What is a person’s true age? Is it the age they feel? Is it the age they look? Or, is it the age they actually are?

When young, age seems to be far off in the distance. Many look forward to each birthday and celebrate with parties and gifts. As they get older, most seem to expect and accept some of the minor signs of aging. A little laugh line here or some small evidence of sun exposure there do not concern most. When the signs of aging start to compound, the concern becomes more real. Even more disturbing is when a person believes that the new wrinkles, sun spots, and dry skin are more excessive than they should experience for their chronological age.

Defined as premature aging skin, the signs are often very palatable, visible, and can be very disturbing, as they are unexpected. Environmental damage, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and stress have been shown to accelerate the aging process. While many of these forms of aging will eventually manifest themselves in all individuals, it is when these visible cues exhibit themselves in the early 20s or 30s that the first alarms of premature aging are set off.

It is important that skin care professionals identify these signs and guide their clients in treatments to correct and, more importantly, prevent premature aging. Areas of focus may include wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, hormonal acne, dehydration, sensitivity, and redness.

As always, the best care is one that includes a combination of both professional treatments and proper daily homecare. It is imperative that the treatments chosen in the room, as well as recommended homecare maintenance, are consistent in their corrective and preventative targeting of skin aging. Here are some important treatment factors.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Include a daytime and a nighttime antioxidant serum in each regimen. They will help prevent free radical damage and protect skin cells from cellular damage, thus prevent premature signs of aging. Many antioxidants also have secondary benefits in that they aid the skin in its natural rejuvenation process, thus also correcting premature skin aging. Topical delivery of antioxidants is key, since only a small portion of dietary antioxidants are absorbed and travel to the skin. Serums with high concentrations of vitamins A, C, and E, resveratrol, gluthathione, ferulic, co-enzyme Q10, polyphenols, and vitamin C and vitamin A peels are all recommended.

EXFOLIATING ENZYMES AND ACIDS

Recommend a nightly exfoliation treatment, as well as a series of professional peels. While a number of other medical modalities are available, chemical peels remain a preferred tool to combat signs of aging, as they both lift and remove existing damage and deliver ingredients to heal and correct skin, as well. The key is to use the correct peel for each skin type and condition while including healing post-care steps into each professional treatment. Peels that both peel and heal, peels that are targeted or specific, peels that can be used to progressively enhance results are suggested.

NEUROPEPTIDES

Place each client on a daytime and nighttime peptide serum. Use those that are concentrated and make sure that twice daily application follows. These small bio-molecular proteins only work when present, so delivery to the target site is key. Peptide serums that provide multiple functions, such as expression lines, wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, hydration, and acne.

HYDRATION

Address internal hydration by providing controlled exfoliation. Excessive peeling or controlled wounding where the skin is inflamed for long periods does not help aging but hinders its. Make sure to stimulate the skin’s natural moisturizing factors and provide good barrier properties with non-comedogenic emollients. Recommend a daily hydrophilic hydrator with multiple modes of action. Choose skin moisturizers wisely, looking for these with fewer oils and more bioactives to correct and prevent signs of aging.

SUNSCREEN

Choose a sunscreen that fits the client’s skin like a glove. It should provide full range ultraviolet sun protection. It should boost antioxidant protection and it should be oil-free and chemical-free. It should not contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity, such as retinol or alcohol. It should look and feel good; after all, when products look and feel good, clients will wear them daily and get the full benefit.

To learn more about corrective and preventative skin care, join DermAware Bio-Targeted Skincare at one of my upcoming classes. Learn how to best use peels, layer them, or combine them with other medical modalities – the safe way. Understand ingredient chemistry and skin science, while experiencing results as you follow your passion.