5 Myths About Aging
When it comes to anti-aging we strive to focus on facts over fads and share valuable insights that you may not love, but that your skin will! The information we’re providing is based on research, not opinions, and is sound advice for a smoother, younger looking complexion.
MYTH #1 SMILING CAUSES WRINKLES
In the quest for smooth, wrinkle free skin people will try just about anything! While celebrities will swear by the idea that an expressionless or “frozen face” prevents wrinkles, there’s simply no data to substantiate this claim. Furthermore, it’s virtually impossible to live life expressionlessly and we’d imagine it’s not much fun, either. The formation of wrinkles is a complex process and isn’t entirely avoidable. Sun exposure, loss of muscle, skeletal changes, and thinning of the dermal matrix are all factors that contribute to wrinkles. Fortunately, there are many skin care products and treatments on the market to address wrinkles but not smiling isn’t one of them. Happiness is one of the best anti-aging options available so enjoy life and keep on smiling!
MYTH #2 PEPTIDES AND OTHER SKINCARE INGREDIENTS WORK LIKE BOTOX
Sure, most would take a serum over a needle any day of the week but the fact is there isn’t a single skincare ingredient in the world that works like Botox. Additionally, there’s no scientific data showing that topically applied ingredients can mimic the effects of Botox or any other corrective procedures. Botox is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and is strategically injected directly into the muscles of the face to cause temporary paralyzes. If a skincare formulation had the ability to work like Botox it’d be quite dangerous! You absolutely wouldn’t want to apply it to your face unless drooping and sagging skin was the look you were going for. That’s not to say that peptides and ingredients like Vitamin-A can aren’t remarkable anti-aging options, they are! Just don’t expect Botox-like results.
MYTH #3 A TAN MAKES YOU LOOK YOUNGER
Tanning, whether indoors or outdoors is the number one cause of skin aging. The research is clear: cumulative UV exposure causes deep cellular damage and is killing your skin. Although many people think a sun-kissed glow makes them look more youthful, a tan is actually a visible sign of injured skin trying to protect and heal itself. When that bronzed glow dissipates you’ll be left with dry, dehydrated skin that’s more prone to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. We always tell our patients that the only safe tan is a spray tan. If you’re seeking that warm, yummy skin tone, strongly consider an airbrush spray tan versus a poolside lounger.
MYTH #4 ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS ARE ONLY FOR MATURE SKIN
It’s NEVER too early to fight visible aging! The anti-aging ingredients in skincare formulations will work wonders for everyone, regardless of their age. It’s similar to eating well and exercising. What’s healthy for someone in their 30’s is healthy for someone in their 60’s! Many younger people are concerned that the active ingredients in anti-aging products will be too strong for their complexions but this simply isn’t the case. Although ingredients used to treat and prevent skin aging are potent, they’re vital substances that should be used by everyone. The best plan of defense is to make choices based on your individual skin challenges and concerns versus a fear that you’re too young for a specific product or ingredient.
MYTH #5 YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER HOW QUICKLY YOU AGE
Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth! There are many factors contributing to aging of the face and body. Some things we can influence and others we cannot. We have little to no control over the intrinsic or, the natural aging process, but fret not. Intrinsic aging is only responsible for 1-20% of what shows up on our faces! Extrinsic aging is responsible for 80-99% of visible aging but is greatly influenced by our lifestyle and skincare choices. Eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, exercising, and using targeted skincare products make a huge difference. Research has proven time and time again that strategic preventative actions can significantly slow down the visible signs of aging.
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To learn more, contact our San Francisco office and call us at 415.409.6500.