Your best skin starts now
Aging: It’s a process that elicits mixed emotions. Some signs appear slowly and softly, while others can demand attention. For the most part, early attention with topical treatments is the first line of all-natural defense, especially for those in their 20s and 30s. Most of aging is influenced by genetics, ethnicity, sun exposure and what you do (or don’t do) to care for your skin. According to Dr Nazirin, the most noticeable changes are:
If you feel your skin isn’t acting your age, here’s what modern skincare do for you.
Anti-aging essentials in your 40s
People start to notice the appearance of aging in their 30s and 40s, says Dr Nazirin, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Nazirin Skin Clinic. “The natural life cycle of skin begins to slow down, meaning the appearance of discoloration, wrinkles, sagging, and reduction of collagen production takes place,” she says. Hormonal changes may also trigger adult acne, giving you flashbacks to teenage breakouts. If you’re not already using anti-aging skin care products in your 40s, now’s the time.
Treatments and products containing Vitamin C and retinoids, two topical ingredients backed by decades of research and clinical trials, should be part of the 40s woman. They’re used to stimulate collagen, prevent and treat existing wrinkles, and even fight acne if your body has decided to make an attempt at “skin of a teenager” but bungled the details. There’s a caveat with retinoids, though: They lead to photosensitivity, so dedicated daily use of high-SPF, full-spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF 50) is a must.
If the barriers of a prescription and photosensitivity are dampening your interest in retinoids, topical vitamin C is a great alternative. It also promotes collagen growth, fights wrinkles, and even cleans up the damage from UV rays, Dr Nazirin says. This antioxidant powerhouse also tackles hyperpigmentation, including acne scars and sunspots.
40s skin kit
- Retinoids
- Vitamin C
- SPF 50 sunscreen
Anti-Anti-aging essentials in your 50s
As the same aging processes of our 40s continues in our 50s, Dr Nazirin warns that menopause may amplify the signs for women. Changing estrogen levels may result in drier skin. The loss of collagen can lead to sagging skin along the jaw and around the eyes. Years of sun exposure will also re-emerge as rough skin texture and sunspots. While upping your moisturizer game and using topical treatments (such as retinoids or vitamin C) will help soften and smooth dry, rough skin.
As to skin treatment Radiofrequency Microneedling (RFM) — should be given a try. RFM might look like a toy version of a medieval torture device (and can be a little uncomfortable), but it may be the key to boosting your collagen. It does require a careful sterilization regime, though, since it’s puncturing the skin. RFM increases collagen and elastin production, improve scars and fine wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation, and rejuvenate the skin,” Dr Nazirin says.
Dr Nazirin also suggests a HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) which can be used to tighten loose and sagging skin. “It’s a great treatment to help diminish fine lines and wrinkles and to renew the skin’s surface for a refreshed, youthful glow,” she says.
50s skin kit
- RFM
- HIFU
- SPF 50 sunscreen
Anti-Anti-aging essentials in your 60s and beyond
In the advent of our 60s, the most new and noticeable development is thinning of the skin. Topical treatments can continue to fight fine lines and hyperpigmentation and work toward improving firmness and texture. But DrNazirin warns that that’s not enough to combat sagging due to lost volume in the face. Thankfully, there are less invasive options if you’re looking for more of a boost than a skin care routine can provide. However DrNazirin advises you see a dermatologist, who will be able to recommend the right treatment to plump the tissue underneath loose skin in order to restore contours that have been lost, providing some ‘lift’ by supporting the overlying skin..
Dr Nazirin also recommends HIFU which uses ultrasound technology to revive collagen production and lift and tighten skin naturally and nonsurgically,” she explains.
60s skin kit
- HIFU
- Fillers & volumizers
- SPF 50 sunscreen
Anti-aging essentials at any age
New technology has brought a wealth of minimally invasive procedures to fight the signs of aging, as well as new, less irritating topical treatments. But what’s the most effective method to combat the signs of aging? Preventing sun damage.
It’s easy to tell ourselves slipping out to the car for a quick errand without a hat or skipping sunscreen on a cloudy day is harmless. But Dr Nazirin warns that UV damage will eventually catch up to us. “The hard part is there’s a delay between when sun exposure occurred and when its effects manifest,” she says.
So be kind to your current and future self. Skip sunbathing and the tanning booth, rock a hat and sunglasses, and always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. You’ll enjoy healthy, glowing skin for years to come.