Have You Ever Wondered how some people seem to achieve and maintain such a youthful look?
If so, we have the scoop!
Let’s face it – all day long we are plugged into our phones, tablets, or computers. World events and social media give us so many reasons to feel stressed and over time stress can take a toll on our skin. It either aggravates existing skin conditions or encourages unhealthy habits that damage our overall complexion. However, one of the worst things that stress does is age our skin.
So, let’s Talk about What Happens to your Skin When You Are Stressed.
Stress makes the delicate skin around our eyes darker and puffier and overall skin can look dry. Frequent frowning tenses the muscles around your mouth, leading to those pesky “lip wrinkles”.
When stressed, your body produces free radical molecules that damage healthy cells. Being continually in a state of stress encourages the production of the stress hormone cortisol. This can reduce your skin’s collagen production. Over time, your skin will start to lose its elasticity and become more sensitive to premature aging.
Thankfully, there are options that can keep your skin looking healthy, glowing, and younger looking. Remember your anti-aging routine is important to start as early as your 20’s but it’s never too late to begin your journey. Did you know that a good medical grade skincare regimen also plays a vital role in enhancing cosmetic procedures? And, if you want a good makeup base, take care of your skin!
Below we want to share some ways you can love the skin you’re in:
HYDRATION
Drinking enough water per day helps your organs function properly and flushes out toxins. People also say that their skin has a more radiant glow when they increase their water intake. Instead of drinking coffee or alcohol, which can dehydrate your skin, consider the healthier alternative―water and lots of it.
EXERCISE
Keeping our bodies active and moving increases our blood flow. As a result, more oxygen gets into our bloodstream, which helps eliminate waste from our body. Staying active also keeps skin cells vital and healthy. Dancing, walking, or playing a sport you enjoy are some fun ways help release stress.
DAILY SPF
Sunscreen is a must-have in any daily skincare routine whether it’s summer or winter. It can help protect your skin against the harmful effects of harsh sunlight. UV rays are one of the most damaging elements to skin. It can weaken the skin’s elastin and collagen fibers, leaving you with age spots, freckles, blotchiness, skin thinning, and other similar problems. Make sure to apply sunscreen every day and reapply as often as needed, especially if you are sweating or in water (some our favorites are ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 and ZO Skin Health Smart-Tone SPF 50 & Daily Sheer SPF 50).
A NIGHTTIME SKIN ROUTINE
Skincare is most effective at night because our skin absorbs everything we apply. If we treat our skin right at night, we can wake up to a refreshed look with a better complexion. It’s a win, win because don’t we all want hydrated, clear and supple skin?
During the day, your skin is exposed to all kinds of dirt and oil. Nighttime is when the skin repairs itself. A daytime skincare routine should ideally focus on” protecting” your skin from all elements while nighttime skincare works towards “restoring” your skin. Usually, we recommend more intense medical grade products at night. They play an important role in keeping your skin hydrated and plump. They also contain anti-aging ingredients that can help repair your skin cells.
Whether you wear makeup or not, it is important to clean your face before you go to bed. If you are a makeup wearer, the first and most important thing before bed is to remove your makeup. Makeup left on the skin can cause damage throughout the night. You want to wash off the excess makeup and dirt from your face and then cleanse it thoroughly with a gentle cleanser (we love ZO Skin Health Gentle or Hydrating Cleansers). This ensures no dirt and makeup residue remains. Don’t forget to include your neck!!!!
Make sure to user a toner after cleansing. This will balance your PH levels and remove the last traces of dirt and impurities from the skin.
Now it’s time for your serums. These deliver high concentrations of active ingredients. They usually have different purposes. Some are to brighten your skin, reduce blemishes, or boost its hydration. Our estheticians can help you in determining what your skin needs.
Next up is your moisturizer! A moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated, preventing potential breakouts and acne from dry skin. Skipping this step might eventually lead to deeper wrinkles and duller skin.
Last but certainly not least apply your eye cream. There are separate products we recommend for the eyes because it is a sensitive area. This is the thinnest skin on our faces and can wrinkle fast. Invest in a medical grade eye cream to prevent early signs of aging (see below for more information).
Remember, while resting, your skin and body undergo repair and reconstruction. During this process, your skin cells go through a restoration process, and new skin cells are also produced. If your skin is covered with dirt or makeup, it cannot generate new cells freely because of the blocked pores.
GIVE YOUR EYES SOME LOVE
Have you ever heard the expression “The eyes are the windows to one’s soul?” This is true but they are also an obvious indicator of age. As you grow older, wrinkles and crow’s feet will start to develop in the areas around your eyes. This skin is sensitive and needs some extra TLC. Make sure to use a medical grade eye cream or serum to prevent them from aging prematurely (we recommend ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Eye Serum or Intense Eye Crème).
PAT INSTEAD OF RUB
Try to avoid rubbing your skin when applying products. Rubbing can cause additional folds and wrinkles to develop on your skin. Try patting instead. This will help your skin absorb the products better and encourages better circulation.
We all know that no matter what we do, eventually our skin will age. However, we can prolong this and enjoy healthy, youthful, and glowing skin longer than ever before. Self-discipline, hygiene, the right diet, and lifestyle changes help. Add to that the right cosmetic procedures and medical grade skincare products and you have a skincare routine that will keep you looking as young as you feel!
Does your skin need a little pampering? Our estheticians provide customized treatment plans, depending on your skincare needs. Let us help you achieve that fresh glow you have been desiring! Also, don’t forget to ask about our new BBL/Moxi Laser -our patients are loving these treatments! Call or text us at (804) 775-4559 to schedule a consultation to begin your journey to great skin.
