Anti-Ageing Treatments
Are there any anti-ageing secrets for 50+?
I often see a new client that has a big birthday coming up or worse still a school reunion who declares it’s “TIME FOR ME.”
Isn’t that what your 50’s and beyond should be about?
We take a deep dive into looking fabulous at 50.
It’s perfectly natural to look older, but feeling old when we look in the mirror is another thing entirely.
There are many factors to consider in a skin consultation and a few simple steps can turn back time.
We expect wrinkles but the texture, tone, colour changes plus a few weird bumps are surprising.
1. Improve Hydration
As we age, the ability of our skin cells to hold moisture starts to deteriorate.
Hyaluronic molecules occur naturally in the body’s connective tissue. They work to cushion, lubricate, and bind water content in the skin.
With less Hyaluronic, the ability of the cells to hold onto water reduces. Dehydration makes the skin look dull and lifeless.
Hydration (by drinking plenty of water) is very important and helps.
But a topical Hyaluronic Acid can make all the difference. You may look for a heavier moisturiser to combat the loss of oil production.
2. Reverse Sun Damage
Sun damage can make us look years and even decades older. This presents as pigmentation, redness, age spots and uneven skin tone.
IPL, some lasers, chemical peels and mesotherapy are options to remove pigmentation.
However, the cells that produce the pigmentation (melanocytes) are often permanently damaged. Pigmentation can re-appear if there is excess sun exposure in the future.
Investment in a good Tyrosinase inhibitor to reduce melanin production will lighten and brighten the skin.
3. Sun Block is your best friend
Of course, it’s one thing to remove existing pigmentation but we also need to stop more from developing.
Perth has an intense sun, with serious risks associated with exposure. Queensland the worst state for melanoma but W.A still has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Your number one anti-ageing product is your 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen, giving protection from both UVA wavelengths and UVB:
UVA is the ageing wavelength that penetrates deeply and responsible for wrinkles. This wavelength causes tanning and can penetrate windows (think car) and cloud cover.
UVB: is the burning wavelength that penetrates and damages the top layers of your skin. Overexposure causes sunburn, peeling and blisters.
UVC: does not penetrate the earth’s atmosphere via the sun and is found in tanning beds and lasers.
Remember to apply to hands, neck, behind the ears and décolletage.
4. Improve Elasticity
Have you ever tried the “elasticity” test?
Pinch the back of your hand and compare the results to someone in their 20’s.
You may find your “bounce-back” is not what it used to be.
Loss of skin elasticity is called Elastosis. Collagen and Elastin production reduces over time causing skin laxity.
To treat, apply Retinols and Hyaluronic Acid products. Plus have treatments that induce Collagen production like Skin Needling or Radio Frequency.
5. Invest in Anti-Ageing Retinoids
Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A and come in many forms.
These powerful molecules work to speed up cell division and growth to help thicken the top layer of the skin.
A Retinoid will accelerate Collagen and Elastin production to reduce wrinkles, unclog pores and reduce pigmentation.
Retinol is one type of Retinoid but there are many others.
Many Vitamin A products are highly active and need to be introduced slowly. They are not suitable for everyone, so please consult your skin specialist before choosing a product.
6. Check your hormones
During peri-menopause and beyond Oestrogen levels drop considerably. This has a significant effect on the function of the skin.
Collagen production falls, wrinkles and dryness increase
Changes in skin pH make existing conditions like psoriasis, rosacea and eczema worse.
Fat distribution changes and we see a sunken look higher up in the face and sagging, in the jaw and jowls.
There are many products on the market that stabilize hormone levels. For me, HRT was the answer to most of my symptoms.
Have a conversation with your GP to find out what is the right solution for you.
7. Remove lumps and bumps
There are many other annoying concerns that can pop up as we get older, that are easily treated.
Common growths can be easily removed. These include skin tags and seborrhoeic keratosis (non-cancerous skin growths) Common methods are scalpel, freezing or cauterising. This should not be done at home due to the risks of infection and scarring.
Cherry angiomas (little red marks) and broken capillaries are also more common as we get older. IPL and laser is the best treatment method for these.
Check any moles or raised lumps with a medical professional to ensure they are benign.
“Act as young as you feel.”
Finally, turning older is a privilege, after all, nobody wants the alternative.
With age comes confidence, improved self-esteem and wisdom.
Embrace your years but don’t give up on your skin.
