Aging Skin and What You Can Do About It

July 30, 2019

Aging: How Do You Stop or Reverse the Signs of Aging?

“How can I get rid of my wrinkles?”

The truth is, not much! Sorry, we know other companies have told you otherwise in their fancy commercials and pseudoscience graphics, but that’s all in the name of selling their products.

It is not possible to get rid of wrinkles using topical products, surgery (removing excess skin) is the only recourse. We all age, there is no way to avoid it. However, to defy the aging process by slowing it down, and thus having the most youthful skin for your age lies in prevention and common sense. The sooner you are diligent about prevention, the longer-lasting your efforts will be.

What are wrinkles?

Wrinkles form from a breakdown of the plumping agents, collagen and elastin in the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin. This creates gaps and crevices in the lower structures of the skin. The top and visible layer of the skin, the epidermis, which is stretched over the lower skin layers, will then fall into the crevices that have formed. This is what you see as a “wrinkle.“

How do I delay the aging process of my skin?

Because wrinkles form deeply in the skin, no topical treatment will stop them from forming completely. However, there are a few ways to slow and delay the aging process.

For the epidermis, daily use of topical antioxidants interferes with harmful environmental free radicals which cause cellular damage on contact.  It never hurts to take antioxidants internally as well to reduce systemic inflammation. For a strong topical antioxidant, Ninja offers Vitamin C Gel (for acne prone skin) or Vitamin C Cream (for more dry/mature skin). Vitamin C is active on the skin for up to 12 hours, making it one of the most effective age defying products available.

To slow and prevent damage to the dermal layer of the skin, avoiding the sun’s UV radiation is crucial. Sun exposure creates systematic damage in the collagen layers and speeds up the formation of wrinkles. Few things in life are guaranteed. Daily use of sunscreen and wearing wide-brimmed hats is a 100% guarantee your skin will age more slowly and look more youthful for your entire life.

Finally, topical use of Salicylic Acid has been shown to thicken the collagen layers of the skin when used on a consistent, long-term basis. It is a good product to use for all skin types, regardless if you are experiencing acne breakouts or not. Salicylic acid, derived from the Salix/willow tree family (just like aspirin) causes exfoliation of the epidermis. This consistent exfoliation reveals newer skin cells sooner, thus improving skin appearance and clarity. Also, using a daily exfoliator, such as salicylic acid helps to remove pre-cancerous skin cells.

Additionally, leading a ‘clean’ lifestyle that supports your body’s immune system is helpful. Make sure you eat well, get plenty of sleep, drink enough water, and moderately exercise.

A general Age Defying recommendation for all skin types, all genders, all ages, all ethnicities:

Start your routine with one of our Cleansers, selected by the amount of oil your skin produces. Every skincare routine should start with a Cleanser that leaves no residue to reduce potential inflammation and irritation.

In the morning after cleansing, apply Daily Defender Sunscreen SPF 30. If you want more hydration, we recommend using the Vitamin C Gel under the sunscreen in the morning as well. The Vitamin C Gel can also be used as an eye serum.

In the evening, if using salicylic acid, first apply salicylic, let dry and then apply either Vitamin C Gel or Vitamin C Cream after cleansing.  If you are using other topical medications, your evening routine may be different than this – so please check in!

The Special Agent Salicylic acid 1 is typically introduced at night initially, and then applied twice a day, depending on your skin condition (please check in!).

If you have any questions about this information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will help you figure out the perfect age defying routine just for you!