Smooth. Bright. Glowing. Youthful. That’s the skincare holy grail, right? As we move through life, our skin takes in the world around us. Due to a variety of both internal and external factors, it begins to show the signs of aging — and that’s not a bad thing! It’s important to embrace the signs of a life well lived and to feel confident in your skin at any age.

Ah, life. We love to live it — and yet, as we do, we can’t avoid skin aging forever. The search for the Fountain of Youth may not be real, but thanks to Hydrafacial treatments, I’m here to help you find your own version of one! Read on to discover all you need to know about skin aging, from its causes to how incorporating a Hydrafacial treatment into your skincare routine can help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and lack of firmness in the skin.

WHAT CAUSES SKIN TO START SHOWING SIGNS OF AGING?

Fine lines, wrinkles, and lack of firmness are all natural parts of the aging process. A variety of both internal and external factors contribute to cause skin aging to begin and continue over time. These factors include:

Sun Exposure.

Isn’t feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin during a gorgeous summer day just the best? Well, yes and no. While it may feel good in the moment, over time, prolonged sun exposure results in a combination of photoaging, uneven pigmentation, and oxidative stress — AKA the release of free radicals, which damage the structure of skin cells and break down the components of skin. Loss of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin can all happen when free radicals and harmful UV rays get involved.

Am I saying to stay out of the sun forever? No — but making sure to wear SPF every single day is absolutely, positively imperative. No exceptions.

Lack Of Collagen.

Collagen is the protein that gives skin its structure, suppleness, and firmness — and, unfortunately, it naturally degenerates over time. Collagen starts decreasing at around 25 years old, at a rate of 1 percent per year. As I mentioned above, the lack of collagen and elasticity in the skin can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and loose or thinning skin.

Smoking.

As if you needed one more reason why cigarettes are bad for you … smoking can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and oxidative stress. Seriously, just put out that cig.

Poor Diet.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Free radicals are a major no-no. Consuming too much alcohol or sugar can accelerate aging in the skin — alcohol for its dehydrating qualities, and sugar for its increased ability to expose your skin to free radicals. Make sure to include tons of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, like carrots, apricots, leafy greens, and blueberries, in your diet. They’re so important in maintaining the levels of collagen and elastin in your skin, which help to keep fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin at bay.

Not Enough Hydration.

We’ve all heard the saying that drinking eight glasses of water a day is good for the skin. Well, it’s true! Maintaining optimal levels of hydration helps skin to retain its youthful, gorgeous glow. Hyaluronic acid also begins slowing down as we age, so skin cells are less effective at binding in water — causing dryness and lack of radiance. (Helpful tip: If you have a problem getting your recommended eight glasses, try a water bottle with capacity tick marks to help keep you going throughout the day!)

Stress.

While we all feel stressed once in awhile, prolonged stress is bad not only for our mental health, but for our skin. Stress can cause the release of cortisol, a hormone that degrades collagen.

Genetics.

When it comes to skin aging, there are times when genetics play a part. Maybe you’re doing absolutely everything you can think of, but still, those pesky fine lines and wrinkles sneak through. The skin type you’re born with makes a difference when it comes to how fast you may see the signs of aging. Fair or sensitive skin tends to be more prone to wrinkles earlier on, while darker skin tones and higher phototypes (the skin type in response to ultraviolet radiation exposure) may show wrinkles later in life.

IS THERE A WAY TO MINIMIZE THE SIGNS OF AGING?

First, let me say this. While the signs of aging are inevitable, I also honestly love that they exist. It’s so important to embrace life, and living life to the fullest. And if that means an extra wrinkle here or there, so be it — because I am here to help you feel confident in your skin at any age.

That being said, of course it’s natural to want to look for ways to minimize the signs of aging. Hydrafacial is a personalised experience to leave you glowing with confidence — and to help you get the best skin of your life! When you get a Hydrafacial, you can look forward to:

• • Diminished look of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improved skin firmness and feel
  • Smooth texture
  • Even, radiant tone

I recommend incorporating a Hydrafacial treatment into your current skincare routine. It is not meant to replace your skincare regimen, but to enhance and complement it. I recommend monthly Hydrafacial treatments to maintain skin health results.

SO, WHAT HAPPENS DURING A HYDRAFACIAL TREATMENT, EXACTLY?

An in-salon Hydrafacial treatment is —gasp! — performed every 12 seconds around the world!! Hydrafacial uses patented technology to purify, nourish, and protect the skin. So, what are those three steps?

Purify

Extract dirt and debris to clear skin congestion and choose appropriate strength acid peel to gently exfoliate and reveal new skin.

Nourish

Infuse skin with a wide choice of super serums to help maintain radiant, healthy skin.

Protect

Saturate the skin and lock-in-moisture for a beautiful finish.

CAN YOU PERSONALISE YOUR HYDRAFACIAL?

The short answer? A resounding yes! During your treatment, I can personalise it with a super serum booster that is most suitable for you and your skincare concerns.

Dermabuilder Booster.

A peptide complex, this smoothing and refining booster helps enhance skin elasticity and smooth the appearance of fine lines.

Need to experience a HydraFacial? Click below to find out more.