The importance of routine skin care:
As much as we may want one magic pill or product to be the answer, it is usually a combination of things that make a difference in how we look and feel. For example, when we think about maintaining a healthy weight, we know that exercise AND a healthy diet are critical. One without the other doesn’t mean as much. The same holds true for injectables and routine skin care. Even if you decide that injectables are something you want to try, it is essential to have a consistent at-home skin routine. If you’re not wearing sunscreen, washing your face regularly, or moisturizing, the injectables may not make as much difference as you’d like. Adding them to an already well-established daily skin routine is the best route.
Erica McDowell, owner of SKYN Lounge Boutique Spa, says “Everyone should use [topical] vitamin C in the morning, and possibly use a retinol or retin A in the evening. I’m a firm believer in eye cream. [People also] need to exfoliate well.” She says moisturization and use of sunscreens are also essential.
Visiting a professional:
Individuals in their 50s and 60s may find it especially helpful to visit an aesthetician for guidance on skin care because aging skin is different from skin in one’s 20s and 30s. It may be time for some professional help instead of buying skin care off the shelf at the grocery store. You can end up wasting a lot of money trying products that aren’t right for your skin type.
Yes, it may feel a little intimidating to visit a skin spa, but relax. “You do not have to know what you need,” says Erica. “That’s what we do.” An aesthetician will evaluate your face, neck, and hands and discuss the concerns you have, your current routine, and what your goals are.
As we get older, we see the value in asking professionals for assistance, and our skin should be no different. If an injectable isn’t the direction you wish to go, you may find that a facial or a chemical peel, which both provide a deeper exfoliation of the skin, is the best way to make you feel better about how you look.
By Carrie Vittitoe
P.S. Check out part 1 of this series here.
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