For some of you, your 20s are the “decade of decadence and despair”. Most 20-somethings are worrying about their social life, finding themselves, or starting their career. One thing is certain- taking preventative measures to combat facial aging is not at the top of most young adults minds, and understandably so. Who has time to worry about a little wrinkle when you’re trying to figure out what to do for the rest of your life? But here’s the honest truth- whether you like it or not- your body’s cells are continually aging. The best way to maintain a youthful appearance is to begin taking care of your skin early in life and focus on PREVENTION.
Your 20s are arguably the most vital decade for your skin. How you treat it now may determine how it looks for the entirety of your life. Although every individual should have a uniquely tailored skincare plan, there are several options available at FACES+ for anyone in their 20s looking to take preventative measures against aging. Top Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Cohen, along with FACES+Director of Dermatology, Dr. Tracy Leong, and Laser Nurse Specialist and former intensive care unit nurse, Jen Johnston offer their expert advice on treatments aimed at staving off signs of aging.
1. SUNSCREEN
Daily sunscreen application is arguably the most vital component to one’s skincare regime. It’s easy to feel invincible in your 20s considering most photodamage can appear 20 to 30 years after sun exposure. However, more than 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun (skincancer.org). Dermatologist Dr. Leong advocates applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ every morning and reapplying throughout
the day.
2. PROPER SKINCARE REGIME
A proper skincare regimen is the foundation for healthy, beautiful skin. Cleanse, tone and moisturize your face daily (kit available at Faces+). Incorporate a good eye cream, as eyes tend to show the first signs of aging. Your 20s is the perfect time to invest in a retinol cream; retinol fights wrinkles and helps to prevent breakouts.
3. MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is a quick way to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. Microdermabrasion uses either a diamond-encrusted wand or a fine jet of crystals to gently and painlessly exfoliate your skin. You’re left with new, softer skin and more even skin texture. In addition to surface exfoliation, microdermabrasion promotes the production of new cells in the deepest layer of the dermis, it cleans the pores, and stimulates collagen production that can further improve skin texture.
4. LOW KEY LASER TREATMENT
Non-ablative (meaning that the skin surface does not get burnt off ) lasers are a great option for anyone in their 20s. Faces+ Laser Nurse Jen Johnston recommends Laser Genesis- an innovative, unique, non-ablative system that improves the health of your skin. The procedure creates a gentle warming of the skin that stimulates the production of natural collagen. The collagen and elastin fibers continue to multiply even after your treatment, thus improvement in your skin will continue for several months. There are no harsh chemicals, and no long recovery times—just clear, radiant, healthy skin.
5. “PREVENTATIVE” SMALL DOSE BOTOX
Research shows the average woman begins to show signs of facial aging around the age of 25 in the form of fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and between the eyebrows. Dr. Cohen suggests periodic Botox in very low doses to prevent these fine lines from forming into deep inset wrinkles that are permanent.
Remember- It’s never too early to be proactive about taking care of your skin. While your skin in your 20s is resilient and glowing, it’s important to adopt a healthy regime and focus on prevention of the aging process. For more information or questions about any of the treatments mentioned above, email [email protected] or call Faces+ at 858-453-7224.