Have you noticed your complexion looking dull and tired? Or maybe you feel like whatever you have been doing for your skin (or not doing) just isn’t cutting it anymore.
If that sounds like you, you’re in good company! For most of us, as we age our skin naturally undergoes changes that can leave it looking less youthful and radiant … more dull and tired.
The frustration comes when we recognize that our skin is changing but we simply don’t know what to do about it. Our products clearly aren’t working anymore but makeup doesn’t help either, in fact it sometimes just makes it worse! Many of us struggle with skin that feels dull and flat despite investing in various products and treatments.
But here’s the good news: achieving glowing, healthy skin is still possible with the right approach.
When we understand the factors that affect our skin health and appearance, along with actionable steps that are simple to implement, we are well on our way to making changes to how our skin looks and feels!
So let’s get started!
Factors impacting Skin Health & Appearance
A good skincare routine can be your best ally in regaining a healthy, radiant glow. But before diving in and buying every “antiaging” serum and moisturizer on the market, there are a few factors to keep in mind that can help set you on the right path.
Factors:
- Skintype
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Livestyle
- Consistency
- Skintype
Skintypes are generally classified as: dry, oily, combination, normal and sensitive. Your skintype is often determined by your genetics, but other factors can also play a role. Furthermore your skintype can change overtime, so its a good idea to reevaluate your skintype periodically.
Not sure of your skintype? If after washing your face, your skin feels tight or dry, its very likely you have dry skin. Alternatively, if you find that within a few minutes of washing, you have shiny areas you may have oily skin. You could also feel oily and shiny in some areas (the T zone) and dry and tight in others, this is very common of combination skin. If you’re unsure, please reach out to me, I’d be happy to work with you to figure it out.
2. Genetics
Perhaps the biggest factor in how our skin ages is genetics. You may have been blessed with genetics that have given you youthful, radiant, plump skin well into your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond! Or you may be faced with the more common scenario – normal aging and skin concerns.
Either way, there is not much to be done about our genetics! The good news is that we can impact our skin health and appearance regardless of genetics. Read on to find out how!
3. Environmental elements
Environmental factors such as pollution, sun exposure and climate (including humidity) play a role in how our skin ages. Essentially these environmental factors create oxidative damage in the skin, which breaks down collagen and may also serve to damage the barrier function of the skin.
Of these environmental factors, UV exposure and sun damage is the most common cause of accelerated skin aging. US Dermatology Partners reported that 90% of all changes to the skin’s appearance are related to damage from the sun.
The good news? Sunscreens have come a long way in recent years and are readily available in many formulations.
4. Lifestyle
Diet, exercise, sleep, stress management and other lifestyle factors play a role in how our skin appears and ages.
Most of us have experienced a blemish after eating sugary or high fat foods. Lack of vitamins or adequate water in our diet can also affect our skin and lead to drier, dehydrated skin.
Regular exercise contributes to improved blood circulation resulting in a more vibrant skintone and texture. Stress management and habits like smoking or alcohol consumption are also factors in skin aging. Smoking and alcohol consumption dehydrates the skin and also contributes to dullness and loss of elasticity overtime.
A good night’s sleep serves multiple purposes, one of which is giving our skin cells a chance to repair. Adequate sleep also equips us ot better handle stress which can make skin more sensitive and trigger issues like blemishes and acne.
5. Consistency
When it comes down to skincare, the simple truth is that no matter how amazing your products are, if you don’t use them consistently you won’t reap the benefits.
Regardless of your skin issue or priority (acne, signs of aging, radiance, etc) if you want to see an impact from your products or changes to your concern, daily care is required. Twice daily is ideal!
Now that we’ve got the major factors that impact our skin covered, lets get down to how we can make a difference in the appearance and feel of our skin with skincare products.
By focusing on basic steps and nourishing ingredients, you can enhance your skin’s natural appearance and feel. The key is understanding your skin’s evolving needs and adopting a routine that prioritizes hydration, gentle renewal, and protection.
Lets dive in!
Elements of a Good Skincare Ritual
Here’s a step-by-step routine designed specifically for anyone wanting to rejuvenate their skin for a glowing, radiant complexion:
- Cleanse Gently
Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleanses your skin without stripping away essential moisture. As skin ages, it becomes more prone to dryness, so avoiding harsh cleansers is crucial.
Double cleansing at night with an oil based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen followed by a creamy water based formula is ideal for leaving skin soft and supple.
- Exfoliate for Renewal
Exfoliation is essential for glowing skin, but mature skin needs a careful approach. Use a gentle exfoliant 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
Opt for mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid, which are less abrasive than physical scrubs. This keeps your skin smooth and allows your products to penetrate more effectively, leading to a brighter complexion.
This is one of my favourites and how I like to use it. You can find it here.
- Brighten with Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals and environmental damage. While their function is prominently protection and prevention, you can also see immediate benefits from consistent use of antioxidants.
Evening out skin tone, improving skin brightness and diminishing redness, along with reducing the appearance of dark spots and fine lines are all great benefits from consistent use of antioxidants.
This is how I use vitamin C serums. The Isntree Hyper Vitamin C 23 serum is one of my favourites. You can get it here.
- Prioritize and Focus
Looking for serums and essences that focus on your specific needs, concerns or priorities is a great way to have a major impact on your skin. You can look for an all-in-one serum that addresses several common skin concerns. Or you can take a more focused approach and look for serums that target one or two priorities.
This is where it can confusing and overwhelming. My best suggestion is to ask yourself what your main goal of skincare is. Then look for products and ingredients that will help you get there. If you’re not sure on any of it, I’m just a click away! Please reach out, I’m happy to help!
One of the most well researched skin care ingredients is Vitamin A (retinoids). They can have a major impact on skin.They promote skin renewal, enhancing your skin’s texture and giving it a smoother, more radiant appearance over time. They can also be irritating and too much for some though. Check back in a couple of weeks when do a deep dive on retinoids!
- Hydrate and Plump
As skin loses moisture with age, hydration becomes even more critical. You can hydrate your skin at each step of your skincare routine (cleanser, toners, serums, essences and moisturizer). By evaluating your skin, you can determine how much hydration your skin needs.
Moisturizers are a great way to add in extra moisture and seal in the goodness of your toners, serums and essences.
Use a moisturizer rich in hyaluronic acid, which draws water into the skin and locks in moisture. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides to draw water into the skin, strengthen the skin’s barrier and improve elasticity. This keeps your skin looking plump and dewy, countering the dryness that often dulls mature skin.
- Protect and Preserve Your Glow
No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen (remember the environmental factor from above). Daily SPF is a must if you want to slow down the hands of time and the rate at which your skin ages.
Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging and can quickly undo the benefits of your skincare efforts. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and keep your glow intact.
Glowing Skin is Always In!
Radiant skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling confident in your own skin.
A glowing complexion can soften the appearance of fine lines, bring warmth and vitality back to your face, and enhance your natural beauty in a way that feels authentic and natural. The goal isn’t to turn back the clock but to embrace your unique beauty with a healthy glow.
Glowing, radiant skin is always in! With the right skincare, it’s within reach no matter your current skincare routine (or lack of wink). If you would like help choosing products that will suit your lifestyle, budget and skin priorities, please reach out. You can contact me here.
I can’t wait to connect with you and help you love the skin you’re in
