Inner health, Outer beauty for your skin

After being asked for years what I do to keep my skin looking younger than my years without Botox, I just had to share my healthy skin care routine and advice, with scientifically proven facts that create results. I want to explain my language of Pro-aging verses anti-aging. Bottom line I am not against aging but as a former CEO and professional I want to age like a PRO! And I am sure you do too. Remember, Aging has lots of perks. Next, I am not against Botox but having Lupus, and Hashimoto’s (auto immune conditions) my Gut and RN, intuition speaks, as this is not an option for me. It is a personal choice. 

My routine is not an overnight wonder, but I promise if you commit to 45 days you are guaranteed to see glowing healthy skin.

Retinoids

No ingredient in Dermatology multitasks as well as Retinoid. We hear so much about retinol and Retina-A and how great they are for us, but what is the difference and what do they do? Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A. Retinol is a topical, over-the-counter retinoid, while prescription retinoids include tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A) 

Retinol’s benefits: one. An increase in cell turnover leading to smoother brighter looking skin.2. Repair of cellular structure damage and small blood vessels resulting in tighter skin; fewer wrinkles. 3.Shrinkage of oil glands, which helps to reduce pore size and diminish scars.4. Stimulates production of new collagen leading to a thicker, plumper healthy-looking skin.5. Acne prevention 

Do not assume that more is better when it comes to retinoids. For nonprescription retinoids, more important than the percentage alone, is in the delivery system and package stability, (Retinol degrades heavily in the presence of oxygen and light), and other ingredients that retinol is paired with. If using a prescription retinoid, start slowly and follow the manufacturer’s directions; many people start too quickly, experience negative side effects (redness, flaking, and peeling) and then give up. Do not give up, be patient and I am sure you will see results. Another note: It will make you much more sensitive to sunlight, which is why sunscreen is on my list. The important thing in a retinol preparation is to look for a concentration high enough to be effective. As well, the packaging should be airtight as retinoids are highly unstable when exposed to light. Prescription retinoids, while very effective, can be highly irritating and cannot be tolerated by some individuals.  Retinol, which can be irritating, tends to be better tolerated by most individuals. L’Oréal product line is my suggestion as a first introduction for an over-the-counter retinol.

I started with 3 times a week, then 5 and now part of my nightly bedtime skin regimen, Results take about 6 to 8 weeks,  

Hyaluronic Acids

Do not be freaked by the term Acid, this acid is moisturizing. Hyaluronic Acid is a water loving molecule, which helps connective tissue plump. Unlike glycolic acids which may cause irritation. It enhances skin hydration and supports joint lubrication. It works below the cellular level of the skin, nourishing and hydrating our collagen. It also prevents melanin production which causes skin aging spots. 

As we grow older the body loses its ability to maintain the concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid in the skin. Therefore, the need for topical as well as the dietary supplement which will benefit our skin at any age. Hyaluronic acid in combo with retinoids will help eliminate the possible redness. I suggest appling the hyaluronic acid before the retinoid. 

I use topical hyaluronic both AM and PM and supplement daily (5 times a week) with Hyaluronic acid   

Collagen

To me this is the golden egg. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is vital in maintaining the skin layers and structure giving firmness to our skin. It eliminates sagging. It helps support bone and joint health, strengthens hair, nails, and immune function. It is wonderful for Gut health. The amino acids, proteins of (Glycine, Proline, Alanine and hydroxproline) are the main constituents of collagen. Collagen peptides are applied topically, and oral supplementation is essential. All collagens are not the same. It must be hydrolyzed Collagen, as this means it has been broken down, so the amino acids can be easily absorbed by your body. Type 1 and 3 are the primary Collagen you will need for skin care. I have a whole blog just on Collagen, my obsession 

 My go to is Besha verisol collagen unflavored. It easily dissolves in coffee, tea, and warm beverage, with no taste. Do not be fooled, all collagens are not the same and verisol is an important ingredient.  I like the chocolate flavored sports research brand as my hot cocoa for winter. It’s much healthier and topping it coconut whip cream is scrumptious   As an RN and health expert I belong to consumers labs an independent company that tests all nutraceuticals,   

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C is one of the workhorse antioxidant ingredients in skin care. It is backed up by a considerable amount of clinical research that demonstrates its benefits. It is essential to increase collagen synthesis, which helps to thicken the skin and helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidant activity reduces skin damage caused by free radicals. It is known as a skin brightener, evening out skin tone and reducing dark circles under the eyes. It also helps us to withstand exposure to sunlight and boosts the effectives of sunscreen. It also boosts the effectiveness of Vitamin E., which is important in protecting our cells’ membranes. 

Vitamin C can break down and become ineffective, as well as potentially harmful if not formulated properly or packaged in dark bottles or individual dosages. Oral supplementation of Vitamin C is greatly beneficial. 

I use Vitamin C topically and orally daily 

Vitamin E

Like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is a highly effective antioxidant. It works to protect the membranes of the cells, lipoproteins, and many other bodily structures considered to be “oily.”  Vitamin E is effective when taken both orally and applied topically.

It protects the skin, particularly from age spots and scarring and it also boosts the skin’s natural moisture-retaining mechanisms.  Vitamin E is also known as (alpha-tocopherol). 

I use Vitamin E topically on occasion and take it orally twice a week

Green Tea

Is now being added to many topical skin care products. We know the powerful role drinking green and white tea plays for a healthy body, so it was only natural to see effects topically.

The benefits of green tea may be attributed to their constituent polyphenols, a subclass of flavonoids, found in many plants. Green tea possesses powerful antioxidant activity, reduces inflammation, and can reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure.

I drink at least one cup of green tea a day.

Sunscreen

Prevention is the always the best form of self-care We can rave about the latest anti-aging skin care ingredients, but most skin care specialists would agree that without protection from UV rays they would be all be a big waste of time. There is no other facet of skin care that comes close to the importance of UV protection, since sun exposure is responsible for approximately 90% of adverse skin conditions commonly associated with aging.

When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to select one that will deliver protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Though UVB rays lead to burning and tanning, it is the UVA rays that will cause wrinkles, age spots, damaged skin, and some types of skin cancers

My Go to EltaMD 50 tinted sunscreen for the face, many others create break outs

Water 

Hydration from the inside out is critical to a dewy complexion. The consumption of water was and is a challenge for me, so I had to come up with ways to drink my 60 ounces a day. We should all be drinking half our body weight give or take a few ounces to have the proper hydration a day. First thing in am, I drink 10 ounces with a squeeze of lemon, before I can indulge in a cup of coffee or tea. I use a 2 water bottles that hold 20 ounces which lets me know I must drink two of them before 3 pm. It is kinda a mind game. My final ounces come before 7, which eliminates a lot of trips to the potty during the night. Sleep is just as important for skin health; it is time for it to rejuvenate. 

My daily intake approximately 60 ounces, some with lemon or lime.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids AHA’s 

Alpha hydroxyl acids tend to be naturally derived from milk and fruit sugars. They work by exfoliation, or encouraging the shedding of old, damaged surface skin cells. This process invigorates skin and allows a newer, fresh layer to grow in its place. Studies have shown that wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation, rough skin, and other symptoms of overexposure to harmful sun rays improve with AHA treatments. Aging skin may not tolerate a daily regimen of Hydroxy acids, but weekly treatments may prove to be beneficial. The names you maybe familiar with are lactic, glycolic, malic, do have great positive results with sun-damaged skin. 

My go to is opting for facials which include this treatment about every 6 weeks, they can be done at home, but heck a PROFESSIONAL FACIAL! is good for the soul, every 6 weeks. Selfcare at its BEST

My daily routine includes all the above plus:

AM: Facial wash, Serum, hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, Neutrogena face primer, foundation , Sunscreen

 PM: (old school) ponds makeup remover, Facial wash, Retinol, Vit C, hyaluronic acid

It is a simple 5 steps process. If this seems a bit over whelming and you would like clarity or have any questions do not be afraid to reach out. I am here to help! let’s talk, [email protected], so we can explore what might be best for you.

Smiles, Wishing you aMaezing Healthy and glowing skin,

Mae 

“Healthy skin begins the moment you decide to take care of yourself”

#antiaging #skincare #healthyskin #beautyover50 #skincarerountine #quoteoftheday