Healthy, glowing skin is something we all crave, especially as we grow older. Maintaining that once effortless, ‘youthful’ look grows harder, and our skin begins to thin and lose its moisture.
However, there are ways to treat your skin right, retaining that plump, creamy look of natural health. It’s why celebrities like Halle Berry and Jennifer Aniston continue to look younger than their age even after fifty.
In this blog, we’ll dive into some self-care routines to achieve glowing skin, not just for Valentine’s Day but all year around.
The science behind skin.
Our skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis (outermost layer), dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis contains the pigment-producing cells or melanocytes which give your skin its coloration. This layer continues to renew itself constantly, replacing old skin cells as they die.
Below this layer, the dermis contains the lymph vessels, nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles. The dermis also contains elastin and collagen, which make up the skin’s texture and subtleness.
Lastly, a layer of subdermal fat sits under the skin, giving it its structure.
Like all the cells in our body, our skin cells lose the capacity to produce faithful copies of the original, resulting in skin fading or wrinkling over time. The fibroblasts that synthesize collagen and supply the blood vessels grow lax over time. Skin loses its natural elasticity, with connective tissues weakening over time, resulting in thinner skin. The retention of moisture is also compromised over time, which is why older skin tends to dry out more easily.
Non-age related skin conditions.
However, age alone isn’t the only factor in skin care. Intense exposure to sun rays and UV light can cause damage to the skin cells, resulting in permanent wrinkling or discolouration over the body. An overproduction of sebum, a natural oil in the skin, can result in grease and spots breaking out. A deficiency in the skin’s natural water content due to dehydration can result in a dull, wane-looking appearance.
Ensuring skin health and radiance.
While ageing and other conditions over time will result in a decline in skin health, there are a number of things you can do to support your skin, keeping it in optimal condition. Particularly as we grow older, the skin requires more help performing its usual functions, including reproducing healthy skin cells and maintaining moisture content and elasticity.
Let’s explore some of these options.
Diet
A healthy, balanced diet that avoids overly fatty or greasy foods will help in your skin-cleansing journey. A certain amount of healthy fats are encouraged, like those in fish, which contain omega-3 oils necessary to the body and proteins for building skin integrity. Avocados, nuts and sunflower seeds also contain these oils. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as red grapes and tomatoes, also contain compounds and vitamins that benefit your skin.
Hydration
Ensuring that you stay hydrated is so important for your skin. Hydration improves the ‘plumpness’ of skin and improves its elasticity, protecting against cracks and irritations. As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture, meaning it needs more support.
Skin protection
Long exposure to the sun, called ‘photoaging’, can damage skin over time, leading to wrinkling, cancers and reddening of the skin. Because photodamage happens in the dermis, it can take years before results become visible. Applying sunblock and limiting the amount of time spent under direct sunlight will help avoid sun damage.
Facials and peels
Halle Barry swears by the power of facials. Facials and peels are designed to boost hydration to the face instantly. Beginning with a cleanse and soak, which helps clear and open up the face’s natural pores. The facial or peel is then applied, resulting in a natural, rejuvenating glow, delivering moisture, vitamins, essential oils and minerals to the skin.
There are a number of facials to choose from, including our Janesce anti-aging facial. Book one of our facial sessions today.
Fibro-blast
The fibroblast treatment is designed to target fibroblast cells, which support connective tissues and proteins in the body. Using the Plasma pen, this non-invasive procedure helps lift and tighten skin, promoting an increase in collagen production for taut, supple skin. You can find out more about this procedure or book an appointment on our page here.
Derma planning
Derma planning is a minimally invasive method that helps promote instantly radiant skin. Using a very fine disposable blade, the topmost layer of skin is scraped to remove dirt, grease, and vellus hairs that collect on the skin. This exfoliates the skin, giving it a younger look and helping clear your skin. Derma planning can be taken along with a facial peel for improved results. Take a look at some of our options here.
Porcello Micro channeling
Micro channeling is often referred to as the ‘next generation’ of derma planning. Using tiny needles to penetrate the epidermis and promote new cell growth, a growth serum using stem cells found naturally in healthy bone marrow is delivered to the skin. This promotes regrowth and reverses skin damage, including scarring, wrinkles, and blemishes. If you want to find out more or see some of the success stories yourself, check out our page on Porcello Micro channeling.
For more information on any of our advice or to talk to us about personalized skin care solutions, get in contact or book a time for a consultation.