When it comes to health and the rate of aging, we used to think that our choices were limited—it’s in the genes. Today, however, the aging process no longer mirrors that of our parents and grandparents.

With modern scientific modalities and recent advancements in medical aesthetics, there often exists a vast difference between a person’s chronological age and biological age. It can be hard to distinguish a woman in her twenties from a woman in her forties. Unfortunately, the hands of time swing both ways; we may be 45 chronologically, but biologically, our cells may make us appear 55.

Approximately 36 percent of aging is due to factors beyond our control—our genes and heritage—but the rest is up to us. So, what’s the secret to achieving beauty at any age? Good health, quality of life and, of course, great skin care.

20s

Prevention is crucial during this phase of your life. If you didn’t have good habits in your teens, now is the time to start. Sunscreen should be a part of your daily skin care regimen, applied in the form of an SPF moisturizer, in order to prevent premature aging. The body and skin show little change in our twenties, but external factors such as sun exposure, alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits and smoking can have adverse effects on skin down the road. If you prevent damage and protect your skin while in your twenties, your complexion will thank you for the decades to come.

30s

Between career moves, busy lifestyles and starting a family, our thirties can bring on a variety of different stressors. Many women at this age are plagued by adult acne and inflammatory skin con-ditions due to hormonal fluctuations and work-related tension. More evidence of internal change begins to surface as age spots, crow’s feet and fine lines appear around the eyes and mouth, but signs of aging can be curtailed with professional correctives. Undergoing a series of non-wounding peels in conjunction with an at-home treatment regimen of resurfacing products can dramatically reduce the look of blemishes, wrinkles and sun spots, helping you to hold onto your youth.

40s

As we enter our forties, noticeable differences occur as skin begins to lose elasticity. There may be slight sagging around the neck area, and lines that were only visible when you smiled or laughed in your thirties may now be etched into your complexion. Because skin cells take longer to migrate to the surface, encour-aging cellular turnover and stimulating collagen production is central to promotinghealthier, more youthful looking skin. Incorporating antioxidants into both your diet and skin care routine will assist in preventing further free radical-induced damage. Look for cleansers, exfoliants and serums infused with vitamins A, C and E and load up on fruits, green vegetables, seeds and nuts.

50+

After 50, the skin’s abilities to retain moisture and heal properly are significantly weakened as the body experiences internal changes. Hormonal oscillation and diminished natural reserves in mature and menopausal skin can cause the complexion to appear dry or flaky. Skin care treatments containing essential vitamins, emollients and hormonal regulators such as soy isoflavones and pregnenolone—also believed to play a role in skin immunity and hydration—will aid in replenishing the skin’s lipid barrier to repair tone and texture, and firm sagging skin (now found around the forehead, mouth and eyes) to rebuild definition.

Stop infammation before it starts, and live flare-free, yet full of flair

Meet the Expert: Tatum Hunter
Expert Julia Tatum Hunter, MD, dermatologist and founder of Skin Fitness Plus in Beverly Hills

When our bodies are exposed to infection, irritation or injury, inflammation is a natural defensive response. The redness, warmth and swelling we experience are our bodies’ attempts to heal and repair themselves when they feel overwhelmed by outside threats. In addition to taxing our internal organs, such reactions have a direct effect on how we age externally, giving way to wrinkles, puffiness and sagging skin. Julia Tatum Hunter, MD, a dermatologist and founder of Skin Fitness Plus in Beverly Hills, explains the basics of this reaction, as well as ways to better control it. At last, get ready to say farewell to flare-ups!

Q: What is inflammation?

A: Inflammation—the cause of all disease and aging—is triggered by the following:

• Diet (prepared foods that contain no living ingredients can cause inflammation, such as hydrogenated fats, sugar, cow milk dairy, carbohydrates and some grains)
• Sunlight
• Radiation (sunlight is a form of radiation, as are X-rays, microwave ovens, cell phones and computer screens)
• Stress, which deranges hormone levels in men and women and initiates the inflammatory response in the body.
• Pollution (i.e. the air we breathe, the food we eat, chemicals in cleaning products and even dry cleaning)
• Genetics (can contribute, but can also be minimized)
• Products for the skin, hair and nails, which often contain ingredients that cause inflammation, such as glycolic acid, parabens, synthetic propylene glycol, acrylates and ureas.

Q: How do I know if I am suffering from inflammation?

A: Inflammation means “to set on fire” in Latin. When a disease name ends in -itis, it is an indicator of inflammation (i.e. arthritis, dermatitis, gastritis, tonsillitis and hepatitis). Inflammation results when the immune system is activated by infection or any of the aforementioned causes, and begins long before disease or skin conditions are detected.

Inflammation leads to high blood pressure; Alzheimer’s disease; cancer; diabetes; gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, indigestion and heartburn; impotence; weight gain; heart attack; and stroke. Additionally, acne is an inflammatory disease, which is why skin becomes red and plagued by pustules. A strong indicator that inflammation is present includes any abnormal blood tests, acidic tissue or blood pH, thickening of blood vessels and trouble losing weight, as well as aging symptoms such as wrinkling, brown spots, abnormal tiny red veins, general skin redness and skin sensitivities.

Q: How do I treat—and attempt to cure—inflammation?

A: You are what you eat and drink—eat organic, fresh, raw and green (the darker, the better) foods as much as you can, including onions, garlic, fruits, raw cilantro and parsley, fresh herbs, seaweed and organic whole leaf aloe juice. CosMedix’s Balance, Restore, SKINamins line, Neutralize and Clarity Supplement are excellent ways to detoxify and combat inflammation.

Drink at least one liter of water a day. While drinking sodas is highly inflammatory, smoking of any kind is worse. Be cautious in consuming cow’s milk products. Get your heart pumping for at least 30 minutes, 2–4 times a week, and strength train on the other days. Stop weight gain early; fat cells store and produce chemicals, which increase inflammation and thus, make it difficult to lose weight. Do not put inflammatory chemicals on your skin, hair and nails, including various makeup products.

I recommend using CosMedix products to my patients because they contain no inflammatory chemicals and produce desirable results. Have your thyroid gland checked for optimum function as you age, and educate yourself on bio-identical hormones to keep all organs operating youthfully. Don’t be overwhelmed—take one step at a time and you’ll walk up the staircase of success. Remember, you are in control of your health and beauty.

Okay, so maybe you had good intentions to start shaping up in January. You promised yourself that you’d run on the treadmill for 30 minutes, six days a week; eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day; get eight plus hours of sleep every night; and turn down fun parties that included booze of any kind. Maybe you planned to have a beach-ready body by the first of March, so that maybe—just maybe—you’d finally be ready to sport that itsy-bitsy bikini that has collected dust in your closet (you know, the one that still has the tags intact?).

In truth, you got a late start—or maybe you never started at all. So what? The important thing is that you care enough to start now. SKIN has come up with a few easy ways to shape up in time for some summer fun. Honor your health, your skin and your body this spring, so you’ll look summer fresh—ready to hit the beach running!

More Water, Please

A great body starts with great skin. Hydrate your skin from within by drink-ing tons of water. A person’s body is made up of 60 percent H2O; therefore, it’s imperative to replenish the body’s water supply on a daily basis. Everybody’s water needs vary, and can be dependent on several factors, including health, activity level and place of residence.

On average, drinking eight ounces of water, eight times a day, is a sufficient amount; however, keep in mind that foods also contribute to your daily water intake—especially fruits and vegetables that are made up of nearly 100 percent water by weight (i.e. cucumber and watermelon).

The simple task of drinking plenty of water will not only give you radiant skin, but help you to feel your very best, too.

Berries in Bloom

Raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are in full bloom by late spring. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, berries help heal weathered skin. Additionally, the fruit acids found in berries can shrink your pores and tone your skin. (It certainly doesn’t hurt that these fruity delights are good for you, too!)

Spray Your Way to Bronze

Sure, the safest approach to tanning is to keep away from the sun’s rays altogether. But c’mon—we all enjoy some time in the sun every now and again. Wear sunscreen, but spray on your tan. A spray tan gives you a sun-kissed glow, minus the harmful effects of the sun. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in sunless tanning products. When the DHA reacts to the amino acids in the top layer of the epidermis, it creates a tan-like effect.

So, strut your bronzed self on the beach with a smile—you achieved your much-loved tan the healthy way!

Work it Out

The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think of a better body is exercise. So it comes as no surprise that maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to get the beach body you want. Rather than sticking to the same boring routine, switch things up a bit: Go hiking on Monday, biking on Tuesday, jogging on Wednesday, dancing on Thursday, and golfing on Friday. Keep your heart rate up for at least 20–30 minutes a few days a week, and strength train at least two days a week—you’ll be beach-body-ready in no time. We guarantee it.

Out with the Old

The term exfoliation has become a cosmetic buzzword, but the process of shedding old skin is an important one. So what exactly does exfoliation entail? It’s simple: Scrubbing away dead skin cells to reveal younger, fresher skin. From at-home care like body scrubs, to spa treatments like chemical peels, exfoliation should occur on a regular basis. Get that healthy glow by shedding old skin… and loving the new you.

Use Protection

You know the drill: Use sunscreen before you begin your day. While daily exposure to sunlight is necessary for the human body, prolonged exposure is detrimental. In fact, wearing sunscreen is equally as important as wearing your seatbelt; it can save your life. UV rays can cause skin cancer and early aging signs—two things we don’t want. It matters no less if the day is cloudy or cold; sunscreen is important at all times.

Get Your Best Body Ever… with Body Revolution

“My mother, who has worked in the skin care industry for several years, has been on the lookout for something that could help reduce the stretch marks and scars on my stomach. When CosMedix launched its Body Revolution system, she had me try it out, understanding the superiority of CosMedix’s products.

I documented my progress and took pictures, because I wanted others to witness the tremendous results that CosMedix offers. In fact, the preparation process alone gave me remarkable results; I felt like a new person when my deep, purple stretch marks started getting lighter and smaller, eventually matching up with the rest of my skin.

I used the 3-Piece Restorative Body Kit, which includes Body Clean, Body Build and Body Shape, for four weeks before my first body peel (Body Lift). During this time, I put together a book of ‘before and after’ pictures for others to see my progress. The pictures spoke volumes—it was clear to others and to myself that the Body Revolution system is effective. My stretch marks are no longer prominent; my scars have faded; and my self-esteem is higher than it’s been in a long time.

Thanks to CosMedix, I feel beautiful again. I am grateful to have been introduced to the Body Revolution system, and I hope my results will inspire others to make a change.”

- by Tanna Drake

Meet the Expert: Alison Moffo, RN
Alison Moffo is a registered nurse (RN) and a clinical educator for CosMedix.

When your skin looks good, you feel good about yourself. Maintaining a radiant glow is easy if you form healthy habits now. Skin conditions like stretch marks and cellulite are not only unsightly, but they can be disheartening as well. While there is no surefire remedy, there are several treatments on the market that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. After all, dimples are for the cheeks on your face!

Q: What are some common concerns about stretch marks and cellulite, and what should people take into consideration when contemplating treatment for these conditions?

A: The most common concern regarding stretch marks and cellulite is that people simply want to get rid of them—permanently. There are a couple of things that need to be addressed before undergoing any treatment: 1) As with any cosmetic procedure or treatment, make sure you maintain realistic expectations about the outcome; 2) The color of stretch marks, as well as the size of cellulite pockets, can change over time—the sooner you begin treatment, the better the outcome.

Q: Although there is no known cure for stretch marks and cellulite, what steps can be taken to help reduce their unsightly appearance?

A: The use of retinol can drastically reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite and improve the overall texture of the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Professional body treatments have been deemed effective if used regularly with a home care system, which should promote exfoliation, hydration and protection against environmental stressors.

Q: Can changing your lifestyle (i.e. diet, exercise regimen or sleep patterns) have any effect on the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite?

A: Stretch marks are not affected by diet and exercise; instead, they occur when the skin is stretched too quickly (as with a growth spurt in teenage years), or when a person’s weight fluctuates. However, diet and exercise can often be used in combination with a topical skin care regimen to improve the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.

Q: Aside from the use of retinol, what other skin care products do you
recommend to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite?

A: Stretch marks are often associated with pregnancy; however, retinol is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The Body Revolution system from CosMedix is ideal in treating stretch marks and cellulite, most specifically, Body Build, Body Shape and the professional application of Body Lift. Each of these products contains specific formulas that stimulate skin cells and restore a youthful glow. Chocked full of antioxidants, they help tighten and smooth the skin.

SKIN Conditions Defined

Stretch Marks
A form of scarring that occurs on the skin and has a white or reddish tint. When the dermis tears due to loss of elasticity and collagen, such scars can appear. Stretch marks also occur when the skin is stretched at a rapid pace (i.e. puberty, weight gain or pregnancy).

Cellulite
The accumulation of fat that presses
against the connective tissues un-
derneath a person’s skin, causing a bumpy or ‘cottage cheese-like’ effect. Genetics, hormones and/or diet often
serve as the root of the problem.

Skin Pigmentation
Conditions that cause the skin to appear blotchy and lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than normal due to an imbalance in melanin, the pigment that determines hair, skin and eye color. Skin pigmentation disorders are caused by varying factors, including sun exposure, allergic reactions and genetic inheritance.

Sun Damage
Often the price we pay for tanning, sun damage occurs when the skin is overly exposed to the sun’s intense ultraviolet (UV) rays. While some effects are immediately visible (i.e. sunburns and suntans), others appear over time in the form of unsightly wrinkles and liver spots. Excessive and repeated sun exposure can permanently damage skin cell DNA, resulting in skin cancer.

1) Turn your heat down, in the car and at home. Conserve on your utilities while keeping your skin more hydrated. The artificial heat sucks moisture from the air and our skin, so keep your heaters at the recommended 68 degrees and feel comfortable.

2) Emulsion Emulsion Emulsion Those of you who use this Cosmedix product Know! This perfect blend of jojoba and Shea butters, mixed with antioxidants and liquid Crystal formulation, intensely hydrates the skin. I always like to add moisture and hydration in the winter. Affirm cocktailed with Emulsion is an excellent combination.

3) Keep a bottle of mystic at your desk or in your car. Mystic utilizes heavy water (D2O) and is great for all skin types including acneic. Even skin that breaks out and is congested needs hydration!

4) If you haven’t tried our new LaLicious line now is the time. They have amazing Body Butters, Sugar Scrubs and Whipped soaps. All of these products leave the skin moist and soft all day long….no kidding! I am surprised every time. This is a great product that really conditions the skin. Try the sugar souffles and experience how soft your skin is from the oils left on the skin after you rinse. Even without lotion….

5) Drink warm/hot decaffeinated beverages. This time of year its difficult to consume a lot of cold water and we really should keep things on the warmer side this time of year. My acupuncturist says that to keep cold and wind out of the body drink warming teas. Ginger, cardamom, clove, and Cinnamon is your prefect Chi tea combination. Drink as much as you can without caffeine to internally hydrate the system.

6) Switch your sunblock! Those of you who use Reflect or Serious protection would benefit from replacing that with Hydrate +. This is our sunblock moisturizer. It is an spf 17 which is adequate for this time of year, but has additional moisturizing benefits.

7) Take a warm bath with a few drops of Pure Castor oil or sesame oil to leave the skin with moisture when you leave the water. An Ayurvedic healing technique is to oilate the back of the neck underneath the hair line, with a little sesame oil. This time of year is considered the Vata season and this helps protect the body from getting the common cold and flu.

Give yourself an at home mask with Rescue – a great Cosmedix skin healing balm and mask. This mask can be left on the skin overnight or a thin layer can be applied under your sun protection when the skin is really dry or chapped. I love Rescue and the smell is fantastic! Willow bark, willow herb and my favorite cherry bark!

I love to educate people about skin care. So many people come to me with skin conditions that could have been prevented, if they just took a few simple steps earlier in their lives. It really is true, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. So I’m hoping to share some of those tips in this blog, share a few of the things that makes being a small business owner fun (or not so fun) and occasionally have a few guest bloggers to talk about how important self care is. Whether it’s related to your skin, your mind or you whole body.