Best tips for rejuvenating skin to reverse signs of aging

Assuming you have typical aging skin, (peri or post-menopausal) I would make the following general recommendations:

• Use a good, strong Retinol treatment at night (2% or greater). I like Cosmedix Define, which combines 2% retinol and 10% alpha-hydroxy acids in a nice, moisturizing base. Start using it every 2nd or 3rd night and work up to every night.
• Use an eye cream a.m. and p.m. I like PCA Skin EyeExcellence for day, and Skin Ceuticals Eye Balm or Cosmedix Eye Believe at night. Look for formulas that contain antioxidants like l-ascorbic acid or idebenone, peptides, and humectants like hyaluronic acid or dimethicone.
• Use a topical anti-oxidant serum like Skin Ceuticals C+E Ferulic daily under your moisturizer.
• Wear a good moisturizer that contains sunblock during the day, like Kinerase.
• Always use a lip treatment like LipFusion XL at night.

In-office treatments like Photofacials, Peels, and Microdermabrasion will greatly improve the appearance and health of the skin, as well as boost the effectiveness of a good at-home regimen.

Here are some skin care tips to get your skin looking and feeling its best:

• Don’t wash with a cleanser that creates a lot of lather.

Bar soap and many foaming cleansers have high pH balances with harsh ingredients that strip the water out of the skin. And what you wash with is the MOST important part of your skin care routine. Why? Because if you wash with a foaming cleanser or soap that is too drying, it pulls all the water out of the skin and creates dead, dry skin cell buildup. Then you have to quickly run and put your moisturizer on to put back in what you just took out! It makes no sense! Choose either lotion-based cleansers or gel cleansers that avoid the harsh ingredient, Sodium Laureth Sulfate. These are better choices as they won’t rob the skin of much needed water.  Remember the rule: more lather, more drying. Less lather, less drying.

• Secret Ingredient: Use Glycolic Acid

Hands down, studies show the effectiveness of exfoliation given by glycolic acid in reducing the appearance of past sun damage, smoothing and softening the skin, fading post-breakout marks and reducing clogged pores and break outs. Other exfoliants will try their best, but glycolic is the most effective AHA out on the market. To keep any type of skin looking beautiful, incorporate an alcohol-free, pure glycolic acid serum into your nightly skin care routine. (Moisturizers and cleansers that contain Glycolic Acid won’t always do the trick.)

• Use an alcohol-free toner morning and night.

Toners that are alcohol-free will not strip the skin and are a crucial step in a good skin care regimen. They remove cleanser residue, chlorine found in tap water and when left damp on the skin, your moisturizer will seal in the water and the beneficial ingredients. The result is healthier, hydrated and plumped up skin.

• Mineral Powder- the secret way to create the look of beautiful skin.

Natural, crushed minerals such as, mica, micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, create a powder foundation that leaves the skin with a luminescent, incredible glow. It’s free of talc which means that for oil-producers, it won’t disappear throughout the day and it doesn’t give that chalky, dull-look like traditional powder foundations. Other benefits include: an SPF to protect the skin from sun damage, it’s free of fragrances, dyes and preservatives so it’s ideal for sensitive skins and it won’t clog the pores or cause breakouts as some foundations can. It gives excellent coverage and is used in place of liquid or powder foundations. So to give your skin the look of beautiful skin, consider mineral powder!

• Wear a moisturizer with a sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine, inside or out.

Studies indicate that 78% of the sun exposure you get in a lifetime is incidental exposure. You may say, "I'm not out at all during the day." Just walking to your car, driving in your car, and sitting in your house next to windows will give you unnecessary sun damage. Windshields do nothing to protect you from UV rays! And we know that sun exposure is the #1 cause of aging!!!! A minimum of SPF#15 should be used every day, winter and summer.

• Always wash your skin and moisturize at bedtime.

The latest research indicates that the skin repairs itself most effectively at night, between 10pm and 11pm, indicating the need for night cream application before midnight. For those who are too tired to wash off their makeup at night, try this! Your night time routine doesn't have to be done minutes before you hit the bed. Wash your face when you get home from work, or even after dinner. Do it earlier rather than later! So, washing off the day’s dirt and grime and nourishing it with good moisture and nutrients will give your skin a chance to renew while you sleep! And remember, quality moisturizers that do not contain clogging ingredients, will not suffocate your skin.

• Get a professional facial.

Think of facials as maintenance for the health of your skin! As the skin ages, circulation and metabolism slow down, resulting in tired and dull looking skin. One of the benefits of a facial is increased circulation and oxygen resulting in healthy, glowing skin!

I recommend the Intensive Replenishing Facial, ideal for those who look sallow, withdrawn or are concerned with the signs of aging. Connective energy bonding between therapist and client helps to release deep facial tension while naturally lifting and firming maturing, stressed or distressed skin.

This therapeutic facial helps to lift and firm, leaving your skin nourished, hydrated, toned; bringing back forgotten freshness and long-term benefits to body and spirit. Selected hot stone placement on vital Chakra points to help ease tensions generated by everyday life and emotional pressures. Cold Stones are precisely placed on the eyelids for cooling peace.

This is more than a facial; it is a whole new experience.

 Kathryn & Ellen recommend three products that will help you look your best at 40+

1. Hydrating Eye Cream: The skin under our eyes is the most delicate skin on our bodies. It is also where we show the first signs of aging, sun damage, stress, lack of sleep, etc. Hydrating moisturizer is key to plumping up this area, helping to minimize fine lines or dryness and assist in smoother application of concealer and/or foundation.
2. Concealer with Light Diffusing Properties: Light diffusers help reflect light, which gives the illusion of smooth, highlighted skin. It also brightens the area around the eye.
3. Mineral Foundation with SPF: Mineral makeup has become quite popular in the cosmetic world, especially for the over 40 crowd. Not only is it all-natural and very light weight, but it does not clog pores or make the skin dry or cakey. SPF is a key anti-aging ingredient, as well.

I would be thrilled if all of our clients applied sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher on a daily basis and wore higher SPF and protective clothing when outside for extended periods of time. Eighty to ninety percent of aging in the skin is due to sun damage!

Also, everyone should eat more fruits and veggies….I sound like your mom, but the wonderful phyto nutrients and antioxidants found in whole fruits and veggies is crucial for healthy, beautiful skin and hair!

Those with sun damaged skin can see dramatic improvement with the variety of skin rejuvenation procedures available. Post menopausal women, many who now shun hormone replacement, can benefit from periodic peels and laser treatments to rejuvenate and plump skin that has lost its glow.