and up) are marketed to help fix or eradicate whatever assumed destruction has been done to one’s complexion. “Erase fine lines, brighten dull skin, add volume to certain areas” are popular catch phrases on serums, creams, and lotions. It is almost anticipated that once you have reached a certain number in age, you need to hit damage control and fix what time has taken its toll on.
What if you could hault the entire process of physically aging before it happens to your face? By doing a little bit here and there over the years, you can avoid doing a lot in a short time period. Imagine the time, money, and invasive effort you could save by starting early with preventative care. Its actually true that the earlier you start, the better. There is a stigma around undergoing procedures in ones youth, because of well documented celebrities such as the Kardashians who famously admit to getting injectables in their teens, and now have what some may call an “overdone” look. However, there is a way to participate in preventative care while maintaining a fresh, natural look. Ironically it will save you from having to undergo a huge transformation once you realize you need to correct the things you have neglected. There are several things you can start now to preserve your skin’s beauty.
1. Most important preventative step is to wear sunscreen faithfully, day in and day out. You may not realize sunlight is causing a considerable amount of DNA damage to your skin even when its not directly impacting you, such as driving or sitting by a window. There are many formulas available if you are concerned about sensitivity to ingredients in SPF. My favorite is ELTA MD clear spf 46.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, then exfoliate, but do not over dry your skin. Keeping your skin moisturized is absolutely key to preventing wrinkles and irritation. It starts internally, and this means drinking adequate water, around 2 liters a day. Next step is topical hydration, and I recommend natural oils at night. For dry skin coconut oil is amazing, and oily skin does great with almond oil. Exfoliation is essential for cell turnover, but I recommend only doing this 2-3 times a week for people in their 20s. Up the regimen to 3-4 for each decade. Exfoliating can be as simple as mixing a teaspoon of baking soda into your wash, or you can invest in a glycolic acid.
3. Invest in non invasive procedures to naturally stimulate collagen and elastin production such as micro-needling. If you are in your 20’s you can enhance your bodies ability to heal and generate healthy cells by doing micro-needing as little as four times a year. That way, your skin will organically maintain a plump and smooth texture without the need for fillers and injectables later in life.