How To Treat Skin Aging (latest protocol)

Summary

This video presents a scientifically-backed protocol for reversing signs of skin aging, emphasizing lifestyle changes and targeted products. Key strategies include daily sunscreen use, moisturizers with ceramides and niacinamide, a balanced diet, and supplements like hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides. The protocol also advocates for regular exercise and the use of retinoids and exfoliants at night. With a focus on long-term skin health rather than vanity, the approach combines proven dermatological research with practical, everyday solutions to restore youthful skin and enhance overall wellness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sunscreen is essential for reversing signs of skin aging, with mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offering the best protection without absorbing into the skin.
• 😀 Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, to ensure consistent protection against UV damage.
• 😀 Moisturizers containing ceramides and niacinamide (vitamin B3) are crucial for maintaining a strong skin barrier, improving texture, and reducing wrinkles.
• 😀 A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains supports healthy skin. Limiting processed foods and sugar is key to preventing aging signs.
• 😀 Hyaluronic acid supplements improve skin hydration and can reduce wrinkles, but recent studies show the body breaks it down before absorption, leading to some debate over its efficacy.
• 😀 Collagen peptide supplements have been proven in clinical trials to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce wrinkles, offering benefits beyond regular protein intake.
• 😀 Regular exercise, including both aerobic and resistance training, has significant positive effects on skin health, improving skin elasticity and thickness.
• 😀 Retinoids, particularly tretinoin and adapalene, are highly effective in reducing skin aging signs, but may cause irritation; newer retinoids like adapalene are gentler on the skin.
• 😀 Lactic acid and glycolic acid, exfoliants that promote skin renewal, help reduce wrinkles and improve skin smoothness when used regularly at night.
• 😀 It's important to use retinoids and exfoliants on separate nights to prevent irritation and maximize their effectiveness for skin rejuvenation.
• 😀 Selecting sunscreens and other skincare products can be tricky due to safety concerns with some ingredients, so it's important to read labels and choose products backed by reliable scientific data.

Q & A

Why is skin appearance important for our health beyond vanity?

How our skin looks can reflect our overall health and life expectancy. Seeing a youthful appearance in the mirror encourages us to identify with being young, which in turn promotes healthier life habits and potentially a longer life.

What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?

Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays from the skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays into the skin. While chemical sunscreens may provide better protection, some of their ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream, raising safety concerns.

What are the safety concerns with chemical sunscreens?

Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients have been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream, with some exceeding FDA safety limits. This raises concerns about their long-term safety, prompting calls for further research on these ingredients.

Which sunscreen ingredients are considered generally safe by the FDA?

The FDA has classified titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as generally safe and effective mineral sunscreen ingredients, as they do not get absorbed into the bloodstream.

What are the risks of using sunscreen with unapproved ingredients?

Sunscreens with unapproved chemical ingredients could pose potential health risks, as some of these ingredients have been flagged by studies for being absorbed into the bloodstream, with insufficient safety data available.

How does sunscreen help in reversing skin aging?

Sunscreen protects the skin from UV radiation, preventing further aging signs. Long-term use has shown that it can even reverse the visible signs of skin aging, as demonstrated by studies showing reduced wrinkles and improved skin appearance.

Is hyaluronic acid effective in reversing skin aging despite absorption issues?

Despite concerns that hyaluronic acid is broken down in the body, research has shown that oral supplements of hyaluronic acid improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles. Clinical trials have demonstrated these benefits, even with the absorption challenges.

Why does hyaluronic acid supplementation benefit skin aging?

Hyaluronic acid is a critical component of connective tissue, including the skin. As we age, its levels decrease. Supplementing with hyaluronic acid can help replenish these levels, improving skin hydration, elasticity, and reducing wrinkles.

Are collagen peptide supplements better than regular protein for skin health?

Collagen peptides have been shown in clinical trials to offer skin benefits beyond regular protein. They are absorbed more effectively and directly support skin health, improving hydration, elasticity, and reducing wrinkles.

What role does exercise play in reversing skin aging?

Exercise, particularly aerobic and resistance training, can improve skin elasticity and dermal thickness. Regular physical activity supports overall skin health, just like a balanced diet and adequate sleep.

What is the difference between retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene in reversing skin aging?

Both tretinoin (an older, proven retinoid) and adapalene (a newer version) improve skin health by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing wrinkles. Adapalene is less irritating and can be just as effective as tretinoin, making it a better option for sensitive skin.

Can exfoliating acids like lactic and glycolic acid reduce skin aging?

Yes, exfoliating acids help to remove dead skin cells, promote skin renewal, and stimulate collagen production. Over time, they can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin firmness, contributing to a youthful appearance.