When it comes to treating the signs of aging, many people take a wait-and-see approach. As in, wait until they see a wrinkle or age spot, then do something about it. 

As an esthetician I can tell you that this ‘wait and see’ approach is way more expensive and time consuming. Reversal is way more difficult than avoidance. I’m all about being proactive. 

Yes, of course I have sun damage that will surface with time (fingers crossed I have reduced the extra melanin production), I like many others, was clueless at the age of 16. But now at the age of 35, I want healthy skin and age gracefully, not rapidly.

With that being said, I want to provide you with a few simple steps to slow the aging process of the skin.

1. Exercise your face

There are 40 plus muscles in your face, and strengthening specific ones can help to sculpt high cheekbones and jawline naturally.

How can we do this? Microcurrent facials or using the Pure Lift for at home and Gua Sha are my top picks! The benefits of muscle stimulating, microcurrent sessions every four to eight weeks include the instant gratification of a tighter, more lifted face, but also long-term results from better circulation and collagen regeneration. 

Do yourself a favour and stop getting botox or fillers after consistent treatment! If you are using an at-home device it must be used twice, daily. For more info on the Microcurrent Facial and what it has to offer please click here.

2. Apply SPF like it’s your job

Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging cream you can use right now, every day. 90% of aging of the skin comes from the sun. Cumulative daily bursts of ultraviolet light exposure will fast-track wrinkles, brown spots and blotchiness. Don’t rely on the SPF in your makeup or moisturizer; it isn’t enough unless it has an SPF of at least 30. Even if you don’t think you spend time outside you still need to be applying SPF. Just trust me.

Then there is digitaL; light (aka HEV), emitted from your phone and computer to worry about: HEV damages skin cells, just as UV does. To ward off both, look for a mineral sunblock containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which act like physical shields. iS Clinical SPF 50 is a great option that has both!

Another good option would be our Sun Expert by Institut Esthederm. It is a chemical sunscreen, therefore it absorbs the sun's UV Rays, converts it into heat and then releases it. Apply 20 minutes prior to sun exposure to protect your skin and reapply throughout the day!

3. Resurface regularly

Resurfacing refers to getting rid of those dead skin cells that start to build up. Vitamin A is a powerful product for this and it’s backed up by science to prove it. Here’s what Vitamin A can do for your skin: diminish pigmentation, boost collagen production, lessen fine lines, improve texture, and reduce the appearance of pores and breakouts by increasing cell turnover. However, the potential downsides to a prescription retinol includes dryness, irritation, and flaking. In this case, vitamin A is worth a shot! My favourite is the iS Clinical Active Serum or Tri-Exfoliating Masque. If you’re not into using a retinol then I would incorporate the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50T or PIGM 400 which can be used AM and PM to leave your skin with the same results. The difference being the acids used and that p50 will not thin out your skin.

4. Balance your microbiome

The gut and the skin are intimately connected. The food we consume needs to be broken down and digested which uses all of our organs. The liver and kidneys are our naturally detoxification system, but as the broken-down food molecules move through our bloodstream, any bad stuff or imbalances can trigger inflammation throughout your entire body. Yes my friends, this includes your skin.

If your gut bacteria are out of whack, your complexion will appear dull no matter how religiously you stick to a skin-care routine. Or worse, you’ll experience outbreaks of acne, eczema, or rosacea. For this I recommend taking a probiotic supplement. You’ll see changes in your gut in as little as three days but it could take a few weeks to translate those differences to your face. With probiotics it is imperative that you stay consistent. Set a reminder on your phone and don’t forget to take that supplement! 

 5. Find your favourite anti aging serum

That could be for fine lines, for firming or both! Be a diligent with using your product and remember to alternate. Youth Serum, Firming Complex, Youth Complex are a few favourites from iS Clinical. They are going to help tone and tighten the skin! A few favourites from Biologique Recherche are Matriciel Visage, Elastine Serum, VG Tensil, Collagene Natif and Collagene Marin.

The purpose of the serums are to help you age slowly. We will age, that is a guarantee but we can maintain and help slow it down.

Diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, etc. won't happen over night! Preventative measures are always better than treating afterwards so, be proactive and consistent for the best results!