We are all aging, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look and feel our best and age more gracefully. According to Dr. Jean Charles of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Cedar Park, Texas, “Maybe you don’t want a science lesson, but having a basic understanding of the science behind skin aging can help you find the best products and take the right steps to prevent skin damage.” In this blog, Dr. Charles discusses the science of how and why skin aging occurs as well as offering tips for preventing skin aging.
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After decades of studying skin, scientists and dermatologic researchers have a pretty good understanding of how and why the aging process changes skin. While there are many ways that aging impacts skin, Dr. Charles says, “Gravity is a huge cause of skin aging. Youthful skin is smooth, tight, and lifted. As we age, gravity takes effect and volume shifts toward the bottom of the face. Gravity also contributes to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Sun damage, pollutants, and other environmental factors can lead to or accelerate skin aging. Sun and pollutants cause free radical damage that breaks down collagen. Weather and altitude increase stress on the body and skin which accelerates age-related skin changes. The more you understand the science behind skin aging, the more informed you will be when taking steps to prevent and reverse skin damage as you age.”
All the contributors to skin aging discussed above take decades to change skin. Youthful, healthy skin has a few characteristics that keep it looking smooth and beautiful. Skin cells shed quickly, and healthy cells are revealed. Additionally, collagen and elastin are produced in abundance. This means skin looks and feels smooth, even in skin tone and texture, bright, and firm. When damage occurs, it heals fully. As we age, skin cell turnover slows down along with a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. This means that skin doesn’t bounce back as quickly, and over time, skin damage accumulates.
When it comes to skin aging causes, Dr. Charles says, “The causes of skin aging are either external or internal. The external causes of skin aging are typically things we have more control over, like protecting our skin from external causes of damage.” External causes of skin damage include:
The body’s natural aging process is a little more difficult to fight. The slowing down of cell turnover and decreased production of collagen and elastin will happen to everyone. Understanding these changes and working to prevent them can lead to healthier skin at every age and stage of development. That means working with a dermatologist to choose skincare products and dermatologic treatments to keep skin healthy.
Skin aging is a relatively slow process. Most people see a wrinkle or two pop up in their late twenties or earlier thirties, but they can accumulate and deepen over time. While wrinkles and fine lines are commonly associated with skin aging, they are certainly not the only warning signs. Other common signs of aging skin include:
The right anti-aging skincare routine has as much to do with your skin type and skin health needs as it does with anti-aging products. Dr. Charles recommends, “It probably sounds self-serving, but working with a dermatologist is the best way to ensure you create a skincare routine that will keep your skin looking great as you age. They can take into consideration your skin type, unique skin health concerns, environment, health history, lifestyle, and the complex range of other factors that impact how skin ages. With this knowledge, they develop a personalized anti-aging skincare routine. They can also recommend dermatologic treatments to reverse or prevent signs of skin aging.”
A basic anti-aging skincare routine should include the following:
When it comes to anti-aging skincare, Dr. Charles says, “Start your anti-aging skincare routine before you think it’s necessary. The more damage that can be prevented the better. I always recommend partnering with a dermatologist at a young age to ensure you are using the best anti-aging products for your skin type, keeping skin safe from environmental aggressors, and generally doing everything you can to keep skin healthy rather than fighting to turn back the clock once skin aging has occurred. Even if your skin is already showing the signs of your age, there are many dermatologic treatment options we can recommend that allow you to age with a greater sense of confidence and grace. Don’t put off your anti-aging skincare routine even one day longer. If you’re thinking about it now, it’s time to get started.”
Each person ages differently. A lifetime of exposure to the sun, weather, and other environmental factors will impact the skin in a variety of ways. Practicing good skincare habits at every stage of life is essential to keep skin looking and feeling great at any age. Whether you want to partner with a dermatologist to create a preventive anti-aging skincare routine or you’re ready to discuss more advanced anti-aging skincare options, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with the knowledgeable team of professionals at U.S. Dermatology Partners. We make it easy to get started working with our dermatologists. Simply take a few moments to complete our scheduling request form. Once we hear from you, a team member will reach out to answer your questions and schedule an appointment.
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Skin care can be a touchy subject. We’re all born with unique skin, which can make it difficult to determine how to best care for it. Fortunately, some advice spans all skin types. The key to achieving the skin you’ve always wanted, however, is asking the right questions and making the necessary adjustments that work for you – this can take time, but it’s always worth the effort. There’s no end to the questions you might ask regarding skincare, but some are more common than others. Here we’ll go over some of these frequently asked questions to give you some quick, important information before further exploring these matters with your dermatologist. So, what are the most asked skincare questions?
As mentioned earlier, everyone’s skin is different. That said, most people’s skin falls neatly into a handful of categories: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Various factors help give away one’s skin type – if your skin is flaky and tight, for instance, you have dry skin, and if your pores produce an excess of sebum, your skin is oily. Of course, a professional can provide a more accurate analysis of your skin type, which will in turn help determine which products and treatments are right for you.
Acne is one of the most pervasive skin conditions out there, which is why many skincare questions have to do with this condition. Simply put, acne occurs when the skin produces too much oil (sebum) and pores become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris. Hormonal activity seems to play a prominent role in acne formation, which is why it’s most common during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and other hormonal surges. Diet and stress might trigger acne outbreaks as well, though conclusive evidence has yet to be found.
There are several ways to get acne under control, and the best treatment will largely depend on your skin type. Maintaining clean skin and exfoliating periodically will help keep your pores clear. Products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide have also been proven to reduce mild acne. Severe acne may need to be treated with prescription-strength topical creams, antibiotics, oral medications, and more. Certain cosmetic procedures like chemical peels and laser therapies may also help reduce acne and acne scars.
Wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging are also common concerns for adults as they get older. And while fine lines and wrinkles will gradually appear no matter what you do, there are ways to mitigate their appearance. Limiting sun exposure, using products rich with retinoids and antioxidants, and receiving periodic cosmetic procedures (e.g., chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser therapies, facials, etc.) can all help you prevent and reduce wrinkles. Dermal fillers and other injections can also help restore your skin’s volume.
Specific skin type and products aside, everyone’s skincare routine should include cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing. That said, different people might benefit from engaging in these activities at different frequencies. As a general rule, most people should wash their face twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) with warm water and a proper cleanser, moisturizing afterwards. If you have sensitive skin, however, you might limit yourself to once-daily cleansing and moisturizing – and those who exercise or perspire a lot might benefit from an additional wash as needed. It’s also important not to go overboard on exfoliation – once a week is usually enough for those with sensitive skin, whereas others might exfoliate 2-3 times weekly.
Skincare Routine?
Most people don’t notice visible signs of aging until their late twenties or thirties. Still, it’s advised to get an earlier start on anti-aging to help prevent premature wrinkle formation, pigmentation problems, and so on. As such, you might benefit from adopting anti-aging measures once you enter your 20s. Read our blog, “How Soon Should I Start an Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine?” for a more detailed analysis of this topic.
Sunscreen Every Day?
No matter how many times dermatologists relay the importance of sunscreen to their patients, many people don’t heed their advice. Their advice is sound, however. Indeed, broad-spectrum, 30+ SPF sunscreen will protect your skin from UV damage, which can lead to burns, skin cancer, increased aging, and other problems. Even if you live in a cloudy area or spend most of your time indoors, the sun’s rays will find you and get to work. Wearing sunscreen every day will ensure that you stay protected no matter where you are or what you’re doing. If you’re forgetful or feeling lazy, it might help to invest in a moisturizer that contains SPF – this way, sunscreen becomes a built-in part of your existing skincare routine.
Skincare FAQs?
We’ve only scratched the surface of the common questions people have about skincare. If you’re looking for more, our Patient Education page is a goldmine of information on a variety of skincare topics. The experts at Premier Dermatology Partners are also happy to answer any and all questions you may have for us. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.
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