What is Preventative Anti-Aging?

If we are fortunate, we'll get old. Aging is a natural process, and yes, it's a privilege. That said, who doesn't like having healthy-looking skin, regardless of their age? Some might consider it vain. To that, we say whatever. Having nice skin can make us feel better about ourselves. A dedicated skincare routine can represent a form of self-care, and be detrimental for our mental health. Isn't it about time we tossed aside those preconceived notions of what is expected of us? Isn't it about time we just did our own thing? Precisely.

A term that has been cropping up of late is preventative antiaging. What does it even mean? First, we need to explore the aging process and what it does to our skin.

Aging and how it affects the skin

Skin aging is influenced by many factors that can be divided into intrinsic (also known as endogenous) and extrinsic (or exogenous). Intrinsic factors include genetics, hormones, and cellular metabolism, among other things. Extrinsic factors include such things as sunlight, pollution, and environmental stressors we are exposed to daily. There isn't much we can do about certain intrinsic factors, but some extrinsic factors are within our control. Changes in our lifestyle, as well as a skincare routine, can influence the way our skin ages and can go a long way to prevent premature aging.

The age of the skintellectual

The last few years saw the rise of the skintellectual (or skincare nerd, take your pick, we are a proud card-carrying member of that brigade). A few decades ago, it was routine to fork over our hard-earned money for miracle creams that promised to erase wrinkles overnight. Yes, it still happens. But as consumers, we are better educated and want to know what's in the products we use. Do the ingredients justify the price? Does the product do what it promises? And in our eagerness, sometimes we can go a bit overboard (regardless of our age). Over-exfoliation, anyone?

Preventative anti-aging

So what the heck is preventative anti-aging? Prevention is indeed better than the cure. Actives like retinol or vitamin C are backed with scientific data that proves they work. How early is too early to start?

If you are in your twenties, you lead a healthy lifestyle and have no major skin problems, there is no need for prescription-strength retinol or acid peels. Sure, you can introduce over-the-counter retinol to your routine and use a chemical exfoliant a few times per week. But using sunscreen daily is more important. The same applies to a regular cleansing routine with a low pH cleanser, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.

As we get older, it is time to branch out and target specific concerns. Stronger retinol, daily use of antioxidant serums, ingredients such as ceramides or peptides, and again SUNSCREEN - all of these will ensure your skin is happy and healthy. One thing to remember is to always pay attention to your skin. Your routine should be fluid and change as your skin's needs change. Also, you'll need to practice patience, since not many products will work overnight.

Likewise, finding a good facialist and dermatologist can make a massive difference, especially if you have problematic skin. You might consider treatments like lasers, fillers, or Botox.

To sum up - a regular skincare routine, SUNSCREEN, and changes in lifestyle can go a long way to keep your skin healthy. Botox in your 20s is unnecessary.