Promoting healthy cell activity and slowing down premature aging is the skincare goal for adults of all ages. Anti-inflammatory ingredients are also part of the current discussion with a focus on balancing sensitive and over-stimulated skin. Unfortunately, stress shows up on our face. Men’s skincare has finally come of age, and products such as Organic Male OM4 address men’s needs with four easy steps. Even manly men now admit they have skin, too! Another personal-care focus is on chemical- free products and sun protection, which are becoming primary health concerns.
Everyone needs a proper skincare routine of cleansing and moisturizing twice daily and exfoliating and masking once or twice weekly. This weekly care only takes 20 minutes and using quality professional products cost less than $1 per day. Balance and protect your skin without over-drying or over-exfoliating with harsh products or machines, as this leads to major skin problems and damage. Treat facial skin gently to avoid a permanent red complexion from too much rubbing and scrubbing. Nutrition, stress, hormones, habits, and climate affect your skin’s appearance and reflect your health and lifestyle.
Fundamental natural & organic skincare recommendations for your specific needs
Teens: Popular products contain citrus fruits, vitamins, and herbs. Be diligent in cleansing, exfoliating and masking. Enzyme peels and beta-hydroxy acids give necessary exfoliation, while clay masks such as Moor mud work wonders to clear up the skin. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients (e.g. oat derivatives, zinc oxide, and probiotics) can help calm acne. It is definitely worth getting a professional facial from an esthetician for valuable advice on products and treatments—your skin will show noticeable improvements. Don’t give up—get a second opinion and try different products and home care before resorting to harsh products or medication.
Ages 20 to 30: It is never too early to start preserving healthy skin. Your skin is not invincible. Add more nourishing products, antioxidants, and keep exfoliating and masking. All ages need chemical-free, natural sunscreens to help protect from sun damage. Use products designed for your skin type. Enzyme peels and AHA’s exfoliate, while targeted masks address your specific needs and conditions.
Ages 30 to 40: Step up your routine with serums and oils here. Add eye cream and brighteners (for hyperpigmentation, skin tone) to your routine. To slow down signs of aging, use ingredients that slow down collagen and elastin loss, sun damage, toxins, and free radicals. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables work topically and the natural scents are uplifting and revitalizing, as well.
Ages 40 plus: Peptides and plant stem cells are some of the most effective ingredients to promote healthy mature skin. Skin starts getting dryer, thinner, and more sensitive with age, so product needs change. Additional oils protect the delicate surface. Collagen and elasticity are lost, so the focus is on ingredients that help support this structure. We want tightening, toning, firming, plumping, and hydration all in one—this is a lot to ask of our estheticians and topical products!
Fifty and beyond: This is a beautiful time when energizing and firming the skin are important to most of us in this stage of life. Stimulating and increasing cell turnover is a primary goal to combat aging. Retinol (Vitamin A) is still a leading choice for skin rejuvenation, cell turnover, and healthy cell structure. Circulation slows down and capillaries are weakened so calming and strengthening ingredients help with rosacea and couperose skin (redness). Stimulating ingredients such as paprika increase circulation and are thought to strengthen capillary walls.
Other prominent ingredients are brighteners (lighteners) such as licorice root and vitamin C to even out skin tone and reduce hyper-pigmentation. Phyto-hormones from plants support estrogen and mature skin. Growth factors, such as Epidermal Growth Factor, are cited to support cell production and wound healing. These are also used after facial peels, microdermabrasion, or surgery to promote healing.
Shelley Lotz
Shelley Lotz has over 25 years of experience in the spa industry as an esthetician, educator, and entrepreneur. She is a major contributing author of "Milady's Standard Esthetics Fundamentals," a textbook for estheticians, and wrote "Green Spas and Salons: How to Make Your Business Truly Sustainable" (ViosSpaGroup.com).