Anti-Aging Success: Know Thy Enemy
Once you understand what ages you, plan your attack!
Aging is inevitable but what speeds it up?
Smoking, drinking, sleep positions, sun exposure, stress, eating poorly, sedentary lifestyle, environmental factors, and not taking good care of your skin.
This is what my skin looks like with no editing but with excellent lighting. I’ll be 50 next month.
Pro tip: Golden hour light makes you look younger.
What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles are a by product of the aging process. Thinning skin, slower skin cell production, and lack of collagen causes wrinkles to form. When your skin’s cells age, their ability to produce Collagen slows down.
Collagen is a protein that gives your skin it’s structure. Think of your skin’s elasticity like a rubber band. If a rubber band stretches too much, it loses its ability to snap back. This makes it more difficult for your skin to snap back. It loses it’s elasticity, which causes wrinkles.
Plan of attack
Wear sunscreen everyday even if it’s cloudy.
UV Rays still penetrate your skin on a cloudy day so don’t skip sunscreen.. My favorite sunscreens are from SkinMedica and Elta MD. They are both very light weight, non greasy, and good for sensitive skin. Sunscreen can sometimes be irritating and greasy but these two are not. They are lightweight and work great under makeup.
Skin Medica
Elta MD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
Skincare
Using good skincare is like eating healthy food. What you put on your skin and into your body affects your overall health and anti-aging journey. Here are some of my favorite anti-aging products that I carry in my Pro Makeup Kit.
SkinMedica: HA Rejuvenating Hydrator
La Prairie: Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
Vintner’s Daughter: Active Botanical Serum
Omorovicza Blue Diamond. Supercream
Stay hydrated
Drink more water and less dehydrating drinks like alcohol. Proper hydration affects the texture and overall appearance of your skin. Look for water brands that are clean. I love Icelandic Glacial because it’s sourced directly from Iceland’s legendary Ölfus Spring, one of the world’s purest ecosystems. Another favorite that is sourced from a protected spring is Proud Source Spring Water.
Sleep Position matters
Did you know sleeping on your back prevents wrinkles? If you are a side sleeper like me, you can get a pillow specifically for side sleepers that helps. I have this one: Omnia pillow from Sleep & Glow.
Diet & Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle and diet containing lots of sugar and other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging. Exercise and healthy eating have been proven to reduce the signs of aging. Glowing skin comes from within! As we age, a lot of people aren’t as active because what they loved doing when they were younger is too high impact. Yoga is a great way to keep moving, build muscle, and relieve stress.
My favorite yoga practices in West LA and North of Boston:
Laughing Frog Yoga Studio, West LA. They also offer puppy and goat yoga outdoor sessions!
Beach Yoga, Santa Monica CA. Yoga on the beach is next level Namaste
The Salty Buddha, Salem MA. Beautiful space & great instructors
Dark Star Yoga, Salem MA, Love the instructors here
Avoid Environmental Factors
Pollutants cause collagen to break down as pollution enters your pores. It’s not always easy to avoid pollution but spending free time forest bathing or getting out of the city can help!
Anti-Aging skin treatments
Always upgrade your facials. As we age, we need up the ante. Micro dermabrasion, Laser treatments, and peels will diminish the signs of aging. I’ve tried many treatments but one of my favorites so far has been Lumecca. Lumecca is an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment. It reduces redness and discoloration.
My favorite places to get a facial from coast to coast:
La Prairie Spa, Beverly Hills CA
Parfaire Medical Aesthetics, Pasadena CA
LF Aesthetics, Salem MA
Injectables
Botox & fillers like Juvederm are miracle workers when you go to a talented provider. Not everyone is talented and the market is oversaturated. I’ve seen it all as a makeup artist and I recommend only the best to my clients. The providers who do a less is more approach are the ones you want on your anti-aging team. When you get too much botox or filler, it can have an opposite effect and you can look older. Injectables done well should make you look refreshed and not obvious.
A few of my favorite providers for Injectables and Advanced Skin treatments are:
Dr. Winnie Moses, Parfaire Medical Aesthetics, Pasadena CA
Nina Sedighi PA-C, SkinSpirit, Beverly Hills CA
Dr. Shanthala, Peabody MA (North of Boston)
This page may include affiliate links. All products are honest opinions. Visit my Amazon Page for more detailed lists from beauty to lifestyle.
