Skincare for Aging Gracefully with Dr. DiAnne Davis
Aging gracefully is all about understanding what your skin needs as it changes over time. As we age, proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibrillin begin to break down, leading to visible changes such as fine lines, wrinkles, and increased skin laxity or sagging of the skin.
The skin also becomes thinner and more crepey, while years of sun exposure and environmental free radicals contribute to hyperpigmentation or blotchiness in the skin tone, dryness, and a dull complexion. From smoothing fine lines to boosting hydration and elasticity, I’m sharing my go-to tips and tricks to help support and nourish mature skin.
Essential Skincare Ingredients for Radiant, Healthy Aging
Sunscreen. The gold standard should start with sunscreen. Limiting exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays, even in your later years, can help slow down the skin’s aging process. As a dermatologist, I always recommend applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C can help to maintain a radiant and healthy complexion as one ages. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that occurs naturally in the skin, but also diminishes with age, sun exposure, smoking, and a poor diet. Vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage the skin and accelerate aging by causing oxidative stress. It also helps to boost collagen production, reduce inflammation and redness, improve discoloration, and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Retinols. Retinols, a derivative of Vitamin A, are another skincare ingredient that should be prioritized in a mature skincare regimen. It helps increase skin cell turnover and boosts the production of collagen. Once retinols are absorbed into the skin, they penetrate the deeper layers to neutralize free radicals and prevent further skin damage. Retinols have the additional benefits of evening-out skin tone, preventing breakouts, and improving pore size and texture. One of my go-to products for the body is the Vaseline Radiant X Firm + Restore Body Lotion, which combines pro-retinol, niacinamide, and petroleum jelly to deeply hydrate, plump, and firm skin—in just two weeks.
Essential Skincare Habits for Lasting Elasticity and Hydration
In addition to investing in quality skincare ingredients, maximizing moisture and hydration is of the upmost importance for supporting skin elasticity and overall hydration. Here are some essential habits to incorporate into your routine:
1. Use a hydrating cleanser. Opt for a sulfate-free cleanser to gently cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils to maintain hydration.
2. Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum. Add a hyaluronic acid serum into your skincare routine to help the skin retain moisture and look plump.
3. Choose moisturizers with ceramides and peptides. Ceramides and peptides strengthen the skin barrier and promote a firmer, healthier complexion.
4. Stay properly hydrated from within. Drink 8-10 eight-ounce glasses of water daily and include plenty of hydrating fruits and vegetables into your diet throughout the day to maximize your skin’s moisture.
5. Simplify your skin routine. A good skincare routine usually includes a gentle face cleanser used twice daily, a hydrating moisturizer, sunscreen, and one to two products with active ingredients, such as Vitamin C serum and/or retinol. Too many products in your regimen can do more harm than good.
Maintaining Skin Health from the Inside Out
Taking care of your skin isn’t only about the right topical products—it also requires nourishing your body from within. Here are some key lifestyle habits to positively impact the skin’s aging process.
Eat an antioxidant-rich diet. I like to recommend that patients maintain a healthy diet packed with fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants that promote healthy cell formation in the skin.
Avoid smoking and excess alcohol. Watching alcohol consumption and refraining from smoking can help to not exacerbate the skin’s aging process.
Limit sugar and processed foods. Reducing sugar consumption helps to minimize wrinkles and dull skin. Sugars in the bloodstream form advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which damage healthy skin proteins, including collagen.
Exfoliate regularly. Regular exfoliation, whether chemically (using skincare products like retinols or alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids) or physically like chemical peels, helps remove the top dead skin layers, revealing a more youthful complexion while also improving hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
Prioritize quality sleep. During sleep, the body restores skin proteins like collagen and elastin, which help to repair the skin and support its strength and resilience. Not getting enough quality sleep can not only lead to fine lines and wrinkles, but also to dark circles, swelling, and puffiness in the face.
It is always best to seek recommendations and guidance from a board-certified dermatologist and/or certified esthetician, who can assess your exact skin type and help you choose the best products for your unique skin concerns. If you are looking for a new dermatologist, visit the See My Skin dermatologist directory to find a provider who can offer the superior care your skin deserves.
