Targeted Skincare for Every Phase of Life

Could you distinguish between
visible skin “aging” and differences in the skin at various ages?

The skin needs training—constant care starting at as early an age as possible. At 18, the skin is firm, radiant. However, pollution and unprotected sun exposure start the long damage process and at a very young age eyes can get puffy in the morning. Between 25 and 45, there is a need to maintain skin health and ensure it is well hydrated, moisturized, gets as many nutrients as possible to maintain firmness and delay the appearance of fine lines. After 45, one must start the recovery and repair process.

Are there gender and ethnic differences as well?

No individual or ethnicity is immune to the aging process. I believe genetics (which you do not control), and lifestyle/diet/exercise (which you can control) have a great influence. Whatever your ethnicity or your gender, there are only main three types of skin:

• Oily: if your face is most of the time shiny
• Dry: if your skin is thin and sensitive
• Normal: if your skin is uniform, smooth, and has very few imperfections

If you have dry cheeks and temples but a shiny forehead and nose, you have mixed skin.

What do we know about the skin at different decades?

The skin and its appendages (hair, nails) are the most visible signs of the aging process. Dermatological issues are the result of longer exposure to ultraviolet rays, pollution, but also of the skin structure itself: collagen, elastic fibers. A number of scientific studies show that more than half of people over 65 have dermatosis that requires medical attention, with 30 percent showing signs of more than one dermatosis.

The epidermis protects the body. It contains a number of cells, particularly keratinocytes (producing keratin) that renew the epidermis in a 25- to 45-day cycle, and melanocytes, deeper inside the epidermis, that produce the melanin absorbed by the keratinocytes.

How can topical skincare help address skin differences at different ages?

Topical skin care can address the specific needs of each age phase. Serums, because of their ability to penetrate deeper into the skin are considered best, but the skin needs also the hydration and nutrition provided by a good cream. The choice and the mix of ingredients relates to the skin requirements at a specific age, understanding the cumulative effect of ultraviolet radiation and pollution exposure over time, stress, always keeping in mind that the process of epidermis renewal gets slower as one ages.

What are some constants of skincare at any age?

Indeed there are some constants. The skin needs daily cleaning and hydrating. Protect your face from direct sunlight or use the best sunscreen possible—even if not sunbathing—but just because you spend part of the day in the outside. Have a very healthy, balanced diet. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Avoid alcoholic drinks as much as possible. Avoid smoking. Avoid stress. Have at least seven or eight hours of sleep every night, the earlier you go to bed the better, and………exercise or at least walk a minimum of 45 minutes a day.