What can I do about premature aging?
What is premature aging and how do I avoid it?
Far from natural! Now, we wouldn’t suggest for a minute that there’s anything wrong with growing old gracefully. The natural aging process is defined in our very genetics, resulting in the complex hormonal and physical transformations that take place throughout life. Premature aging refers to the unnatural acceleration of the natural aging process, primarily due to damage from sun exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle. While the natural aging process cannot be slowed, most people who exhibit signs of aging are actually suffering from premature aging. Sound far-fetched? Consider this: not only are over 99% of wrinkles caused by sun exposure, but premature aging can add up to twenty years to your appearance!
Taking care of your skin early on can help your skin stay healthy well into your golden years. It’s an investment that only takes minutes a day!
Avoiding unprotected sun exposure is the most important measure you can take to protect your skin. General lifestyle factors are also important – a diet too rich in highly-processed foods and alcohol, and lacking in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods, can have a significant impact on the health of the skin.
How can I control premature aging?
Let’s face it – we’ve all done things in our pasts that our skin would rather forget! And, while the damage may be done, there are a number of ways in which you can treat the signs of premature aging. It all starts with regular visits to your skin care therapist, who can work out a prescriptive regimen based on a detailed skin analysis using Face MappingSM. More than likely, you will begin with an intensive series of MultiVitamin Power Exfoliation treatments, a hydroxy acid and Retinol approach that is designed to dramatically smooth away debris and increase new cell renewal. Then, regularly-scheduled MultiVitamin Power Treatments will keep your skin on track.
Your at-home regimen will also play a crucial role. Using vitamin-enriched products, specifically those containing stabilized Vitamins A, C and E, can deliver the vital nutrients that the skin needs to help firm and improve elasticity. Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Concentrate and MultiVitamin Power Firm for the eye and lip area applied on a daily basis, along with our MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque 1 to 2 times weekly, will very effectively deliver these critical vitamins to your skin. And don’t forget your hands, which are one of the first areas to show signs of premature aging and sun damage – MultiVitamin Hand and Nail Treatment was developed specifically to counter this.
Topical vitamins ... do they work?
As far as your body is concerned, your skin is the last in line when it comes to getting its share of nutrients. Over time, fewer of your ingested vitamins ever make it to the skin because they are diverted to the internal organs, leaving the skin starved. Applying potent vitamin complexes topically can make up for this lack of nourishment, helping to address the signs of premature aging on the cellular level and neutralize dangerous free radical activity.
Technically speaking, getting those vitamins where they need to go is a huge challenge. Extremely reactive, vitamin complexes are generally very unstable, which means you should never use a product that comes in a dropper bottle or jar, where it would become contaminated after the first use.
What vitamins are most effective?
Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate) – Essential for normal skin development, Vitamin A regulates skin growth and cell division. Not only does it help improve moisture content, it actually promotes cell renewal and can help reverse a the signs of premature aging. A powerful antioxidant, it also scavenges free radicals. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate) – Also an antioxidant, Vitamin C is a key component in collagen production, and also strengthens capillary walls, for a more firm skin tone. It has also been shown to help regulate hyperpigmentation and boost the skin's immune system. Vitamin E (Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate) – Powerfully antioxidant, Vitamin E also helps to protect the skin's moisture barrier, smooth the skin, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) – A powerful vitamin that encourages cell regeneration, which stimulates the healing process.
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