Our skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs up to 60 percent of nutrients we apply to it.
With the right products and treatments, our skin can still look radiant and glowing as we hit forty and beyond, says Rejuva owner, Jackie. But our skin does change as we get older, so the treatments and products that previously worked really well for us may no longer be suitable.
Hitting 40: what happens to our skin?
We may start to notice dryness, wrinkles, fine lines, patches of discolouration and sagging. This is due to several reasons says Jackie:
- We start to lose those vital ingredients for great skin: collagen and elastin.
- A drop in oestrogen levels means a loss of elasticity and firmness.
- Lower sebum production leads to dryness.
- Loss of soft tissue fullness and redistribution of fat alters our facial structure and causes skin sagging.
- Skin damage from sun exposure, smoking, poor diet and alcohol over many years can really start to show in our forties.
But don’t despair. We can’t turn back time, but there are some highly effective treatments and products that can combat the typical signs of an ageing skin and provide a real confidence boost.
Rehydrating your skin
“Our skin thins and dries in our forties due to decreased oestrogen,” explains Jackie. “You’ve probably got a favourite moisturiser that you’ve used for years, but you may find it no longer works so well to combat increased dryness”.
“Adding a hydrating serum, like Clarins Double Serum or Hydra Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum, to your daily moisturising routine will give a boost to your usual skincare products because they have a lighter molecular weight than a moisturiser and can be absorbed deeper into the skin to work exactly where they’re needed. Come in for a free consultation – we will assess your skin and recommend the best products and home skincare routine for you.”
One of the key hydrating ingredients to look for in your skincare is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). That’s because HA, a molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, binds to water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier by increasing hydration levels.
As we age, we lose collagen and hyaluronic acid naturally, so the skin becomes dehydrated more easily. Also, harsh weather, heaters during the wintertime, certain skin-care products, and underlying skin conditions can cause tiny breaks in the protective skin barrier, allowing water to escape.
For an instant hydration boost, treat yourself to a Clarins Expert Power Hydrator facial. Like a long drink for the skin, this feel-good treatment pampers dry, fragile skin types – relieving tightness, plumping out fine lines and restoring comfort, softness and radiance.
Amazing results with retinol
If retinol isn’t already in your skincare routine, now’s the time to try it.
Retinol is vitamin A which converts onto retinoic acid as it is absorbed into the skin. Our skin cells contain receptors for retinoic acid which allow for the benefits such as faster skin cell turnover, reduction in appearance of hyperpigmentation and support of collagen production, to be achieved.
By increasing collagen production, Retinol is a key ingredient for improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines leaving your skin looking younger, brighter and smoother. Some studies have also indicated that retinol may reduce skin fragility and may help to support wound healing in aging skin.
Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover
Retinol has been studied for its ability to help support skin growth by speeding up skin regeneration. Our skin normally takes about 28 days from the first formation of a cell until that cell naturally sheds off. This process slows down as we age, which can lead to dry, dull skin as well as clogged pores – which can all exacerbate the look of fine lines. Retinol can speed up this process to 14 to 16 days. This effect has been linked with a thicker skin and improvement in the appearance of fullness in the skin.
Retinol exfoliates for a youthful complexion
Retinoids can be used to exfoliate the skin by supporting the natural shedding of the skin. The uppermost layers of the skin are typically composed of 14 layers of densely packed dead skin cells. These dead skin cells form the protective barrier that prevents moisture loss, bacteria overgrowth, and damage. However, in some people, shedding this layer may help to improve pigmentation and reduce the frequency of blemishes. The use of topical retinol helps to slough off some of these surface layers.
The combination of rapid regeneration of cells can help to improve the appearance of aging skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. Over time these actions may improve the appearance of acne, soften the skin, lift dark spots and reduce the visibility of wrinkles.
Retinol helps fight Menopausal Acne
In acne prone skin, retinoids, like retinol are often used to treat acne. It is thought that the retinol helps to reduce hormone driven excess sebum production, think oily skin. It may also help to reduce blockages in the pores, and reduce the inflammatory response.
“There are some important do’s and don’ts you need to know before starting a course of retinol treatment,” says Jackie, “With different strength available over the counter and on prescription, it’s vital that you understand how to use Retinol correctly to avoid skin irritation. We always recommend booking a consultation before adding Retinol to your skincare routine”.
One important thing to remember when using any retinoid product is that you need to use it in conjunction with a broad spectrum SPF, like Heliocare 360. This is particularly important when using retinoids for hyperpigmentation as the sun will contribute to the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Delay the visible signs of ageing
Here are Jackie’s tips to help ‘future-proof’ your skin while you’re younger as well as minimise damage as you get older:
- Try to get a good night’s sleep (yes, that’s why it’s called ‘beauty sleep’!).
- The sun’s rays can be very damaging to skin – but it’s so easy to protect yourself. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as Heliocare 360 – even if it’s cloudy, even if it’s winter. And when out in the sun, cover up and wear a hat.
- Opt for a gentle cleanser like Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk which won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Minimise stress which is an underestimated cause of premature ageing. A regular massage can help reduce stress levels, or try Clarins Relax Oil at home – breathe in the soothing aromatic plant oils (chamomile, basil, geranium) before massaging into your neck and shoulders before bed and look forward to a more peaceful sleep.
- Avoid over-exfoliation as it can cause irritation, dryness and increase the signs of ageing – once or twice a week is more than enough.
And finally, here are the ones we hear most often, probably because they are so important: use SPF daily, don’t smoke (skin hates toxic smoke), reduce alcohol consumption, stay hydrated and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Professional anti-ageing skin care
Whatever age you are, the sooner you start caring for your skin, the better the results will be. At Rejuva, we offer a range of treatments and skincare to help your skin look its best at any age, including:
- Clarins Expert Facials – to nourish and refresh your skin so you’re good to glow.
- AHA Peels – to remove dead skin and give you a fresher more youthful look.
- IPL Laser Skin Rejuvenation – to improve the texture and appearance of your skin.
- Endymed 3Deep Pro Skin tightening – to strengthen collagen and improve the tone and tautness of your skin.
- Fillers – to reduce the appearance of thinning, wrinkles and sagging.
- Micro-needling – to stimulate skin-enhancing collagen.
- Microdermabrasion – to exfoliate and encourage natural skin renewal.
- Dermalux LED Light Therapy – for total skin rejuvenation.
For more information on how Rejuva can help you look and feel younger for longer, call in for expert advice on skincare and to find out which products and treatments will best suit your individual needs.
Call 01745 590693 to book your no obligation consultation or click at the top of the page to book online.