Your body’s ability to produce collagen begins to slow down when you are in your mid-to-late 20s, which leads to the formation of wrinkles and the sagging of the skin. We all age, but we can still look our best with the right products and treatments from Metropolitan Skin Clinic.
Our goal at Metropolitan is to keep you informed so that you can make the right decisions for your skin. Today we’re going to talk about aging, how it affects your skin, what happens throughout the decades, and what solutions are available to you to help you age gracefully.
How Aging Happens
Skin aging happens to everyone, but the signs may appear at different times and in different ways. The loss of elastin and collagen leads to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, and slower skin cell turnover can cause a duller complexion. Aging skin also tends to lose moisture, which is made worse by the decline in natural oil production.
Aging can be either intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic is the chronological, genetic component of aging that occurs inevitably at some point. Beginning in your 20s, your body naturally loses one percent of its ability to produce collagen and elastin. The more years that pass, the deeper the depletion can be.
Extrinsic aging is driven by environmental factors like UV exposure, pollution, or lifestyle choices. These factors cause oxidative stress to the body and the free radicals to go rampant, leading to premature aging.
How to Slow Down the Aging Process
While skin aging is an inevitable part of life, it doesn’t mean there is nothing to be done about it. The secret is to find the best ways to trigger collagen production while protecting the skin from environmental damage. Below are some steps that can be used to delay the natural aging process.
1. Use Sun Protection
UV rays are one of the primary causes of premature skin aging. As the sun shines bright on your skin, high UV levels can penetrate deep into the skin and disrupt collagen and elastin bonds. Repeated exposure can lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging. During summertime, it’s recommended to use at least SPF 40 to protect against sun damage. We also suggest that you wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your face from the harsh sunlight.
2. Cleanse and Moisturize
Aging can happen because of pollution, so regular cleansing can delay the process. A gentle cream cleanser is usually formulated to work best on significantly aged skin, as it has an extra moisturizing effect. Your skin needs to stay hydrated and moisturized, so following the cleanser up with a moisturizer can help prolong some of the effects of aging while keeping the skin moist.
3. Use Anti-Aging Products and Treatments
Whether you have already started seeing the signs of aging or suspect they will appear soon, it is recommended that you use anti-aging products. Ingredients like vitamin C have an antioxidant effect that protects you against free radicals. Hyaluronic acid fillers can also stimulate collagen, making it perfect for slowing down chronological aging.
4. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation, especially with products containing glycolic acid, can help promote collagen synthesis and reduce the signs of aging. A gentle renewal scrub can stimulate cell turnover, leading to slower aging and fewer pigmentation marks. An exfoliation treatment once or twice a week can help you maintain a youthful look, just be sure not to over-exfoliate your skin.
5. Get the Occasional Anti-Aging Treatment
The occasional skincare treatment once every few months can significantly delay the signs of aging. For instance, microneedling creates micro-wounds in the skin that stimulate collagen synthesis. Over time, your skin is rejuvenated from the inside out, resulting in smaller pores and a reduction of acne scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles. Procedures like HydraFacial® can deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, infusing it with customized-to-you anti-aging serums to delay aging signs.
Best MSC Treatments by Age
Your skin changes over the years, so you should also update your skincare needs according to your age. As you can see in the graph, treatments like facials and laser hair removal can be used during multiple eras, while others are age-specific. Here is what you can expect based on each decade:
1. Teen Skin
In your 20s, the main problem is that the hormones are imbalanced, leading to conditions such as acne or thick, unwanted hair. Facials can keep the skin clear and moisturized, whereas lasers for acne reduce the oil production in your sebaceous glands.
2. 20s Skin
Your collagen levels are at their peak in your early 20s but will drop toward the end of the decade. To prevent the appearance of wrinkles, you can use BOTOX® Cosmetic to keep the muscles from contracting unnecessarily. Laser scar revision could be a suitable procedure for this age and can target acne scars or other scarring that may have occurred from an accident or injury.
3. 30s Skin
Collagen drops even more in your 30s, and you may notice more pigmentation spots than ever. Dermal fillers can restore volume to the skin, revealing a fuller, more youthful look, and chemical peels can reduce excess pigmentation. Your skin can become more sensitive with time, so switching to medical-grade skincare helps you get the proper nourishment.
4. 40s Skin
Most major changes occur when you are in your 40s, as your skin begins to sag, and the lack of collagen makes it look dull. Procedures like microneedling can trigger your body’s healing response, leading to more collagen. Laser treatments like BBL or Haloâ„¢ can also reduce pigmentation marks, which are more common at this age.
5. 50s+ Skin
As the body goes through hormone shifts in your 50s and beyond, the skin becomes thinner. Dermal fillers can temporarily restore volume in the skin, and Haloâ„¢ can start a fresh production of collagen, creating a youthful aesthetic.
Get Your Anti-Aging Treatment from Metropolitan!
While aging may not be stopped completely, it can still be slowed down with the appropriate treatments and skincare routine. Our professionals at Metropolitan Skin Clinic are eager to offer you the advice you need to maintain a youthful look. Call us for an appointment and check our Instagram for more skincare tips!
For more information about slowing the aging process, please contact Metropolitan Skin Clinic at 952-288-2230. Our professionals can offer you advice on keeping the aging signs at bay. We invite you to check out our website or set up an appointment with us to stay youthful!
Please select a virtual or in-person consultation or call us (952) 288-2230
