Anti-aging: A Science Backed Approach

As we age, our skin appears less elastic and thinner as collagen production declines. Environmental factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices play major roles in how your skin ages, but your skincare routine is another key component. Dermatologists agree that slowing the aging process with sun avoidance, hydration, and a proper skincare routine is much easier than trying to reverse the damage after the fact. Everyone’s skin ages at different rates, and whether you’re concerned about new wrinkles or a dull and dry complexion, one of the best ways to preserve a youthful glow is to update your daily skincare routine. Ensure that the products you use include anti-aging ingredients that moisturize, prevent free radical damage, and increase cellular turnover.

When it comes to staving off the signs of aging, there is no better weapon than a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Unprotected sun exposure is largely responsible for age spots, loose skin, spider veins, rough texture, wrinkles, and other signs associated with aging skin. Over the years, unprotected sun exposure changes the structural collagen in the skin, which causes premature aging and can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

How does it work?

A broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks UVA rays, which are responsible for photo-aging, and UVB rays that cause burning. Regardless if it’s overcast, wintertime, or you are working all day indoors, your anti-aging beauty routine should begin with daily sunscreen application. The UV index is typically higher on sunny days; however, 80 percent of damaging ultraviolet rays can penetrate the clouds on overcast days. Furthermore, the sun’s powerful rays can even reach you from inside your home through your windows. As a result, this is definitely a step that we recommend taking consistently each and every day.

In the world of anti-aging skincare, trending ingredients come and go. We all see those trending products online or have heard rave reviews from friends. However, building a skincare routine using these approaches probably isn’t the best idea because using new products that claim to take years off your face can backfire and potentially aggravate sensitive skin. What works for your friend’s crow’s feet or dull complexion may irritate yours. The key is to use skincare ingredients formulated for your particular skin type, stage of life, environment, and primary skin concerns.

Consider the ‘less is more’ approach to tackling aging skin concerns like marionette lines, skin laxity, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, large pores, and jowls. Whether it’s elasticity, skin tone, or firmness – identify the issues that are most important to you, and speak with a board-certified dermatologist about a personalized regimen that can target your aging concerns.

Many people assume that a comprehensive and effective skincare routine has to be very involved and complex. But it doesn’t have to be that way! The right products utilize intelligent formulations and make it easy for you to stick to your routine using a few simple steps.

Certain skin changes naturally come with age, but personal habits can go a long way toward reducing premature skin aging.

Simple lifestyle changes that help reduce skin aging

• Protect your skin from UV rays by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. If you’re going to be spending extended time outdoors during the sun’s prime hours, you may want to apply supplemental protection. Additionally, if you’re going to be swimming or sweating, make sure to reapply your sun protection on a regular basis.

• Stop smoking, as this deprives your skin of oxygen and nutrients, causing wrinkles to develop. Studies have shown that smoking cigarettes can have a huge effect on the youthfulness of the skin. Furthermore, smoking cigarettes can lead to the development of a whole host of other health problems, including cancer, breathing problems, and dental issues.

• Eat clean with a focus on foods like salmon, avocados, berries, and dark leafy greens with vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant properties. Avoid eating a lot of foods that have high amounts of sugars, salts, unhealthy fats, oils, dairy content, and preservatives.

• Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body. Studies indicate that just two cups of H20 increases circulation, which evens out skin tone. Hydrated skin is also more elastic and stays moisturized longer -- which can contribute to a more smooth and youthful appearance.

• Try to reduce stressors in your life as stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol contribute to dry skin. Find a way to relax your mind and your body. Some examples of relaxation techniques include things like exercise, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, journaling, etc.

• Limit alcohol intake as it inflames tissue and dehydrates the body, which in turn can dehydrate the skin. This can lead to the emphasis of fine lines and wrinkles that may have been more subtle before.

• Stay active and try to exercise for about 30 minutes every day. Studies show that moderate exercise can boost the immune system and improve circulation. This doesn’t mean that you have to do an intense HIIT workout every single day. Instead, just try to get your body up and moving. This could mean simply taking a nice walk outside or going on a bike ride. The most important component of staying active involves finding a physical activity that you enjoy doing.

• Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to remove makeup and pollutants and to ensure skin is well hydrated. You should be cleansing your face twice a day -- once in the morning and once in the evening to remove dirt, sweat, oil, and pollutants from the skin that accumulate while you go about your day and also while you’re sleeping (and your skin is detoxing). You should moisturize your face immediately after cleansing to replace any moisture lost during the process and help fill in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to nourishing and hydrating ingredients.

• Get enough sleep -- about eight hours every night -- and try sleeping on your back. This is because side and stomach positions can speed up the formation of compression-induced wrinkles that can appear on the chest and face, specifically.

Protect your skin from UV rays by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. If you’re going to be spending extended time outdoors during the sun’s prime hours, you may want to apply supplemental protection. Additionally, if you’re going to be swimming or sweating, make sure to reapply your sun protection on a regular basis.

Stop smoking, as this deprives your skin of oxygen and nutrients, causing wrinkles to develop. Studies have shown that smoking cigarettes can have a huge effect on the youthfulness of the skin. Furthermore, smoking cigarettes can lead to the development of a whole host of other health problems, including cancer, breathing problems, and dental issues.

Eat clean with a focus on foods like salmon, avocados, berries, and dark leafy greens with vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant properties. Avoid eating a lot of foods that have high amounts of sugars, salts, unhealthy fats, oils, dairy content, and preservatives.

Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body. Studies indicate that just two cups of H20 increases circulation, which evens out skin tone. Hydrated skin is also more elastic and stays moisturized longer -- which can contribute to a more smooth and youthful appearance.

Try to reduce stressors in your life as stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol contribute to dry skin. Find a way to relax your mind and your body. Some examples of relaxation techniques include things like exercise, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, journaling, etc.

Limit alcohol intake as it inflames tissue and dehydrates the body, which in turn can dehydrate the skin. This can lead to the emphasis of fine lines and wrinkles that may have been more subtle before.

Stay active and try to exercise for about 30 minutes every day. Studies show that moderate exercise can boost the immune system and improve circulation. This doesn’t mean that you have to do an intense HIIT workout every single day. Instead, just try to get your body up and moving. This could mean simply taking a nice walk outside or going on a bike ride. The most important component of staying active involves finding a physical activity that you enjoy doing.

Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to remove makeup and pollutants and to ensure skin is well hydrated. You should be cleansing your face twice a day -- once in the morning and once in the evening to remove dirt, sweat, oil, and pollutants from the skin that accumulate while you go about your day and also while you’re sleeping (and your skin is detoxing). You should moisturize your face immediately after cleansing to replace any moisture lost during the process and help fill in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to nourishing and hydrating ingredients.

Get enough sleep -- about eight hours every night -- and try sleeping on your back. This is because side and stomach positions can speed up the formation of compression-induced wrinkles that can appear on the chest and face, specifically.

Certain lifestyle changes, self-care practices, and targeted products can make a world of difference in the health and elasticity of facial skin. By using clinically proven anti-aging ingredients, you can keep your skin looking and feeling fresh, slow down the aging process, and minimize the tell-tale signs of mature skin. Fine lines and crow’s feet will not disappear overnight, but with regular use, PROVEN Skincare can reverse the effects of environmental stressors, sun damage, and the passing of time.

Each PROVEN Skincare set is formulated by Stanford scientists using cutting-edge ingredients that preserve the health and vitality of your skin. It’s never too late to start! Create your anti-aging skincare regimen by taking our personalized skin quiz. In less than three minutes, our technology will develop three multi-functional products created exclusively for you.

As a part of your PROVEN regimen, you will receive three custom products out of more than 2,000 different combinations, including a 3-in-1 cleanser that also has toning and exfoliating properties, a 2-in-1 moisturizer that nourishes and protects the skin with SPF 30, and a night cream that’s jam-packed with the beneficial ingredients you need to tackle your skincare concerns while you sleep.

These three products are effective and super easy to use. As a result, you can easily develop the perfect skincare routine for your aging skin -- and stick to it for long-lasting results.