Sands in an Hourglass: Healthy Aging for Everyday of Our Lives

How many grains of sand are in your hourglass? These days of our lives appear to pass by faster as we age, however, people have much more sand in their hourglass. By 2030, 1 in 5 people worldwide will be over the age of 60. Is 60 going to be the new 40? Social and physical environments make up approximately 80% of how we age – so how can we age gracefully while still having fun? Healthy aging begins from within, therefore self-care has become more important than ever with busy lifestyles and increased responsibilities. Looking as good as you feel with a daily skincare program, weekly home treatment, and of course, monthly in-clinic treatments will make the ride of life much more fulfilling.

Let’s look at chemical peels, one of the fastest growing in-clinic treatments today. Chemical peels, a favorite among all age groups, can address a variety of aging concerns as well as prevent future skin damage.

What exactly is a chemical peel? Where do I get a treatment? How does it work? Am I a candidate? Just like any other beauty service, chemical peels have evolved significantly over the past 40 years. They are no longer the stinging, burning, uncomfortable treatment you receive while hiding in your house for two weeks avoiding the sun. Chemical peels are treatments performed by a licensed skincare professional in a salon, spa, or medical clinic. This treatment is usually performed on the face but also can address aging concerns from head-to-toe. Depending on the skin condition and primary concerns, chemical peels can cater to varying degrees of skin correction, from a little with prevention to a lot of correction! This will determine if the skin physically ‘peels’ off or the treatment works behind the scenes to create bright, beautiful skin.

Chemical peels address multiple skin conditions such as aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, and even rosacea. Formulated with specific exfoliating agents such as enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and even retinol, these solutions also stimulate healthy collagen production while removing the uppermost layers of the stratum corneum. When dead skin cells are removed this creates a more refined skin surface with a smooth texture and even tone. Selected ingredients can also aid in balancing out oil production while creating a better pathway into the skin for antioxidant-rich hydrators to penetrate and combat free radical damage.

A skincare professional can assess your skin while considering lifestyle and commitment to your skin health. Many chemical peel treatments require some skin preparation, conditioning skin to run the gauntlet of skin damage. This assessment and consultation enable you to have a defined skin goal and plan mapped out between you and your skincare professional. As with any type of correction, skin correction is no different. The power of prevention and maintenance is not just your skincare professional’s responsibility, but your own. Just like with any other body part, skin must be conditioned to work most efficiently. Continuing with a recommended daily home care program and maintenance, in-clinic treatments empower you to be your best self and slow down your aging grains of sand.