05 Aug
Better Beauty

The Lowdown on Jade Rolling

If you’ve been paying attention, then you’ve probably seen an influencer (or a few) praise the jade roller as a game-changer for their skin. While we can agree that it’s beautiful, the real question is – does it work? And if so, is it effective enough to make it worth the time? Let’s discuss.

AN ORIGINS STORY

The practice of Jade Rolling finds its origins in Ancient China, where it was used among the elites of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1927 AD). Proponents associated Jade, a natural mineral found in various shades of green, with healing and soothing properties. Auspiciously, it is also believed to bestow health, wealth, luck, and prosperity to those who own it – hence, many Chinese homes are adorned with jade statues, artifacts, and the likes.

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Our body is comprised of a complex network of vessels, nodes, and organs that together make up the lymphatic system. This network is responsible for moving around a clear liquid called lymph. Found within lymph are forms of white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages specifically), which are responsible for collecting toxins, waste products, bacteria, and damaged cells and transporting them to lymph nodes where they can be cleaned or destroyed.

THE BENEFITS

The basis of jade rolling is that it helps ‘push’ lymph through the lymph vessels towards the lymph nodes where it can be cleaned, thus detoxifying the face. Users often boast of

  • improved skin tone,
  • a ‘lifted’ and brightened complexion,
  • and lessened inflammation and puffiness.

The act of rolling is also quite relaxing, very much like a facial massage, and those who swear by it also claim to be living with less stress as it gets incorporated into their daily ‘self-care’ routine.

JADE ROLL LIKE A PRO

If you really want to reap the benefits of jade rolling, then proper technique can really make a difference.

  • To prevent pulling of the skin (and possibly making skin even worse), lubricate the skin with a mineral spray or a light non-comedogenic facial oil.
  • In gentle strokes of 3 to 5 times, start by rolling outwards along the clavicle and downwards along the neck. This will help open up the lymph nodes that are concentrated throughout these areas.
  • Move onto the jawline and cheeks, rolling outwards towards the temples.
  • Most jade rollers come with two sides, a large one and a smaller one. Using the smaller side, focus on the sensitive under-eye area, rolling outwards to the outer edge of the eye. Be extra gentle to avoid the lash area and avoid pulling on the skin.
  • Finish off with the forehead, rolling outwards to the hairline.

Pro-tip: keep your jade-roller in the fridge. The cooling sensation aids in depuffing your skin – and also just feels extra nice!

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

While it is certainly not a miracle cure for anti-aging, jade-rolling is effective in its claims of detoxifying skin. However, this is more due to the rolling than it is to the jade. Jade-rolling is essentially giving a targeted massage to the face, and much of the same can be accomplished with a rolling hand massage using the knuckle-side of a fist.

However, admittedly the jade adds a certain level of luxury to your self-care routine, especially when cooled in the fridge, making you more likely to add it to your daily self-care routine. And if it makes you feel good – then well, that’s the point of self-care in the first place, right?

Jade-rolling has stood the test of time because it works, and it also feels good doing it. Add jade-rolling to your daily skincare routine and your skin will thank you for it. However, just be patient – like most skincare, the results are gradual and cumulative – but over time and with the right technique, you should start to see more vitality and less puffiness in your skin.

24 Jul
Beauty 365

Beauty 365: Summer Skincare

It’s the time of the year we all wait for in eager anticipation when we bare more skin and spend far more time outdoors. The Summer season also brings with it a list of considerations when building out an effective skincare regimen – as it is also the time of the year where we accumulate the most skin damage. Thankfully with proper planning, next Summer your skin can reap the rewards of seasonally-appropriate care… starting with these Summer skincare tips!

Tip #1 | TIME TO GO LIGHT!

Save the thick creams for the Winter season, because Summer brings with it more sweat, more humidity, and more of that unsettling sticky feeling on our skin. Mediate this with lighter products, such as switching from an oil-based cleanser to a foaming one, or from creams to lotions.

This rings especially true if you have acne-prone skin. Heavier creams make it difficult to wick away sweat, which then just ends up sitting on top of your skin and risks clogging your pores.

Tip #2 | EASY ON THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

If you’re planning a beach day or prolonged sun exposure, it’s wise to adapt your skincare regimen to fit the risks of UV rays. For example, seasoned skincare aficionados know all too well the increased photosensitivity brought about by retinol and retinoids. Decrease your usage or stop it altogether a few days before your expected time under the Sun. This advice bodes also bodes well for those who love their AHA and BHA peels. If you must, then apply your chemical peels at night so your skin has some time to recover before exposing it to the sun once again.

Tip #3 | SPF IS THE HOLY GRAIL

Bold statement? Perhaps. But really, is there anything better you can do to prevent the visible signs of aging? We’re willing to bet that dermatologists would overwhelmingly choose UV protection as the one thing that can stave off aging.

Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and that is suitable for your skin. If you have a darker complexion, you may want to avoid mineral sunscreens that settle an unsightly whitecast. If you have lighter skin, then you’re more naturally more susceptible to sun damage and will want to opt for an even higher SPF factor.

Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours as needed!

Tip #4 | THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS WATER

The scorching hot Sahara Desert is dry for a reason – don’t let your skin have the same fate. Hydration is absolutely key, and a delicious bottle of water is exactly what you need. Drink water lots, drink it consistently, and you will quickly realize that the most important ingredient in a skincare regimen is also the most basic one of all.

Don’t just drink water, but also apply it onto your skin using Hyaluronic Acid which holds up to 1000x its weight in water. In other words, it functions as a humectant that holds water particles onto your skin to keep it moisturized. Look for it standalone in a serum or incorporated into a light moisturizer.

Tip #5 | SHADES? SIZE MATTERS!

The skin around your eyes is amongst the thinnest on your body, so it needs extra love and care to keep those bags and wrinkles away. Aside from SPF in sunscreen and incorporated into your makeup, the best way to protect your eye area (and your vision) is with sunglasses that provide an adequate amount of coverage. In other words, don’t be afraid to GO BIG – and look for wide lenses that also wrap around the corners of your eyes.

Don’t just stop at size, as there are a couple of other considerations to consider. Firstly, opt for mirrored lenses as they will block out far more UV than tinted lenses. Also, opt for plastic frames over metal frames because UV can actually reflect off the metal and create sunspots on your cheeks as a result. Lastly, make sure the fit is just right on the nose to keep it snug and your eye area protected throughout the day.

The Summer season was made to be thoroughly enjoyed outdoors – but don’t let FOMO damage your skin. Next Summer, heed our advice and you won’t spend the rest of the year rehabilitating your skin from that full day at the beach.

05 Jul
Beauty 365

Beauty 365: Winter Skincare

Love it or hate it, winter brings with it colder temperatures, big parkas, and a need for more climate-specific skincare. It can be a twofold struggle with the outdoors bringing in skin-blistering, lip-chapping cold, while the indoor heating can deplete moisture from your skin. Plan ahead for the next Winter season with these seasonal skincare tips.

Tip #1 | REACH FOR HEAVIER MOISTURIZERS

The colder weather means it’s time to utilize the heavier moisturizers that wouldn’t don’t bode well for the warmer months. Sometimes the only part of our body that’s exposed to the outdoor elements, our faces can really take a beating in the winter. Set aside the gels and lotions, and look for creams that will help lock in the moisture. Creams also usually contain higher concentrations of skin-nourishing oils, and the thicker consistency provides a more effective medium to absorb those nutrients.

Tip #2 | INGREDIENTS ARE EVERYTHING

As cold weather can make skin more sensitive, be strategic in selecting products with the right ingredients to avoid irritation and winter flare-ups. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Ceramides: These are essentially long-chain lipids that support the structure of your skin cells. Ceramide levels drop dramatically towards the Winter, resulting in more moisture loss – so look to replace your ceramide levels with the right skin products.
  • Squalene: An oil derived from rice, sugar cane, and olive oil, and that we also produce naturally. Squalene is fantastic at nourishing and moisturizing skin.
  • CBD: Increasingly popular in numerous forms, CBD has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties shown to reduce winter sensitivity.
  • Hyaluronic Acid:  This superstar ingredient comes in short-chain and long-chain forms. The former penetrates deep into the skin while the latter provides supreme epidermal (upper layer) nourishment. Look for a combination of the two.
  • Urea: One of the oldest skincare active ingredients available, urea has had lasting power thanks to its ability to regulate skin’s water content and in supporting cell turnover.

Tip #3 | EASY ON THE EXFOLIATION

Exfoliation should be part of your skincare routine all year round, but be cautious during the winter months when your skin is already being pounded by the elements. Excessive cold can really take its toll on your skin barrier (which keeps moisture in and external pollutants out), and over-exfoliation may just push it over the edge. Consider reducing your exfoliation days to 1-2 days a week – test it out and see what works for your skin type.

Tip #4 | HUMIDIFY, HUMIDIFY, HUMIDIFY

Bring the winter skincare indoors, especially since there is a good chance you’ll be spending more time inside during these months. Heaters can keep you cozy, but they also dry out the surrounding air, which ends up drawing moisture out of your skin. Mediate this with a humidifier, which reinfuses moisture into the air and keeps Transepidermal Water Loss at bay.

Tip #5 | SUNSCREEN 365

You’re probably tired of hearing this, but we’re going to say it anyway: Wear Sunscreen. Oftentimes the cold brings about a false sense of security, but the sun is still up there and so are the skin-damaging UV rays it emits. You might be able to get away with a lower SPF factor on overcast days during winter, but when the sun is out then play it safe and wear a minimum of SPF 30.

26 Jun
How To's

How To: Exfoliate

There once was a time when exfoliation was considered to be near-violently scrubbing our face with sharp, broken-up fruit pits. Thankfully, skincare has come a long way and we now know that those old ways of exfoliation often did far more harm than good. So throw away your mother’s St. Ives and say hello to the new ways to exfoliate.

TYPES OF EXFOLIATION

First things first, there are two main methods of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical.

  • Mechanical Exfoliation: Involves scrubbing the skin with a granular scrub (or tool such as a Clarisonic Brush or Washcloth) that physically buffs the surface. However, this method has been proven to cause unnecessary microtears in the skin, thereby damaging the natural skin barrier. This leaves our skin prone to sensitivity, susceptible to UV and pollutants, and less able to retain the skin’s hydration levels.
  • Chemical Exfoliation: Utilizes acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin buildup without the need for scrubbing. Opt for AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) such as glycolic acid, BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) such as Salicylic Acid, which effectively dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells to healthy ones. Fruit enzymes may also be an alternative.for sensitive skin types.

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE EXFOLIATION

The success of your exfoliation regimen will be dependent on 3 main variables: Ingredients, Frequency, and Intensity.

  • Ingredients: Regardless of which method, mechanical or chemical, appropriate ingredients are paramount to success. Be cautious and selective, because the last thing you want is irritants that damage your skin’s barrier and vitality, or cause a breakout that can take weeks to settle. Experiment with different ingredients and keep a journal to log down how each reacted to your skin. This will help plan out a long-term skin care strategy.
  • Frequency: Properly spaced-out exfoliation treatments are key to glowing skin. When it comes to frequency, most skincare pros agree that 2-3 times per week is plenty. However, higher-strength exfoliants will warrant lower frequency. Other factors to consider are planned exposure to UV (Beach day coming up? Be gentler on your skin) or other active ingredients in your regimen (tretinoin can cause sensitivity, so tread lightly).
  • Intensity: Gentler is always better, but with long-term use, you will also be able to build up your skin’s tolerance. With chemical exfoliants, start off with lower intensities or apply for a shorter duration – then work your way up. Similarly, with mechanical exfoliants tools, if there is a strength dial then start off at the lowest setting – or with lower passes over the treatment region.

EXFOLIATION BY SKIN-TYPE

We’re not all cut from the same cloth, and by the same token, our skin types and skin struggles can be as unique as we are. While some mechanical exfoliation has its place, chemical exfoliants have the advantage of being more gentle (less skin pulling and unnecessary abrasion) and also better able to customize to your skin type. Customize your exfoliation practice to your skin profile to really get your skin glowing.

  • Dry Skin: Alpha Hydroxy Acids typically suit dry skin the best, as they are excellent at loosening the bonds between the dry skin on top and healthy skin below. AHAs also have the remarkable ability to increase skin’s hydration levels, holding onto moisture leaving skin supple and glowing. Our favourites are lactic and glyclolic acid.
  • Oily Skin: Beta Hydroxy Acids, such as salicyclic acid, are staples for those with over-productive oil production. BHAs are able to penetrate deep into pores, cleaning it of oil, debris and dead skin cells. BHAs are also oil-soluble and can really cut through built-up oil.
  • Acne-Prone Skin:  Acne-prone skin requires special treatments due to the cell-turnover rate, which can be 5x higher than normal skin. Thus, higher-frequency exfoliation is suitable however it’s important to select ingredients with appropriate concentration levels so as to not further irritate the skin or destroy the skin barrier. Also, you definitely want to avoid mechanical exfoliation on areas with active acne as this can cause scarring and damage which can be difficult to reverse. The best thing to do if you have moderate to severe acne is to speak with a dermatologist on which treatments are appropriate for your acne’s severity.

Regular exfoliation is a game changer. With the proper method, it reveals the glowing skin underneath and improves the efficacy of the other products such as serums and creams. Experiment, start slow, and listen to your skin – as effective exfoliation habits will pay dividends the rest of your life.

11 Jun
Better Beauty

Slugging: Worth The Hype?

While some beauty trends can border on outrageous, there is one trend that we can wholeheartedly get behind: it’s called Slugging. Aptly named after the slimy member of the animal kingdom, it is a beauty trend that originated in K-Beauty (the Korean beauty industry). Let’s break down what slugging is, and why you should (or should not) add this to your beauty regimen.

WHAT EXACTLY IS SLUGGING?

The outermost component of the epidermis (the thin top layer of your skin) is called the stratum corneum, more commonly known as the skin barrier. It is made of tightly bound cells that are held together by ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids – which can be found in our sebum (natural facial oil).

The skin barrier serves to protect the layers underneath from pollution, UV rays, toxins, and most importantly from moisture loss. However, we all too often damage our skin barrier through harsh cleansers or active ingredients that dry out our skin and deplete our sebum production.

This is where slugging comes in. By creating a temporary skin barrier, it provides a window of opportunity where our natural barrier can be replenished and renewed.

HOW DOES SLUGGING WORK?

As mentioned, slugging temporarily replaces the natural skin barrier. It does this through an occlusive (remember this term, it’s very important!) such as petroleum jelly (ie. vaseline). Simplified, an occlusive is a moisturizing agent which forms a protective layer, creating a protective barrier and thus sealing in moisture.

While vaseline is the most widely used occlusive, you may also opt for Aquaphor or heavier creams, such as those offered by Cerave. A very thin layer applied overnight can do wonders, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by your supple, glowing skin come morning.

WHAT ABOUT ACNE-PRONE SKIN?

As amazing as slugging is, it’s not for everyone. If you have extra-sensitive or skin prone to cystic acne, you may want to skip this step. While you probably won’t break out from slugging alone, if you are still producing excess sebum, the oil will get trapped under the occlusive – and with nowhere to escape, it may end up clogging your pores, leading to a breakout.

But all hope is not lost. While you will want to prevent slugging all over when your skin is extra oily, you can try spot-treatments on areas that need extra TLC. Another option is reducing the slugging duration to a few hours, rather than overnight, as this will still provide some benefits without trapping 8 hours worth of excess oil.

HOW TO SLUG

Although the process of slathering your face in occlusive might seem a bit overwhelming at first, the most important things to remember are that A) less is more and B) hide your nice white linens. Here is how to slug:

  1. Do this at night right before sleeping, and after your night routine.
  2. Ensure your skin is very clean. The last thing you want is trapping dirt on your skin overnight. We recommend doing a double-cleanse with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based one.
  3. Apply your humectants while your skin is still damp. This will provide the overnight hydration that you will trap underneath the occlusive. Our favourite is Hyaluronic Acid, but you can also try glycerin or aloe.
  4. Now the fun part: Apply a very thin layer of the occlusive (ie. vaseline) to your face or treatment area. Be sparing with your application – you really don’t need much, and doing so will extend the lifetime of your linens.
  5. Come morning, wash it off once again using the double-cleanse method (oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser).
  6. Lastly, with regards to frequency, it’s important to listen to your skin. For some, daily slugging works wonders while for others, once a week or once a month will be the most their skin can tolerate.

Slugging might sound intimidating but after your first session, you will wonder how you had ever lived without it. After all, there really are very few things better than waking up with a glorious, hydrated complexion – and your skin barrier will thank you!

26 May
Friend or Foe

Oil: Friend or Foe?

Sebum, the oily substance we grow to loathe as teenagers, plays an all-important role in our skin’s health and vitality. However, there is an almost 100% chance you have experienced the skin issues that come with extra-oily skin. In this post, we debate the issue of sebum – is it just a slick friend or actually an oily nuisance?

WHAT IS SEBUM?

Sebum is composed of a complex combination of lipids (glycerine and free fatty acids), wax esters, and a small percentage of cholesterol. It is produced by our sebaceous glands, which exist on our entire bodies with the exception of the palms of our hands, the soles of our feet, and our lower lip. These sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles (which we have in abundance, visible or not). The highest concentrations can be found in our face – but are also highly concentrated in our scalp, chest, and back.

Sebum production is regulated by hormones, particularly androgens (make sex hormones, particularly testosterone). The size of these glands, and the amount of their production, are largely influenced by genetics. Hence, if your parents had oily skin causing acne in their teens – there is a likelihood that you had it as well.

THE ROLE OF SEBUM

Despite its reputation for ruining high school yearbook photos, sebum actually has numerous roles in maintaining the health of the skin (when produced at balanced levels).

  • Hydration – Sebum works to seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.
  • Antibacterial/Antifungal Protection – The slightly higher acidity found in sebum defends against bacteria and other microbes.
  • UV Protection – Although not a replacement for sunscreen, the squalene found in sebum does provide some UV protection.
  • Detoxification – May contribute to heart health as it helps the body eliminate excess cholesterol and lipids.

WHEN DOES IT BECOME AN ISSUE?

The issues that arise with sebum mainly come from overproduction caused by imbalanced hormones or other factors such as skincare habits and diet. The symptoms of sebum overproduction can manifest in acne (at any age) and visibly oily skin (which can further complicate a skincare routine). Although rare, excess sebum may also cause inflammation or, more seriously, dermatitis which can cause itchy, flaky skin.

On the other hand, underproduction is caused naturally by the aging process, which is why dry skin can be more problematic with age. However, it can be worsened with harsh chemicals found in many drying cleansers, creams, and prescription medications such as tretinoin.

VERDICT

Sebum evidently has a very important role in overall skin health and vitality. Without it, we would be denying our skin its protective benefits, in addition to the anti-aging benefits due to its ability to seal in moisture. For these reasons, our verdict is FRIEND.

However, this is the type of friend you will want to keep our eye on!

04 May
How To's

How To: Clear Your Pores

Pores. Those pesky little things. We all have them, but some were just blessed with pores so small they’re basically invisible. For the rest of us, it can be an ongoing struggle to keep them in control. Luckily, a combination of traditional treatments, new technology, and good lifestyle habits can do wonders for blackheads, whiteheads, and everything in-between.

WHAT CAUSES CLOGGED PORES

First off, let’s differentiate between a clogged pore and a pimple. While yes, all pimples are technically clogged pores, not all clogged pores are pimples.

Pimples occur deep under the skin when sebaceous oil accumulates but gets trapped underneath overproduction of oil and dead skin cells, resulting in inflammation due to bacteria.

In comparison, a clogged pore can also occur at the surface level, where the trapped oil and dirt are visible and form what we know as blackheads and whiteheads. These are what we will be covering today.

#1 | THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS

When searching for skincare products, look for Grade A ingredients that will help slough off the dead skin cells and dirt that contribute to clogged pores. Our favourites are:

  • Salicylic Acid – deep cleans
  • Benzoyl Peroxide – kills pore-clogging bacteria
  • Glycolic Acid – exfoliates dead skin cells

Lastly, keep in mind that too much can be a bad thing. Start off with lower concentrations and if your skin tolerates it at that level, try increasing it gradually until you find what works for you.

#2 | THE RIGHT HABITS

Along with the right ingredients, you also want to get into the right daily habits that will keep your pores breathing and skin glowing. Some to keep in mind are:

  • Touching your face. Consciously or not, we touch our face dozens of times per day. In doing so, we transfer oil, dirt, and bacteria – all of which contribute to clogging our sensitive pores and dulling our complexion.
  • Processed foods and sugar. The jury is still out on which foods cause duller complexions, but at the very least we know that sugar has been proven to worsen acne. Regardless, highly processed foods are a big no-no for general health so we’re comfortable adding them to this list.
  • Stripping our natural oils. Sebaceous oil actually has a very important role in 0ur skin’s health. It has anti-inflammatory and ant-bacterial properties, helps us retain moisture, and provides some minimal UV protection. Regulate but don’t strip your skin of these oils, as doing so will either cause your body to produce even more or render your skin without the important benefits that these oils provide.

#3 | THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY

There have been numerous technological advancements in skincare over the past decade. One of our favorites is the use of sonic vibrations, which deliver nearly imperceptible vibrations to flush out dirt, debris, and overproduction of oil. Our best-seller, the Ultrasonic Skin Spatula, does just that and, with a proper cleansing and moisturizing regimen, can lead to a dramatic reduction in blackheads and whiteheads.

For those stubborn blackheads, try the Blackhead Remover Pore Vacuum. It uses gentle yet effective suction technology to extract dirt and dead skin cells. It also comes with five different suction tips to customize the treatment to the problem at hand.

20 Apr
Better Beauty

4 Beauty Lies You Tell Yourself

Do you know that little voice in your head? That voice is one of the most powerful tools you have in your arsenal to achieve the life you want to live. Unfortunately, it can also be the one thing that holds you back and keep you down as well.

Here are four things we say to ourselves, and which know inside to not be true. So stop lying to yourself – it’s due time to get rid of self-limiting beliefs.

#1 | "I'LL START LATER IN LIFE"

Procrastination is simply human nature – but procrastinating a good skin-care strategy can have compounding effects later in life. This rings true at any age, but especially in one’s 20s and 30s, when the visible signs of ageing should still be in their infancy. Ask any seasoned beauty professional and they will tell you that prevention is far easier than correction, so don’t wait until a new wrinkle has formed to start treating that area for those signs. Getting a head start will keep you ahead of the curve for longer, and when they do set in, they will be far easier to correct and keep at bay.

#2 | "I DON'T NEED SUNSCREEN TODAY"

Little things add up, both the good and the bad. Over time and with repeated exposure, some of the most damaging UV exposure occurs when we least expect it – such as on days with seemingly protective cloud coverage, or during unassuming runs down the ski slopes.

While sunscreen is increasingly crucial as we approach the Summer months, UV protection is not seasonal – we really do need it year-round. Incorporate SPF into your winter skincare routine, and you’ll be surprised with your skin’s natural glow when it’s finally time to bare the layers and show it off.

#3 | "JUST ONE MORE CAN'T HURT"

We all have our vices – and while we can appreciate our human faults, it’s important to respect the limitations we place on ourselves. So if your vice is sugary sweets then, by all means, go enjoy it – but set a limit with the awareness that exceeding that limit will eventually lead to consequences.

Keeping your hand out of that cookie jar, and enjoying your vices with discipline and moderation, will pay dividends for your skin’s quality down the road.

#4 | "I CAN'T CHANGE MY GENETICS"

While you can’t technically trade-in your genetics (well not yet, at least), it does not mean that your genes are not capable of better. Oftentimes we too easily blame our genetics before we blame our lifestyle and habits. This comes at the expense of revealing to ourselves what our genetics are truly capable of achieving.

So fall love in yourself and what you’re made of, and also enjoy the journey of pursuing your genetic potential. With time, discipline and good habits, you really may just surprise yourself!

06 Apr
Better Beauty

6 EASY, AT-HOME ANTI-AGING PRACTICES YOU CAN START TODAY!

Beautiful, clear skin. We all want it, some of us have it, and for the rest of us – well… we just haven’t quite figured it out yet. So what’s the secret to the fountain of youth? The surprising truth is that, barring extreme plastic surgery, the best anti-aging strategies are accessible and can begin right after reading this article!

So let’s go over the 6 Anti-Aging Strategies You Can Start Today

#1 | EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE

Let’s start off with a no-brainer. We all know that exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris. But perhaps less known, yet more important, is that exfoliation allows your anti-aging serums and creams to penetrate deeper into your skin. It also enhances cellular turnover, which is the rate at which your skin regenerates! Exfoliation is a must for anyone who is serious about anti-aging (but don’t go overboard – your skin can only handle so much!). Our favorite is the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

#2 | STAY THIRSTY!

Did you know that Gabrielle Union was nearly 30 years old when starred in the teen blockbuster ‘Bring It On’? The kicker is she pretty much looks the same two decades later! Gabrielle, along with a host of A-List Celebrities, swear by H2O as the most important habit that has kept them looking young and refreshed well into their years. The reason why is because your body directs hydration to the vital organs first, and works its way outwards. This means that your skin is one of the last organs to be rehydrated – so if you’re not drinking enough, you are essentially putting your skin through a drought. Aim for a gallon a day, which might seem like a lot, but stretched out over a day is a very manageable goal.

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Collagen-Boosting Microneedle Dermapen

$60
Take years off your appearance by creating new collagen-rich fibers through your skin's natural healing mechanism.
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#3 | MICRONEEDLING IS A GAME CHANGER

Not getting enough shut-eye? Numerous studies have shown that poor sleep patterns not only seriously hinders short-term memory, focus and recall – it will also take a serious toll on your skin! It’s called beauty sleep for a good reason – because this is the only time during the day in which your body can recover and regenerate.

Your skin is exposed to external factors throughout the day, such as sun and pollution, in addition to internal variables such as stress and hormones. The cumulative rate of all these external factors less the regeneration and recovery achieved during sleep equals your rate of visible aging. To simplify, the less you sleep the larger the difference – and therefore, the faster you age!

The thought of it can sound scary at first, but microneedling is scientifically proven to be one of the most effective non-invasive procedures to dramatically improve your skin’s elastin and collagen production. It works by creating microscopic tears in the upper layer of the dermis, triggering a natural healing response which creates new collagen and elastin.

Over time and with continued use, at-home microneedling can be the most effective at-home method to achieve and maintain a youthful appearance. The earlier in age that you start regular treatment, the better equipped you will be to prevent those early signs of aging in the first place. We recommend SkinReneu’s product Collagen-Boosting Microneedle Pen.

#4 | IT'S CALLED BEAUTY SLEEP FOR GOOD REASON

Not getting enough shut-eye? Numerous studies have shown that poor sleep patterns not only seriously hinders short-term memory, focus and recall – it will also take a serious toll on your skin! It’s called beauty sleep for a good reason – because this is the only time during the day in which your body can recover and regenerate.

Your skin is exposed to external factors throughout the day, such as sun and pollution, in addition to internal variables such as stress and hormones. The cumulative rate of all these external factors less the regeneration and recovery achieved during sleep equals your rate of visible aging. To simplify, the less you sleep the larger the difference – and therefore, the faster you age!

#5 | SUGAR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND

Caught with your hand in the cookie jar? Your skin will be paying the price! When sugar enters your body, it binds to protein – and the most important proteins when it comes to staying young? Well, that recognition goes to our dear friends Collagen and Elastin! So in essence, excess sugar – especially the processed kind – degrades the quality of your collagen and elastin. It also diminishes your body’s natural production of HGH (Human Growth Hormone), which plays an integral role in regulating your body’s muscle and fat composition.

#6 | MINDFULNESS MATTERS

Repeat after us: “A meditation each day keeps wrinkles at bay”. The best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a Goop retreat, because meditation and mindfulness is free and can be practiced anywhere and for however long you wish! Meditation is scientically proven to lower cortisol levels, the skin-damaging hormone that is released in moments of stress. Unfortunately, many of us are perpetually stressed – meaning those all-too-important cortisol levels are raised far-too-often. Meditation is like a reset button, and incorporating it into your daily routine can also turn back the beauty clock!