Proper Skincare: It's Not Just About Lotions and Potions.....

Glowing, hydrated skin is not magic.....

No matter what your age or the condition of your skin, there are things that you can start to do now to improve your appearance and to slow down those fine lines and wrinkles. Yes, now!  Some of these cost nothing (and may even save you some money, so read on). 

Proper, hydrating skincare is great. Watch for my post coming up which will give you some tips on types of facial products and how to use them. While some cosmetic procedures are great, too (see my post “Facial Cosmetic Procedures!  So Many Choices!  What’s a Girl (or Boy) to Do?"), there are other preventative measures that are proven to reduce the signs of aging that you can start to implement immediately.

Here are my favorites, and when done in conjunction with each other, you will be amazed at your long-term results.  These are in no particular order, EXCEPT for No. 1 which should be everyone’s immediate go-to every morning:

No. 1, Sunscreen!  A good, daily SPF (sun protection factor) lotion or cream is your most powerful anti-aging tool. UV exposure breaks down collagen and causes visible aging. Collagen gives firmness, elasticity, and smoothness to your skin, and helps your skin retain moisture – you will see it mentioned over and over in this post, it is just that important.

Be sure you are using an SPF that states “broad spectrum”, so you are being protected from both UVB rays (causing sunburn, cancer, and premature aging) and UVA rays (which cause deeper skin aging and damage).  Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for daily use, even on cloudy days—UVA rays can still penetrate clouds and window glass. Thought you were safe in your own house?  Nope!

Always apply generously – most people apply only 25–50% of the amount needed for optimum protection.  If possible, not only use a moisturizer that has SPF, but try to find a foundation that you like that also has SPF coverage.  If you are not wearing makeup, reapply that sunscreen every two hours if you are going to be outside.  Don’t limit sunscreen to your face, but also pay attention to all of your skin – especially the backs of your hands, which will show signs of aging faster than any other part of your body, if neglected.

Hydration:  Dehydration makes fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced!  Hydration is a game-changer for skin health. When your skin is well-hydrated, it looks plumper, smoother, and more radiant because water helps maintain elasticity and supports the skin barrier. Proper hydration also enhances circulation, which can give you that natural glow (and who doesn’t LOVE a natural glow?)

On a deeper level, hydration affects collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also supports something called cell turnover, keeping your complexion fresh and resilient. If skin is dehydrated, it can become dull, flaky, and more prone to irritation.

For the average healthy adult, the recommended daily fluid intake is about 16 cups (128 oz) for men and 12 cups (96 oz) for women. This includes fluids from water, other beverages, and even food—since about 20% of daily fluid intake typically comes from food sources.  Sounds like a lot to have to drink, huh?  Well, start carrying around that water bottle, and you will be surprised at how much your fluid intake increases, and how much better you start to look and feel.

Ditch the Cigs:  Smoking and vaping can take a serious toll on your skin, accelerating aging and diminishing overall skin health with a quickness.  Nicotine and other chemicals reduce oxygen flow to the skin, which weakens collagen and elastin. This leads to premature wrinkles, sagging, and a dull, dry complexion.

Smoking and vaping can also lead to dehydration and dullness.  Smoking depletes hydration levels, making the skin look dry and less vibrant. Vaping, while often perceived as less harsh, can still contribute to moisture loss and irritation.

The toxins in cigarettes and vape aerosols can lead to oxidative stress due to the increase of free radicals, which damage skin cells and lead to uneven tone, dark spots, and a loss of elasticity.  Some ingredients in vape liquids can trigger inflammation and cause clogged pores, leading to breakouts or worsened skin conditions.

If you want to feed an addiction, be addicted to healthy, glowing skin!  You CAN stop smoking, I believe in you! And for heaven’s sake, if you haven’t started smoking, don’t.

Proper Diet:  Diet plays a huge role in skin health, and it’s one of the best ways to support your glow from the inside out. Get your glow on with nutrient-dense foods, which provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that help repair damage, improve hydration, and maintain skin elasticity.

Whole foods provide the nutrients your skin thrives on, while processed foods can disrupt that balance in several ways.  Here’s how processed foods can negatively impact skin health:

·       Excess sugar – Spikes blood sugar levels, leading to glycation, which damages collagen and accelerates aging.

·       Unhealthy fats (like trans fats, found on ingredient labels as "partially hydrogenated oils") – Can increase inflammation, making skin prone to acne and dullness.

·       High sodium – Can cause dehydration, leading to puffiness, dryness, and lack of elasticity.

·       Artificial additives & preservatives – Some chemicals may trigger breakouts or skin sensitivity over time.

That said, occasional processed foods won’t ruin your skin—but prioritizing nutrient-rich whole foods helps maintain hydration, collagen production, and overall glow.  Here’s how specific nutrients found in whole foods contribute:

·       Healthy fats (like omega-3s from salmon or flaxseeds) – Strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and prevent dryness.

·       Collagen-boosting foods (bone broth, citrus, leafy greens) – Support skin structure and firmness by promoting collagen production, and support skin barrier and elasticity.

·       Hydrating foods (cucumbers, watermelon, celery) – Provide extra water content to keep skin plump and glowing.

·       Antioxidants (berries, dark chocolate, green tea) – Combat oxidative stress and help prevent premature aging, and you gotta love that dark chocolate is included in this mix!

·       Zinc & selenium (pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts) – Aid in skin healing and protect against environmental damage.

Nobody is telling you to cut out everything “fun” like cookies and your favorite fast-food French fries, but moderation is key.  Focus on whole foods and your skin will thank you.

Rest and Relaxation and the Dreaded Exercise:  Rest and relaxation are essential for healthy, radiant skin. When you get enough sleep and manage stress in healthy ways, your body can focus not only on improving your health in general, but upon cell repair, collagen production, and hydration balance, all of which keep your skin plump and youthful.

On the flip side, chronic stress triggers cortisol spikes, which can lead to inflammation, breakouts, dullness, and even faster aging. Stress also disrupts sleep, which is when your skin goes into deep restoration mode.

Exercise is a powerful tool for skin health, but I will be the first one to admit I hate exercise! Exercise boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells while helping remove toxins. This increased blood flow promotes a natural glow and supports collagen production, keeping skin firm and youthful.  Regular movement also helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol, which can otherwise trigger breakouts and inflammation. Plus, sweating can help clear out pores—though cleansing afterward is key to preventing irritation.

Last, but by no means least, Tretinoin or Retin-A:  Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a powerful Vitamin A derivative that works by accelerating skin cell turnover, making way for fresher, healthier skin.  I have personally been using Tretinoin since about the time it first came on the market, and it shows!

Here’s how it benefits the skin:

·       Boosts Collagen Production – Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen synthesis.

·       Improves Skin Texture – Speeds up exfoliation, smoothing rough patches and evening out tone.

·       Clears Acne – Prevents clogged pores and reduces inflammation, making it effective for both inflammatory acne (redness or pus-filled pimples) and comedonal acne (when hair follicles become clogged and you get blackheads or whiteheads).

·       Fades Hyperpigmentation – Helps lighten dark spots and sun damage by promoting faster skin renewal.

Tretinoin is significantly stronger than over-the-counter retinol and requires a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist. When first starting to use it, it can cause irritation, dryness, and peeling, but these effects usually subside as the skin adjusts.

Tretinoin is best applied at night because of how it interacts with light and your skin’s natural repair cycle. Sunlight deactivates tretinoin because it is photosensitive, meaning it breaks down when exposed to UV light, reducing the effectiveness.  In addition, skin renewal happens overnight.  Your skin naturally repairs and regenerates while you sleep, making nighttime the ideal time for Tretinoin to work its magic.  Applying it at night reduces irritation risk by minimizing exposure to environmental stressors (like pollution and sun), which can worsen sensitivity and dryness.  I apply mine in the evening before bed, wait about 10 to 20 minutes, and follow up with a good moisturizer over the top.  Applying moisturizer in this manner does not reduce the effectiveness of Tretinoin.

If you are serious about maintaining youthful skin, starting Tretinoin early is an investment in long-term skin health.  Tretinoin is like a time machine for your skin—clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, fade dark spots, and improve texture by boosting collagen and speeding up skin renewal. It's one of the most powerful anti-aging formulas available, and the earlier you start, the better the long-term benefits.

In conclusion, most of what we discussed are truly just lifestyle changes.  Some are small and easily implemented, others might be more difficult to manage.  Even small incremental changes (baby steps, dear, baby steps) can help to make a difference in your overall skin health and appearance.  Choose just one to start, and ready, set, go!

If you decide to try even just one of these suggestions, please do come back and leave me a comment to let me know how you are doing, won’t you?