Anti-Aging

As we age, our skin changes and we develop things like wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of elasticity. While these changes may be inevitable, there are ways to slow down the effects of aging and restore a more youthful appearance.

What Happens to Our Skin as We Age?

• Decreased collagen production: Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic. As we age, collagen production slows down, leading to sagging and the formation of wrinkles.
• Reduced elastin: Elastin fibers give the skin its ability to stretch and bounce back. With age, elastin fibers break down, causing the skin to lose its youthful suppleness.
• Thinning of the epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, thins with age, making the skin more fragile and prone to damage.
• Reduced oil production: Sebaceous glands produce less oil as we age, leading to drier skin and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Sun damage: Years of exposure to harmful UV rays can cause pigmentation changes, sunspots, and accelerated aging of the skin.

While aging is inevitable, it’s possible to slow the effects and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant through effective prevention methods and cosmetic treatments.

Anti-Aging Preventive Measures

Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining youthful skin. Implementing the following habits early can help delay the visible signs of aging:

Sun Protection

UV radiation from the sun is the leading cause of premature aging. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays can prevent wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and clothing designed to block UV rays can offer added protection.
• Avoid Tanning: Tanning, whether from the sun or tanning beds, accelerates skin aging and increases the risk of skin cancer.
• Use Sunscreen Daily: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it every day, even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors and more frequently if you are sweating or in water. Click here for Kaiser Permanente dermatologist recommended sunscreen products.

Moisturization

As skin loses its natural oils with age, it’s essential to use moisturizers that help hydrate and lock in moisture. Look for products containing ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful hydrating ingredient that can plump and smooth the skin.
• Ceramides: Help restore the skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture.
• Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
• Click here for Kaiser Permanente dermatologist recommended moisturizers.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Your overall health significantly impacts the appearance of your skin:

• Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Incorporate foods high in antioxidants (like berries, leafy greens, and nuts) and healthy fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish and seeds) to nourish the skin from within.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin plump and hydrated.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and dull skin.
• Get Enough Sleep: During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates skin cells. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Skin Care Routine

A consistent skincare routine with anti-aging products can support the skin’s health:

• Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin of essential moisture.
• Exfoliating: Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps promote cell turnover. Consider gentle chemical exfoliants (like AHAs and BHAs) instead of harsh physical scrubs.
• Retinoids: Retinoids (like retinol or tretinoin) stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture.
• Click here to see Kaiser Permanente dermatologist recommended skincare products

Anti-Aging Treatments

In addition to prevention, we offer treatments that can reduce the visible signs of aging and rejuvenate your skin. Below are some of the most popular and effective options. Click to learn more about each service and find a Kaiser Permanente provider near you.

Botox and Dysport

Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox or Dysport, temporarily relax the muscles responsible for facial wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. These injectable treatments smooth the skin and can last 3-4 months, offering a non-invasive way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Dermal Fillers

Fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products (e.g., Juvéderm, Restylane), restore volume to areas that have lost fat and elasticity, like the cheeks, under-eye area, and lips. They can smooth out deep lines, such as nasolabial folds, and provide a plump, youthful appearance. Results typically last 6–12 months, depending on the type of filler used.

Biostimulatory Fillers

Biostimulatory fillers, such as Sculptra, not only restore lost volume but also stimulate collagen production for long-term skin rejuvenation. These injectables gradually improve skin texture, firmness, and elasticity, making them ideal for areas like the cheeks, temples, and jawline. Unlike traditional fillers, their results develop over time and can last up to two years, providing a natural, youthful enhancement.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve the application of a solution to exfoliate the skin and remove damaged outer layers. They help improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation issues (such as age spots), and promote collagen production. Peels come in various strengths, from superficial to deep, depending on your needs and goals.

Microneedling

Microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. It can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and minimize pores. For enhanced results, microneedling can be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also known as the “vampire facial.”

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser treatments, such as fractional CO2, target the skin’s deeper layers to stimulate collagen production, tighten the skin, and improve tone and texture. Laser resurfacing is highly effective for treating wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP into areas of the skin or scalp that need rejuvenation. The growth factors in PRP stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin tone, texture, and overall appearance.

Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency treatments use heat energy to stimulate collagen production, tightening and lifting the skin. These treatments are non-invasive and effective for reducing sagging and promoting smoother, more youthful skin.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL therapy uses light pulses to treat pigmentation issues, such as sun spots, age spots, and redness. It can also stimulate collagen production, improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.

Click here to find Kaiser Permanente cosmetic providers near you.