As we gain years, our skin undergoes natural changes. It has moved through time with us, growing and evolving, and it has also had longer to contend with environmental stressors—like pollution that causes free radicals, sunlight, UV rays, changes to climate, and even gravity and sleep position. 

Skin is the largest organ in the body and the most visible, so it makes sense that aging shows up there. We can care for our skin (and love it) as it evolves, without fighting it or feeling ashamed. 

Our favorite way to do this is with beautiful, free-radical eating, life-giving plants. 

Photo-Aging

The most common cause of aging is exposure to the sun and the result is called “photo-aging.” This is a combination of skin injury to the outer layers of the skin and epidermis from UVB rays, plus injury to the middle (dermis) layers from UVA. Yet, sunshine is a joy and we can enjoy it safely. Use SPF every day for preventative care. 
 
When you notice:
Pigmentation, wrinkles, "sun spots"
 
Give skin:
Antioxidants that combat free-radical damage and repair skin cells: myrrh, carrot seed, lavender. 

Texture

Air, climate, and pollution impact skin’s texture over time. We can improve texture by encouraging skin cell turnover and locking in moisture, especially overnight. 
 
When you notice:
Roughness, dry spots, unevenness
 
Give skin:
Gentle exfoliation or nightly retinal (our pick) followed by a nightly balm. 

Moisture

Moisture-loss is a natural part of aging, but the good news is that it’s easy enough to re-moisturize skin. There are a few tricks to learn for effective moisturizing. As skin ages, it has a harder time replenishing itself. The most important thing to know is that toner is a water-based hydrator and you need to use it before you apply oil-based moisturizers. Re-hydrating is needed for skin elasticity, softness, resilience, and comfort. The oil locks in the moisture, so don't use the oil without adding water to your skin first!
 
When you notice:
Dryness, change in skin type, fine lines, wrinkles
 
Give skin:
Nutrient-dense hydration, then light lotion, followed by face serum, + balm under eyes. At night, you can cover all these nice layers with skin cream.

** If you use a nightly retinal (and we recommend you do!), this is the order of operations: Toner (let it dry a bit), retinal (let it absorb for 10 mins), lotion, face oil, balm. 

Elasticity

Ahhh, gravity. There’s no stopping this force of nature, but we can give skin some tools for faster rebounding. 
 
When you notice:
Dullness, drooping, loss of springiness
 
Give skin:
Botanicals that promote elasticity and boost collagen production: aloe vera, hazelnut oil, geranium, chamomile. 

In addition to treating your skin, treat your whole gorgeous self: drink water, get rest, move your body, spend time in nature, prioritize joy and connection. All of these actions have a tangible benefit on our skin and make us feel good. And that shows.

 

Sources
The Effects of Aging on Skin
Skin Aging: Natural Weapons and Strategies

Written By Vera Kachouh