Advice from an expert: 5 tips for aging gracefully
In the second installment of Advice From an Expert, our lead facialist Kristina shares her best advice around aging and how to do it gracefully.
According to skin expert Kristina, anti-aging is about healthy skin, not about stopping the process of aging. When we love our skin and take proper care of it, our skin has the power to love us back, regardless of age.
How does age impact the skin?
As we age, our skin begins to change, most notably losing fullness and elasticity due to reduced collagen production. Less collagen leads to looser skin and the increased appearance of fine lines. Additionally, the skin’s sebaceous glands produce less sebum, a fatty substance that helps protect the skin’s moisture barrier, leading to drier skin as we age. The fat cells within the subcutaneous tissue also lessen, and we don’t form new skin cells as quickly. All of this means that it takes a little extra time and effort for our skin to renew itself. So what can we do to keep our glow and love our skin?
1. Know your ingredients
Certain ingredients are essential to a healthy skincare routine for aging skin—all of which can also be used preventatively. Some of our favorite ingredients that promote the skin’s production of collagen and elastin are…
SPF: We hate to sound like a broken record, but sunscreen year-round is the best antiaging cream available.
Try: Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream Tinted SPF 30 or Salt & Stone SPF 50 Face Stick.
Hyaluronic acid: An intensive moisture companion that locks in water and gives volume to the skin.
Try: Josh Rosebrook Hydration Boost Concentrate Serum
Algae extracts: A natural tightening agent that helps to boost collagen.
Try: Odacite Creme de la Nuit (contains vitamin C, ashwagandha, CoQ10 and blue-green algae) or Oio Lab Algaemania
Retinol and Vitamin A: Retinol is an amazing ingredient that can almost turn back time. It works wonders on texture and fine lines by stimulating the production of collagen. Vitamin A is used interchangeably with retinol and can be found in many clean beauty products.
Try: Mantle The Chill Cream for a vegan retinol or Costa Brazil Anti Aging Face Oil for the perfect combination of omega 3, 6, 9, and vitamins A and E—use it alone or over other creams/serums as a kind of seal.
Antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E: Vitamin C & E, two well-known antioxidants, are important in both our diets and topically for our skin. They work to keep the effects of free radicals at bay, protecting your cells and brightening skin.
Try: Odacite Youthful Glow (a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging serum that helps keep the skin firm with 2-3 drops morning and evening), Oio Lab the Future is Bright, or Lavido Replenishing Serum
And don't forget the neck and décolleté!
2. Skin happens from the inside out
The skin is our largest organ, and how we care for it inside has a huge impact on how it looks on the outside. A healthy varied diet with plenty of vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids, and protein helps to keep skin hydrated, plump, and supple. For more information on mastering your digestive system, check out our Guide to Holistic Health and Nutrition part 1.
3. Be consistent with treatments
Everyday skincare is essential, but targeted facial treatments where we take the time to focus on specific concerns have a huge impact when carried out regularly. From boosting collagen production to strengthening the skin’s barrier, treatments can target and prevent skin woes in an efficient and effective way.
Try: Japanese Facelift, LED Light Therapy, Face Place Signature
You can also carry out your own intensive at-home treatments using facial massage tools to circulate blood and promote lymphatic drainage.
Try: Carbonnique Face Roller or Lanshin Sculpting Spoon
4. Exercise and keep active
When we get our pulse up, we increase blood flow and oxygen in the skin. Exercise and sweat are key sources of elimination, essential to removing waste and toxins.
5. Sleep tight
Sleep is one of the most important parts of any routine—the concept of ‘beauty sleep’ is the real deal. We need at least seven hours in order for the body to recover and regenerate cells. It’s during this time that our skin can recover from stressors.
Have questions about which treatments and products are right for you? Take our Skin Quiz for tailored recommendations.
