The Increased Demands of Aging Skin
After 15 years of caring for patients, many who are incredibly smart with all the resources in the world, I am continuously struck by how confused EVERYONE is about how to take care of their aging skin. It does not need to be this way. I am here to cut through all the noise and highlight the most effective and safest ways to care for your skin, no matter your age. Lets break it down.
1. Aging Skin Needs More, But Tolerates Less
Around the age of 35 years, your skin becomes more sensitive and starts to let you know when it doesn’t like what you are doing. Suddenly, it takes a week to recover from a facial, and the beautiful smelling, hydrating serums you bought on a whim leave your skin dry. Here’s the hard truth: much of what we do for our skin doesn’t actually help and as we age, our skin becomes less resilient. Products that aren’t good quality often do more harm than good, causing irritation that breaks down collagen and accelerates the aging process. So STOP trying new skincare like you buy new lip gloss or shoes! And start thinking of your skin as the vital organ it is and stick to products that help it stay healthy and beautiful. More on the key steps HERE.
2. There are No Miracle Ingredients or Procedures
There is not one product or procedure that can be used to stop the signs of aging but some are certainly better than others. To help categorize, I break down all things skin into three categories: A, B and C, below are a few examples.
A are the true skincare heroes.
Sunscreen
Vitamin C
Cell turnover ingredients like tretinoin, retinol, bakuchiol and alpha hydroxy acid
B are things that are ok but not necessary and I personally do not do.
Peptide creams
Hyaluronic Acid
Double cleansing
C is the CRAP - things that actually cause harm and should be avoided.
Physical scrubs
Neosporin
Lanolin
I spend a lot of time on Instagram reviewing products and procedures and categorizing them to help people invest their time and money in options that actually help versus what companies and paid influencers are claiming.
3. New Does Not Mean Better
Resist the urge to jump on the bandwagon of the latest procedures or product trends. Let others test the waters first, as new innovations often also bring unforeseen complications. Instead, focus on trusted, well-established options that have a proven track record of safety and effectiveness. I often tell laser companies that I do not want them to learn at the expense of my patients. The same principle applies to you. You don’t want companies learning if their new product or ingredient works at the expense of your wallet and skin. Avoid falling for the hype surrounding new treatments, products, or ingredients. While something “magical” may come around once in a while, in actuality, 95% of the time it is just something new for a brand to sell.
4. Build Long Term Relationships with Your Dermatologist and Skincare Routine
Dermatologist
Find a dermatologist who you trust to advise you well and has your best interest in mind. It’s always a good idea to find a dermatologist you think looks good and you feel comfortable being honest with. Someone who doesn’t push products or procedures on you. My goal with my cosmetic patients is after 5 years together, I make them look 5 years younger than when we started despite being 5 years older. Not different - the same, just better. (For the origin of this quote and a bit of entertainment check out my winning Iron Surgeon skit.)
Skin care routine
Lifelong, beautiful skin isn’t awarded overnight. Achieving and keeping your best skin comes down to finding quality products that work for your skin and using them consistently day in and day out. If you are always trying the next, new thing, you aren’t giving products the opportunity to show you what they can actually do for you. You’ll know in a single treatment if a product is wrong, but it typically takes 3 months to see if it is right.
Learn more about why less is more HERE.
These recommendations are not sponsored. They are the result of Dr. Heather D. Rogers, MD evidence-based research and extensive clinical experience.
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