SKIN AT EVERY AGE
We are living in 2022 and what we can do with technology is fascinating. If you think your phone is smart, wait until you try out some of the smart technology facials available today. You will be amazed at the results once can achieve! Technology has taken “anti” or as we like to say, pro-ageing to another level.
Should we treat our skin differently as we move through the decades of our lives? The simple answer is YES! However, since everyone’s skin is unique with distinct genetics as well as variations in lifestyle, climate/humidity, and one’s priorities, the answers are also unique. Despite these differences, we each experience a 1% decline in collagen production for each year that we live. The protein-producing functions found in the skin of a 20-year-old are vastly different from that of a 60-year-old and we will all have more sun damage to deal with in our skin 20 to 30 years from now. In this blog, we will look at the common changes that occur throughout life. We will also spill the best ways to use modern, effective skincare as well as clinical treatments to affect the look and health of the skin in a positive way.
TEENS
If you’re not suffering from the odd embarrassing pimple or acne breakout here and there, these are probably the most carefree times of our lives. Your skin is young, fresh, and ready to face the world! Thanks to abundant collagen production, the skin is plump, supple, and literally glowing. Although the skin is strong and healthy during this phase, problems do arise in the teenage years. It’s best to get into a routine early in life so you can ensure you prevent breakouts that can develop into full-blown acne.
In your teens, you want to focus on keeping your skin clean, wearing sunscreen and learning about your skin. You need to find a face wash and moisturizer that works for you and use a spot treatment for any odd spot here or there. If you suffer from bad breakouts or acne, scroll down to the next section where we focus on what you can do to treat and maintain your skin.
A few tips for our teens: cleanse carefully, twice a day. If you wear makeup, remove makeup and then wash. As tired as you may feel, don’t fall asleep with your makeup up and don’t share makeup with friends. Wash your hands before you touch your face or touch up your makeup and regularly clean other surfaces that touch your skin, such as your phone. Choose hair products wisely as they can be the reason why you break out by your hairline. Skip the toothpaste and other old wives’ tales. This can do more harm. Wear sunscreen every single day. Pick a sunscreen product that will protect your skin from not just the sun’s harmful rays but from blue and harmful infrared light from screens. Using sunblock will also help keep any breakouts from turning dark and resulting in uneven skin tone. Being a teen should be fun! Take charge of your skincare with these tips and start a good healthy skin regimen early in life. Your older self will only thank you.
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION
Monthly or bi-monthly deep cleansing facial which includes steam, cleanse, and extract will give your teen skin the regular TLC it needs.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
We love Nimue’s teen range
- Y-Skin Facial Wash
- Y- Clearing Moisturizer
- Y- Active Blemish Control
- Y- SPF
IN YOUR 20’S
In our 20s, we enjoy the most beautiful, vibrant skin. At this point in life, one should begin a skin care regimen to protect and preserve the natural beauty and youthful glow of the skin. It is worth the investment. When shopping for anti-ageing products, don’t take shortcuts. Don’t pop into a pharmacy and waste your money on international over-priced brands. Look to a reputable aesthetician to find a local product with real scientific evidence of efficacy. Look for a night-time product containing mild retinol or alpha-hydroxy acid and start having regular serious technology facials. Skin becomes sensitive if you don’t train it to be resilient. It’s as simple as this. We of course need to continue cleansing twice a day, moisturizing and using sunscreen. Introduce an eye cream and an antioxidant e.g. Vitamin C. Alternate monthly facials to prep and train different layers of your skin to be resilient. It’s super important especially if you feel your skin is sensitive.
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION
- Active Rejuvenate Facial
- Thermal Detox Facial
- Deep Cleanse Facial
- Starter Peels
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
Perfect post teen heading towards the 30’s
- Nimue Cleansing Gel
- Moisturizer Light
- Nim Night
- Nimue Eye Serum
IN YOUR 30’S
This is the time you want to get really stuck into preventing future pre-mature signs of ageing. In our 30s, we start to notice fine lines, especially around the eyes and lips. Some tend to buy expensive products which make empty promises and are ineffective. Instead of frantically spending money on such underperformers, you need a professional to guide you to the best cosmeceutical products and treatments for your skin type that are backed up by scientific research! They will recommend products and treatments that encourage anti-aging by exfoliating and inducing new collagen production, which truly makes the skin younger. A retinoid does just this and is a must to prevent premature ageing. You want to start using Retinol to prevent and smooth any fine lines, build collagen and assist clear any acne still hanging around. Remember, any retinoid such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and tretinoin causes sun sensitivity. You must use a daily sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
You can increase peel intensity. You can also alternate peels and different technology facials monthly. It’s a very smart move at this age and can really take years off your complexion in years to come. These in-clinic, professional treatments involve a controlled injury to different layers of the skin. Application of a mild acid to the skin that causes exfoliation and increases cell turnover rate. The lower layer of the skin becomes slightly inflamed in this process, resulting in healthy circulation and increased collagen production.
A little Botox at this age is also good to prevent the expression lines from becoming static. Be sure to always keep a natural appearance and not produce a frozen, artificial look. It is easier to prevent expression lines rather than treat them after the fact. To decide whether this is a smart step for you, take a good look at your parent’s skin. Genetics determine a lot when it comes to the way our skin ages. If your parent has noticeable expression lines between the brows or across the forehead, it may be worthwhile for you to take this preventative measure.
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION
- Dermapen with Retinol Superfluids
- Near Infrared Skin Tightening
- 35% Glycolic Peels
- Dermaplaning
- Botox
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
- Cleansing Gel
- Exfoliating Enzyme
- Eye Cream
- Conditioner
- Nimue Day & Night
IN YOUR 40’S AND 50’S
The biggest mistake at this age is panic!! If one has been laying the foundation of great skin since the 20s, no problem. If one is just getting in the game, it’s not too late, don’t stress!! In our 40s pigmentation from sun damage will become more apparent. This is sun damage that has taken place up to 20 years prior. The skin begins to lose volume and lines will become visible as deeper wrinkles. This is when you really want to boost your skincare regimen by introducing ingredients such as stronger Retinol, Vitamin A and Hyaluronic acid. Adding certain clinic smart or tech treatments on a monthly basis can bring about marked change without having to get a more aggressive procedure which can have greater risks. While monthly glycolic peels are great at this age, it is also smart to incorporate some more aggressive treatments such as a course of micro-needling treatments to reawaken the collagen production in your skin.
Menopause can present itself between the ages of 45 -55. As your hormones shift, the main issue is the loss of skin elasticity. The skin often gets a little drier and easier to irritate, so it may be necessary to use slightly more hydrating skincare products. You may also notice more facial hair or peach fuzz. Apilus Electrolysis and Dermaplaning are both very different but fantastic procedures that you can explore. While electrolysis is permanent, dermaplaning exfoliates and removes facial hair which yields an unbelievable freshness and glow.
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION
- Glycolic or Retinol Peel
- Micro-needling
- Dermaplaning
- Laser Facials
- CooLifting
- Apilus Electrolysis
- Botox and/or filler
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
- Facial Cleanser
- Moisture Control Ultra
- Intense Hyaluronic Serum
- Rejuvenating Revitalizer
- Hydroderm Hyaluronic Mask
- Heliocare SPF 50
IN YOUR 60’S
Whether you’ve been a skincare aficionado since you were young or are trying to make up for a lost time, your 60s come with unique complexion concerns that are difficult to avoid. Fortunately, a well-thought-out skincare routine can help you embrace this decade with plenty of grace and a gorgeous glow. But what should you prioritize first? Daily sunscreen is just as integral in your 60s as it was in your 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. No matter how old you are, sunscreen is always important to protect the skin. When we reach 60+ we need products designed to hydrate and nourish with the right active ingredients to restore, provide better protection against external aggressors, and prevent dryness. You will need to stimulate natural collagen and elastin fibres, even out pigmentation and improve skin microcirculation, to diminish white or dark spots and even out skin tone.
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION
- Smart Resurfacer Oil-Based Peel
- SRC Hyper Pigmented Treatment
- Needling Collagen Face Film Mask
- Micro-needling followed by Alginate Mask