Kim Petross, RN, LE Nurse Practitioner, The Med Spa at Daireds.

Nature gives you the face you have at 20. Life shapes the face you have at 30. But at 50 you get the face you deserve." CoCo Chanel 
 
Did you know skin has a surface area of around 22 square feet and is the largest organ in the human body? Skin has a tough mission considering it has to protect our body from the surrounding environment. Due to its constant exposure to the elements when not taken care of, skin ages prematurely and more rapidly then the rest of the body. However, there are measures you can take throughout your life to make sure your skin stays healthy and ages gracefully.
 
 
All ages should have two products in their daily regimen; SPF 25 or higher (depending on your skin type). The other product that is a must is a Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum. Medical grade Vitamin C Serum, not over the counter, has been proven in studies to enter into the skin to provide free radical protection against harmful elements outside. This along with your sunscreen provides a double whammy against environmental damage to your skin.
 
 
20s and 30s
Some women may still be experiencing oily skin and or breakouts in this age group. To combat these skin challenges, I recommend a combination of Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolics, Retin A's and Salicylic acids, depending on the persons needs. These products can help with breakouts and some have the added benefit of collagen stimulation, which is anti-aging at its best! Depending on your skin condition, having facials, peels and or microdermabrasion on a monthly basis is ideal. This is a preventative plan that will pay off in the long run, adding a large boost to your own daily skin care regimen.
 
 
In the latter stages of 30 and on, many women start looking for additional non-surgical support in their quest to keep healthy-looking skin. Botox and Dysport can smooth facial expression lines and wrinkles. Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse increase volume in areas of the face that were once more full, helping to correct early sagging and frown lines. Laser procedures have come a long way, replacing surgical procedures for skin tightening and dermal remodeling, erasing fine lines and wrinkles as well as treating rosacea, brownspots and acne scars.
 
 
40s, 50s and Beyond
As the collagen and elastin fibers are reduced at this age, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle. This process starts in the 30s, but becomes more noticeable in the 40s and 50s. Sun protection along with the Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum that I mentioned earlier, continues to be important. The number one anti-aging collagen stimulator is still Retin-A, this is a must have product for almost anyone in this age group unless you have sensitive skin. There is good news for those of you who have tried Retin A in the past and gave up due to the irritation, there are new formulas out there that no longer have side effects, like Refissa that can be found at Daireds Salon & Spa Pangea or your local dermatologist. Retin-A, unlike any other product, will leave you with a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, smoother texture and more even skin tone. The full benefits of using Retin-A can be seen for six months to a year with continuous use.