The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but the face is the map of how an individual has lived their life. An individual can have a great poker face and hide their feelings, but they can’t hide the physical signs of aging. If a person spent a little too much time sun bathing, it will show. If they pull a lot of all-nighters and skimp out on sleep, it will show. If they are a smoker, it will show. If they are regularly stressed, it will show. One will notice fine lines and wrinkles, swelling under the eyes, and dehydrated skin. We are going to put together a timeline for how the face ages, so clients can safely get started on their journey to the fountain of youth. If a person knows what to expect in each decade of their life, they can significantly delay the impact of aging.

A CLIENT’S FACE IN THEIR 20s
What clients do during this decade of life will set the tone for their golden years. They are no longer a teenager. The hormonal acne is pretty much gone. Finally, the breakouts are few and far between. The first signs of age, fine lines around the eyes, appear in the skin as the collagen fibers that keep skin taut begin to weaken.

Gasp! Is that a wrinkle? Yes, this is the time of life when the sun that was once worshipped as a teenager turns on them. Their first three products are usually eye cream, antioxidants to fight free radicals, and SPF 30 to block the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

A CLIENT’S FACE IN THEIR 30s
This is the decade when, all of a sudden, clients start noticing brown patches of skin discoloration. Sun spots, whether small or large, are now visible. This is also when the nasolabial lines around the mouth become more apparent and the creases between the eyebrows start to deepen. It is time to start using night creams, including retinol products, in their skin care routine. Professional antiaging facials, in addition to microdermabrasion, are now regularly scheduled events.

A CLIENT’S FACE IN THEIR 40s
This is the decade when clients find themselves telling people “No, I am not tired, I got a good night’s rest.” What happened to that glow? Where did it go? Cell turnover is slowing down and the skin is less hydrated. They may also start to notice the face is looking thin and it’s not because they lost any weight. It’s because the body’s production of collagen and elastin is now moving at a snail’s pace. This is the time to boost collagen and elastin production with microcurrent facials to increase muscle tightness. And, it’s time to call in the big guns – serums – concentrated ingredients that penetrate the skin on a deeper level. They should use oxygenating serums in the morning, under a moisturizer, and vitamin C serums under thicker night creams. Occlusive products with hyaluronic acid are needed to rehydrate and plump the skin.

A CLIENT’S FACE IN THEIR 50s
As we age, we lose some of the fat in the dermis. This is when we notice sagging jawlines and wrinkles on the neck. The texture of skin is thinner and more translucent. Production of the skin barrier’s building blocks start to decline in the 50s. The barrier function of the epidermis is compromised and moisture levels drop, causing skin to look and feel drier. Lines and wrinkles look much deeper and more prominent now. But, it is not all doom and gloom. Botox, Juvederm, and a variety of lasers can rejuvenate, retexturize, repair, revitalize, and reduce brown spots. The skin can be tightened and toned.

A CLIENT’S FACE IN THEIR  60s, 70s, and 80s
This section is to be continued, however, here is a quick guide for clients for good skin. Clients should be sure to stay out of the sun, should not smoke, and should drink eight glasses of water daily. Regular exercise, at least eight hours of sleep each night, eating fruits and vegetables, having regular facial treatments, and following a good homecare routine are also important.

The trick to aging gracefully is to enjoy it. And, to quote the American author, Mark Twain, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” 

Annette Hanson is the founder of Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan, a New York state licensing, NACCAS-accredited skin care school, postgraduate facility, and the first United States aesthetics college to be recognized by London’s International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). Her professional experience spans more than 30 years as a Paris-trained aesthetician, waxing specialist, body therapist, salon manager, and spa consultant.  A creator of two product lines, she is also a published author and sought-after lecturer at leading professional conferences worldwide.  She was instrumental in the development of the 600-hour curriculum for the New York state aesthetics license, as well as the written and practical exam. She served as an educator on the Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee to New York’s Secretary of State. She was inducted into the Aesthetics International Association (A.I.A.) industry legends in August 2009 by DERMASCOPE Magazine.  She is on the leadership committee of the ASCP Skin Care School Council (Associated Skin Care Professionals).