WHAT ARE THE BEST SKIN CARE HABITS TO SUPPORT AGING SKIN?
Aging skin - what does it mean? Quite literally, it means that as we get older, we typically tend to see changes in our skin. For some of us, this can look like skin that is thinner, may appear paler in color, changes in connective tissue can cause a decrease in skin’s elasticity and sebaceous glands begin to produce less oil, which can sometimes result in an increase in dryness or moisture loss. All of this to say, the case is strong for building and maintaining a regimented skin care routine throughout our lifetimes.
According to the National Institute on Aging, there are many practices and behaviors we can modify to ensure our skin stays as healthy as possible, and some of these include:
- Limit time in the sun. It's okay to go out during the day, but try to avoid being in the sun during peak times when the sun's rays are strongest. And don't be fooled by cloudy skies; the sun's rays can go through clouds.
- Use sunscreen. Look for sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) number of 15 or higher. It's best to choose sunscreens with "broad spectrum" on the label. Put the sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside, and sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours.
- Wear protective clothing. A hat with a wide brim can shade your neck, ears, eyes, and head, and look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun's rays. If you have to be in the sun, wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts when possible.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND OTHER INGREDIENTS TO SUPPORT AGING SKIN
At Saje we offer many skin and body care products that include essential oils and other plant derived ingredients that are known for their deeply hydrating properties and their ability to ease symptoms like dryness, itching, irritation and the appearance of redness on the skin as we age. Here are three of the ingredients we like to look for on the labels of products we’re intending to use in support of aging skin:
Rosehip oil: extracted from the seeds of the rose hip plant, this oil is abundant in a fatty acid called linoleic acid that provides relatively high protection against inflammation and oxidative stress
Grapeseed oil: high in omega-6 fatty acid content and vitamin E, many people add this antioxidant-rich plant ingredient to skin care and cosmetic preparations as it is moisturizing, non-clogging and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy
Calendula: helps to soothe and visibly improve the appearance of skin’s texture and tone and helps to plump the surface of the skin for suppleness and vitality
SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR AGING SKIN
One of the most telltale signs of aging is a loss of moisture. Due to a lower amount of elasticity in the skin, visible dryness, signs of irritation like redness and skin peeling or flaking are common concerns when addressing the skin’s needs. Keeping skin well moisturized as well as avoiding common triggers like overly hot water and exposure to the sun, wind and other elements can help ease symptoms of dryness on aging skin.
Rose Mist: rose is known as one of the most gentle, balancing and soothing flowers and essential oils in aromatherapy. Often indicated specifically to support relieving dry skin, we like the ease of which we can use this floral mist to refresh and rehydrate our skin throughout the day. Try misting generously over the hair, face and body when skin feels tight or dry to help the skin feel relieved.
Strong Balm: This nourishing balm works double duty to support strong, resilient nails, while also conditioning your eyelashes. It also works wonders as a gentle eye make up remover and can be applied anywhere you experience dryness or to soothe the appearance of irritated skin. Calendula promotes skin’s renewal, St. John’s wort calms irritated skin and patchouli helps to smooth and soothe.
SKIN CARE TREATMENT PRODUCTS FOR AGING SKIN
Another one of the ways we like to combat the signs of aging in our skin is through the use of treatment-style products, specifically face oils. The three serums we’re introducing today are 100% oil based, comprised of carrier oils and essential oils formulated for specific skin types.
The base of these elixirs, the carrier oils, include evening primrose, rich in antioxidants to leave skin feeling radiant, grapeseed oil to soften and protect from moisture loss, rosehip to replenish skin’s moisture and promote a healthy glow and apricot kernel oil to soothe and balance.
Bakuchiol Renewal Serum: this serum contains ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, regenerative and soothing tamanu oil, and light, moisture-locking milk thistle to deliver soothed skin and more even tone day after day.
Glow On Face Oil: ideal for normal to combination skin, this serum contains balancing and renewing essential oils of parsley seed and raspberry seed.
True Dew Face Oil: ideal for combination, dry or mature skin, this serum contains renewing and restoring essential oils of rose otto, geranium and pomegranate.
BODY CARE PRODUCTS FOR AGING SKIN
The skin on our bodies ages too, which is why it’s important to restore moisture to the skin properly and regularly. Particularly when skin is still damp post bath or shower, apply a body lotion, butter or oil to the body to help lock in moisture and ensure you’re reducing the look and feel of dryness or irritation to the skin.
Carrot body butter: this luxurious and emollient-rich body butter is one of our absolute favourite products for helping the skin to feel smoothed, nourished and supple. One of the key ingredients in the blend is shea butter, which is known for its positive impact on signs of aging skin. A high content of antioxidants means it can reduce the appearance of aging skin symptoms like skin roughness and dryness, while providing rich and absorbent hydration. Essential oils of carrot, known to nourish and restore the skin, patchouli to smooth and tone and geranium to balance and calm round out this ultra-hydrating formula for the body.
Mother’s Wellness body oil: not just for moms, we’re big fans of this rich and renewing formula that can help improve the appearance of skin’s elasticity and absorbs deeply for maximum hydration. The base contains vitamin E, a superfood for nourishing and protecting skin from damaging free radicals, as well as essential oils like frankincense to improve the appearance of skin’s vitality and tangerine to fortify and refresh.
LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR KEEPING AGING SKIN HYDRATED AND GLOWING
Aside from using plant and nature derived ingredients in your skin and body care preparations, there are a number of things you can do to take care of your skin as it ages. Knowing that dry, itchy skin is one of the most common afflictions for aging skin, here are a few additional tips to keep skin looking and feeling its best:
- Use moisturizers, like lotions, body butters or body oils every day. However be cautious: using too much soap, antiperspirant, or perfume and taking hot baths can make dry skin worse.
- Take fewer baths or showers and use milder soap. Warm water is less drying than hot water.
- Try using a diffuser to add moisture to the different rooms of your home and breathe in the benefits of negative ions to increase your overall well-being.
Your skin may change with age. But remember, there are things you can do to help.
—National Institute on Aging
