Is age just a number?

Let’s face it, looking your best is something that is on the mind of most people.  Whether it be for work, for our families or for us personally.

One of the best methods to looking your best is practicing good skin care habits. Let’s talk aging…..

There are two types of aging: Intrinsic and Extrinsic

Intrinsic aging aka chronological aging is natures aging process and is responsible for about 20% of the aging process.  It’s is more related to genetics.  If you come from a family of baby faced relatives it’s worth a few drops in the buckets.  It also works in reverse.  Things like early graying can be attributed to intrinsic aging.

Extrinsic aging aka external factors such as lifestyle choices, sun exposure, smoking, unhealthy diet and poor skincare contribute to about 80% of the cause of premature aging.  Photo damage and unprotected sun exposure is the culprit for early aging.  In my practice I see many people that are not aware that they should be using a daily spf in their moisturizer.  This is a very simple step to add to your skin care routine immediately.

What you need to understand is that this is a preventative measure that over time will make a significant difference in your skin’s aging over someone that doesn’t use spf.

Keeping your skin young is only one part of why you should protect it daily.  Cancers are on the rise and skin cancer ( melanoma ) is no exception.

The good news is that extrinsic factors are within your control.  With just a few behavior modifications you can begin to age later so to speak.  Part of my job as an Esthetician is to provide education to you on how to practice good skin care at home.  It’s never too late to begin taking care of your skin.