How to Reduce Signs of Aging

Wisdom and experience come with age – but that doesn’t mean we want it to show on our face. There are numerous things that can age our skin. Some are out of our control, but others are within our power to influence. The most effective anti-aging treatments play an important role in slowing down the body’s natural processes.

When it comes to “intrinsic aging,” our genes are in control. These are natural processes that our bodies experience as we get older — hormonal shifts, absorption of free radicals and our body’s weakened ability to repair skin damage over time. Intrinsic aging is not directly within our control, but there are environmental factors and routines we can introduce to slow the process.

Enter: extrinsic aging. 

The environment plays a big role in our skin’s aging. Extrinsic aging factors can include diet, stress, UV exposure and hydration. Also included in extrinsic aging are the products on your bathroom counter that you use daily to combat aging.

Having a better understanding of the aging process as it relates to your skin can help you understand the most effective anti-aging treatments that are right for you.

The Effects of Aging on Your Skin

The chemical properties of our bodies change over time – and our skin is the proof. Our skin changes in a variety of ways as we age:

• Loss of elastic tissue (elastin and collagen) can cause the skin to appear loose

• The thinning of the epidermis, the surface layer of the skin, can cause skin to become more transparent with age

• Blood vessel walls can thin, resulting in our skin bruising more easily

• Loss of fat below the skin in our cheeks, chin, nose and eye areas can result in the appearance of loose skin The loss of sweat and oil glands can intensify dry skin as we age

Those are the natural body processes that impact skin aging that many people don’t know about. However, we’re all fairly familiar with the other environmental components that accelerate skin aging – UV exposure (sun damage), diet and hydration and the presence of stress in our lives. These factors can cause dark circles, lax skin and fine lines and wrinkles to appear earlier and more pronounced.

So how do you go about trying to stall or improve the signs of aging?

Most Effective Anti-Aging Treatments

The secret is: the most effective anti-aging treatments are the ones that you’ve discussed with a medical spa professional. It’s essential to discuss your goals and ask questions in a one-on-one conversation with a medical spa professional. They can help determine which anti-aging treatment is right for you.

Non-surgical anti-aging treatments

Microdermabrasion

Growing in popularity in recent years, unsurprisingly, this exfoliating treatment is more intense than your drugstore facial scrub. It works to remove dead skin cells to reveal a smooth, refined texture. It’s a deep exfoliation followed by steam that decongests pores.

Is Microdermabrasion Right for Me? Read More

Light therapy

These wavelengths of energy kickstart cellular repair that aids in healing, reparation of skin tissue and new collagen formation. By deactivating certain enzymes in the skin and reactivating others, your skin is free of unwanted bacteria that can cause premature aging.

What Are The Benefits of Light Therapy? Read More

Chemical peel

There are a variety of chemical peels depending on your goals. But the basics are this: chemical peels remove the outer layer of dead or dry skin through the application of chemicals to reveal the smoother, younger-looking skin underneath. Chemical peels are a great approach if your goal is to improve skin appearance, reduce signs of aging and repair damage.

Facials

This anti-aging treatment takes extraction to a new level. By exfoliating the surface layer of the skin and extracting impurities, facials make way for a blend of vitamins, minerals and acids that replenish your skin and hydrate at the deepest levels.

All the rage right now is the HydraFacial – kicking it up one notch more. This treatment is a hydrating pick-me-up for your skin. It cleanses, exfoliates, delivers a gentle peel then replenishes the skin with a unique blend of vitamins and minerals — depending on your goals. HydraFacial has introduced specific solutions, known as “boosters” for brightening, calming, hydrating, restoring, smoothing and firming.

Facials vs. HydraFacials: What You Need to Know Read More

Improve Your Anti-Aging Routine

Just scheduling non-surgical anti-aging treatments occasionally and thinking you’ve solved the “extrinsic aging” problem won’t cut it. The environmental and lifestyle factors impacting skin aging need to be addressed every day.

• Wear your sunscreen. Even when it’s not sunny! So many makeup products incorporate SPF so your skin is dewy, glowing and protected.

• Hydrate. Drink water throughout your day, especially if you lead a really active lifestyle. Talk with a team member at Courted to determine if there are daily skincare products that you can incorporate into your routine that boost hydration.

• Don’t sweat it. Removing unnecessary stress in your life is essential to skin health – and overall health. Your body craves rest and relaxation.

Reduce Signs of Aging with Courted

Stop by Courted at The St. James to reduce the signs of aging with the most effective anti-aging treatments and products. Give us a call at  (703) 239-6910 or visit us online to book your next appointment.