Good skin care starts with a healthy diet that includes leafy greens, lean proteins and healthy fats, as well as plenty of water. A poor diet can contribute to acne, dry skin, accelerated aging and poor wound healing. Regardless of age, everyone needs to establish a regimen that they can stick to. This regimen should include a good cleanser, a sunscreen and a moisturizer. Finally, annual visits to a dermatology provider for a skin cancer exam is important to ensuring healthy skin.
What should we be concerned about for the Silent Generation (ages 72+)
A good medical treatment for members of this group who have had a lot of sun exposure is photodynamic therapy. PDT works by directing wavelengths of blue, fluorescent light to activate a topical medicine called Levulan to target and destroy abnormal precancerous skin cells. Because PDT can identify abnormal cells before they are visible, it is a great treatment for the scalp, face, chest and arms, which are the areas where skin cancers are most prevalent.
What are some of the most common things you recommend for Baby Boomers (ages 57+)?
As we age, a loss of moisture causes our skin to become dry and dull. Years of sun exposure brings discoloration, and textural changes. Fine lines become deeper. Reduced collagen production causes loss of volume in the midface and sagging in the lower face. For baby boomers, I recommend products that restore moisture, lift and tighten the skin. An antioxidant moisturizer with vitamin C in the morning and a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 will help prevent further damage from the sun and free radicals.
Additionally, every boomer should be using a retinol or retinoic acid at night. Retinols work by turning skin cells over more quickly, and they prevent debris from settling into pores. As a result, fine lines, bumpiness and discoloration are minimized. By increasing the creation of new skin cells, retinols can also help to prevent precancerous lesions and some skin cancers. Boomers may also benefit from some additional anti-aging treatments like chemical peels, Botox and injectable fillers.
What should Gen X (Ages 41-56) do?
Gen Xers are also experiencing some loss of moisture and discoloration. Oxidative stress causes the skin to become vulnerable as collagen and elastin, the supporting structures of the face begin to break down. Cell renewal slows down causing the skin to show signs of aging. Skin cancers often present in this age group. Visits to the dermatologist for skin cancer exams should be done yearly.
Catching and treating skin cancers early is important to ensure long term skin health. Additionally, hormonal acne often becomes an issue for many women in this group. The goal for this generation is protecting, repairing and replenishing skin barrier function.
Again, a good moisturizer, sunscreen and retinol are a must. Skin brighteners, like vitamin C, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids brighten skin by increasing radiance and glow. Lightening products like hydroquinone and Kojic acid can fade hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal skin changes and adult acne.
Additional treatments that Gen Xers can benefit from include microneedling, which promotes the preservation of the skin barrier’s integrity and stimulates collagen production. Microneedling with infusion of a growth serum or platelet-rich plasma is one of the most effective treatments for generating skin cell turnover and slowing the aging process. Chemical peels will also help to restore a more youthful, fresh-faced look. Finally, Botox and injectable fillers will soften fine lines and restore volume.
For Millennials (ages 25-40) and younger read on our blog at www.apexskin.com.
Finally, with the incidence of skin cancer rising in every age group, nothing is more important than applying sunscreen daily. The sun is a known carcinogen. If you plan to be outside, it is recommended to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. Good skin care is important at every age. As the largest organ of the body, your skin is always on display. With a good skin care routine, you will always put your best face forward.
If you’re looking to take control of your skin and reach your goals, book an appointment with us to determine the right treatment for you!
