Derm secrets for anti-aging

It’s no secret here... we’re all getting older—and our skin is changing. (It’s not in your head!)

By age 25 you can work some easy steps into your daily skincare routine to aid the natural skin aging process and enjoy the journey.

Let’s be clear about something around here- getting older is wonderful. We’re not trying to look 20, and actually, in our 30s and 40s are when are bone structure is best! The goal is to keep our skin healthy. Just like we work out our body for mental and physical health plus cosmetic results, we do skincare for all of the same reasons.

As we age, our skin changes, so our skincare routine should evolve too!

With a little bit of know-how, it’s easy to navigate these changes. Knowledge is power, right?

There are two main things that happen in our skin as we age:
1- dry skin
2- dull skin

Here’s what we’re going to do about it. Exfoliate + Moisturize.

The science behind skin as we age

Produce less hyaluronic acid in the dermis
Estrogen levels gradually decrease thus skin becomes drier
Skin cell life cycle increase so takes longer for dead skin cells to shed
Skin thins and wrinkles due to DNA damage from UV rays

My top anti-aging skincare tips from the derm clinic…

*Steps onto metaphorical soapbox*
I tell literally everyone that it’s so important for you to not only understand what is going on with your skin but realize the reasons behind it too. Understanding the why is how we stay compliant and consistent!

As we age we should use a thicker moisturizer at night. Hydrating masks are also going to be your best friend. Use them!! My all-time favorite is Epionce Enriched Firming Mask.

By age 40, it takes about 30 days for dead skin cells to go away compared to 2 days when we’re toddlers. In my experience with patients and 1:1 skincare consults, by age 35 most women say their skin is dull… and this is why!

A complete, daily skincare routine for your skin type is the first step.

Next, don’t forget. Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Your skin needs help to remove dead skin cells.

You can choose between chemical exfoliators and physical exfoliators.

Chemical exfoliation has everything to do with what’s IN the product. Physical exfoliation has more to do with the texture of the product. If your skin feels dry despite adding thicker and thicker moisturizers, then you may need some gentle physical exfoliation to help the dead skin cells be on their way.

side note: A retinoid isn't an exfoliator, but it does shed the dead skin cells and is the most important step after daily sunscreen. Here's how to start a retinoid.

This one may take you by surprise- but… it’s not always skincare 😘

As you age, you should prioritize in-office treatments. This is, of course, after you nail down your daily routine. (Hint that routine should include: SPF 30, retinoid (or alternative), and Vitamin C).

What about adding hyaluronic acid, you may ask? That, my friend, is an entire discussion of its own. I typically don’t recommend adding it as a serum alone (these add an extra step, the effective ones are expensive, and they must be used properly or can actually cause dry skin), but I do recommend looking for it as an ingredient in a moisturizer.

Don’t forget, as a board-certified Derm PA and skincare enthusiast, I offer one-on-one consults to offer an unbiased opinion from a medical background and make a custom plan for you! I’m here to help guide you on where to spend your time and money based off your individual skin and goals.