September is healthy aging month and while we believe you can have healthy skin at any age, it’s also true that your skin changes as you get older. Despite these very natural changes, there are many persistent myths about how to treat aging skin. We’re sorting out fact from fiction with the top 5 myths about aging skin.
Myth #1: We can reverse aging
Unfortunately, time stops for no one. This common phrasing is frequently used to market treatments and procedures that address aging. The big differentiator is that addressing and reversing are fundamentally different.
An effective treatment aims to treat previous damage while slowing down the future aging process. Still, remember that no one treatment can fix everything. It’s best to speak with a trained aesthetic provider about what is best for your skin and goals. While we can’t reverse aging, we can treat it.
Myth #2: Over-the-counter anti-aging skincare products are effective
While this isn’t entirely untrue, it doesn’t take into account that your mileage may vary by brand and many products on the market are more focused on the packaging than the product.
As we age, it’s important to have a solid routine: We recommend FDA-approved medical-grade products with clinically proven results. While the budget may differ from convenience store or beauty counter brands, it is for a good reason — it actually works! Over time, the cost spent on products that don’t work will catch up and possibly cost more.
Myth #3: Having Botox and filler will make me look too done
Many people worry that treating aging skin with injectables (such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or filler) will create a frozen face “done” look; this simply isn’t true.
This is when advanced techniques and the expertise of the provider will pay off. All of our providers have been trained and maintain their continuing aesthetic education at the highest level. Your results will retain your natural beauty while retaining facial movement. The goal isn’t to stop aging in its tracks, it’s to help you look like a refreshed version of yourself.
Myth #4: Stress is the top cause of wrinkles
While Cortisol, the stress hormone, can break down collagen, it is not the leading cause of wrinkles. The primary cause of premature aging is sun damage. Harmful UV Rays can cause damage whether your skin gets burned or not. A quality, daily SPF is the best way to fight premature aging, combat skin cancer, and protect your skin at any age.
Still, stress can cause cellular aging, so it’s always a good idea to include antioxidant-rich products and lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce stress where you can. One of our favorite ways is with a pampering anti-aging procedure (two birds, one stone).
Myth #5: Your face is the most prominent part of the body to show aging
Taking care of your face is important, but the rest of your body shouldn’t get a pass just because it’s not catered to in the mainstream. Be sure to focus on areas like your hands, neck, chest, and knees as well.
There are options to help treat the signs of aging for all of these areas and having a comprehensive approach to your skin care is a great way to ensure you don’t miss anything. Be sure to ask us about which treatments we recommend for the body. Age spots, fine lines, sagging skin and skin cancer can appear anywhere.
Take charge of your skin and your health no matter what age you are. We’re here to help you feel confident, give us a call: (805) 544-5567.
