Did you know the skin is our largest organ? Recently I’ve decided to look after mine a bit better, as well as rejoice in this current wellness era of appreciating the skin I’m in. The media is full of older women who are embracing their age and looking fantastic with it; Dame Helen Mirren, Andie McDowell, and Sarah Jessica Parker are just some our new “poster girls,” showing the rest of us how liberating it can be.

We encourage you, too, to celebrate your skin and look after it, be that organically or with a little help, here and there. Whether you’re “turning back time” or maintaining and prepping for the future, feeling good about your skin will help you step out with confidence.

SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL
The first step to glowing skin is sleep. Getting adequate rest helps with general health and managing mental well-being, both of which, good or bad, will be reflected in your skin. As Pamela Connor, functional nutritionist at Connor Wellness Clinic (connorwellnessclinic.com) advises, “Sleep is essential for skin repair and regeneration, leading to a brighter, more refreshed complexion.”

KINDESS COUNTS
Erika Winzinger of Skin Aesthetics by Erika (erikawinzinger.glossgenius.com) advocates being kind to your skin. “My advice is to keep your skin fresh and plump like a juicy grape! Dodge harsh ingredients, love on gentle products, and wash your face in cool water for that fountain of youth glow!” Your skin will quickly let you know if it’s irritated by a product—it might redden, become dryer, or breakout, and you may need to consult a dermatologist. 

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE
If your body is dehydrated, then your skin will mirror that. But if water becomes boring, we love this tip from Cynthia Sanchez, RN-BSN, at CynSational Aesthetics (cynsationalaesthetics.com): “Consider incorporating hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet to further support skin hydration.”  

HELLO HORMONES
We can eat all the watermelon we like, but it could just be that your age and current stage of life is impacting your skin. Dry skin and adult acne are symptoms to watch out for, but expert advice is available. James Dickens, MD, of Cascade Medical Wellness & Aesthetics (cascadewellnessca.com) advises regulating hormones and watching the impact of that treatment, before dealing with skin concerns. “Once patients feel better with hormone replacement therapy, then we can help with cosmetic and aesthetic issues that come with aging skin such as wrinkles and brown spots.”  

B IS FOR BOTOX
Botox is no longer a “celebrity exclusive” and has been on the market for a while. Shawna Chrisman, CEO and founder of Destination Aesthetics (destinationaesthetics.com), describes it as, “A quick and relatively painless way to soften fine lines and wrinkles.” But with so many providers, choosing can be daunting. Chrisman advises, “Make sure you see a medical provider that is expertly trained and do not choose someone based on price alone." 

STAY PALE
We might live in the Golden State, but  it's imperative to avoid golden skin! While the warmth of the sun on your face can feel like bliss, it’s actually very damaging: melanoma, brown spots, and wrinkles are just some of the effects. Sunscreen (minimum factor 30; did you know that two factor 15 products do not “add up” to factor 30?) must be part of your skin care routine, going on last after your moisturizer.

GET PHYSICAL
An exercise glow can help your skin glow too. As Connor tells me, “Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including the skin, and sweating aids with detoxification.  Being active also stimulates collagen production, which is essential for the skin’s elasticity, helping with wrinkles and fine lines.” 

INSIDE OUT
Your skin health reflects your diet and what you’re consuming. Jaiwant Rangi, MD (rangimd.com), who specializes in metabolic wellness, advises against:

• Sugar, which can damage collagen and elastin in the skin.

• Processed foods, as they often contain salt and preservatives, which can cause inflammation.

• Excessive alcohol, as this can dehydrate and deprive the skin of essential nutrients leading to dullness, puffiness, and broken capillaries. 

TAKE (PERMANENT) ACTION
If you feel like taking more permanent action, then plastic surgery could be the way forward. Reginald Rice, MD, plastic surgeon at Esthetics Center (estheticscenter.com) warns, “Facial plastic surgery is a big decision; in many ways bigger than a body procedure simply because you can’t cover it up, and your face ‘is you.’ I strongly encourage patients to do their homework and have at least some (more is better) understanding of what options are available to improve the ‘issue’ they see in the mirror.”

Be proud of the skin you’re in and don’t be too self-critical. No matter how you perceive yourself and whatever tips and tricks you try, remember to celebrate with a smile—it goes a long way to boost confidence and brighten your mood.  

by Caroline Kings

Photo © deagreez - stock.adobe.com. Botox photo © Prostock-studio - stock.adobe.com. Bottom photo © deniskomarov - stock.adobe.com. Top photo © neatlynatly - stock.adobe.com.