In recent years, this word has become anti-aging have be attacked. Some people think it discounts maturity and the value of well-developed laugh lines. Some say it is the opposite of living. What is the alternative to growing older? (That’s not pretty.) Others say age is really just a number. Don’t get attached to it or avoid it.
Of course, “looking better and looking younger are not synonymous,” says the Cambridge, Mass., dermatologist. Ranella Hirsch, the doctor’s patient base includes many women who make a living in front of the camera. “People who look beautiful at 50 don’t necessarily look younger than their age. However, they have good skin quality. They have been nurtured and protected. Shiny and strong. So, when I gently pinch it, it’s still there. spring” In other words, their skin has firmness, elasticity, radiance, and certainly some visible lines. Think Isabella Rossellini or Michelle Yeoh.
Although skin quality cannot be quantified as much as, for example, counting wrinkles or measuring their depth, The medical definition of this term is emergingThis is also thanks to the 2023 FDA approval of Juvéderm’s new filler called Skinvibe, which is sold as an injectable to improve “skin quality.” (In the EU he is sold under the name Volite since 2017.)
Interestingly, a New York City dermatologist macclain alexiadesThe MD explains that this new aesthetic is part of a backlash against bad fillers and stereotypical faces, with patients and doctors erasing all wrinkles, marionette lines, and sagging skin. We’ve been seeing faces with eerily similar topography on our feeds and on red carpets for years. But now the desire to actually be yourself has taken root even among celebrities who were previously “done” faces. Pamela Anderson is back without makeupand Courteney Cox reveals buried regrets.
That doesn’t mean they, or their cosmetic experts, aren’t doing anything. “As the population becomes smarter about over-the-top facial looks, more doctors are taking this conservative approach,” says the Chicago-based plastic surgeon. Julius Few,medical doctor. “The way to achieve good skin quality is not a short-term solution such as “I have wrinkles, so let’s fill them in” but a comprehensive, long-term approach. I sandwich multiple treatments to treat the entire skin. Treat the top with topical skin care, treat the midsection with laser, and support underneath with dermal fillers. ”
With that in mind, here’s how to improve your appearance while optimizing your skin quality. you.
Take your daily habits seriously
“Everyday skin care is essential,” says the esthetician and owner of Rescue Spa. Danuta Mielochhas been treating complexions in Philadelphia and New York City for over 30 years. She says the common thread among her older clients, who have beautiful skin, is a consistent regimen. “It’s like training. If she only goes to the gym once a month, she’s not really going to be healthy,” she says. . (Scroll down for skin care recommendations.)
fight skin stress
After the age of 25, the damage begins to accumulate. “When exposed to UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors, skin cells lose their ability to repair themselves,” Alexiades says. Applying a serum containing antioxidants such as vitamin C and peptides can help repair DNA damage. It’s also worth considering skin care that uses adaptogens. These plant-based ingredients help your body respond to stress, reducing visible redness, uneven skin tone, dullness, roughness, and pore size.
protect the skin barrier
From microneedle rollers to vibrating cryo wands to DIY acid peels, people are taking professional-grade skin care treatments into their own hands these days. And like clockwork, irritated complexions are spiking among estheticians and dermatologists as well. Rebuilding the important lipids, or “mortar” between the “bricks” of skin cells is critical to skin functions that maintain hydration, smoothness, tone, and quality of the skin.
The skincare barrier is “a line of defense that people don’t give enough love and respect to,” Hirsch says. “You know it’s damaged when you notice itching, tightness, flaking, and redness.” To fix that, use only hydrating cleansers and moisturizers, and avoid using all the active ingredients until the redness disappears. She suggests avoiding.
Please apply sunscreen
Of course, the quality of your skin is also related to your overall health. “There are things we know we shouldn’t do, like smoking and rubbing our skin to death, and there are things we know we should do, like protecting ourselves from the sun,” Hirsch said. This is especially true for skin that is less melanized.According to his 2013 study published in the journal Clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, clinical dermatology, 80% of visible facial aging (wrinkles, texture changes, pigmentation, etc.) in Caucasian women can be caused by UV exposure. All skin tones should wear at least her SPF 30 and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. It’s worth the effort to maintain the quality of your skin long-term.
can also be injected with a bit bounce
Let’s go back to the new hyaluronic acid filler that I mentioned earlier. Think of Juvéderm’s Skinvive as a moisturizing serum in injectable form. “This is completely different from other fillers in several ways,” says Alexiades, who is the product’s lead researcher and has spent more than 15 years of his life creating the skin type label. Firstly, it’s barely detectable (but if handled correctly, it can make a big difference). And secondly, it is injected as small droplets all over the cheek. (It can also be used off-label in other areas where dehydration or wrinkles are visible.) “This is perfect for people who want to improve the quality of their skin but don’t want it to look noticeably tight or plump.” Alexiades says. Approximately one month after injections, your skin will be smoother, more radiant, and look healthier and refreshed.
“Until now, it was a filler. [in the U.S.] Due to its high viscosity, it must be used subcutaneously [under the skin]” says Alexiades. “The breakthrough with Skinvive is that its droplet-like consistency allows it to be injected intradermally,” meaning it can be injected into the skin. Effects usually last up to 6 months. Prices vary widely depending on the doctor’s location and usage, but you can expect to pay between $650 and $1,500 per treatment.
consider laser
Long before the recent backlash against looking “too much,” lasers were the go-to for doctors to improve overall skin quality. “If someone’s skin is really rough, I always recommend it.” Hello, a device that uses multiple wavelengths to break down unwanted pigments and stimulate collagen production (average price $1,500). The treatment has one week of downtime, after which he can expect more radiant, clearer skin and a smoother texture after about six months. “This resurfacing tool is very effective and has similar benefits to Skinvive,” Few said. “And with proper training, doctors should be able to preserve beautiful and unique features such as freckles, birthmarks, and distinctive (benign) moles.”
Daily habits for optimal skin quality
cleansing balm
At night, start by washing away your makeup and dirt from the day with an oil-based cleanser. Apply to dry skin and rinse off or wipe off with a warm, damp cloth.
gel cleanser
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
Now 38% off
After using a cleansing balm in the morning and at night, wash your skin with a mild gel or cream cleanser. Oats and feverfew help soothe sensitive skin.
toner
Eadem Cashmere Peel Gentle Exfoliating AHA Toner
Apply a toner once a day after cleansing to gently exfoliate and balance your skin’s pH. This milky formula contains five acids, including lactic acid, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid, to combat clogged pores and discoloration.
multitasking serum
McLane Actives High Performance Face Serum
Next, apply a serum containing active ingredients. This powerful formula uses a combination of over 50 medicinal plant extracts to hydrate, protect, and repair your skin.
balancing serum
SkinBetter Science Mystro Active Balance Serum
If your skin is red, irritated, and stressed, consider this soothing serum. It incorporates adaptogenic ingredients (plant-based ingredients that help the body respond to stress) to reduce inflammation and help reduce dullness, roughness, and unclogged pores. .
Sunscreen
Live Tinted Hugard Skin Tint SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum
Last step: Always wear sunscreen. This lightweight, all-mineral, broad-spectrum formula protects your skin and comes in 10 non-white cast colors.
Katie Becker is ELLE Magazine’s Beauty and Health Director.
