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A Decade by Decade Beauty Guide

When it comes to health and the rate of ageing, we used to think that our choices were limited—it’s in the genes. Today, however, the ageing process no longer mirrors that of our parents and grandparents.

With modern scientific modalities and recent advancements in medical aesthetics, there often exists a vast difference between a person’s chronological age and biological age. It can be hard to distinguish a woman in her twenties from a woman in her forties. Unfortunately, the hands of time swing both ways; we may be 45 chronologically, but biologically, our cells may make us appear 55.

Approximately 36% of ageing is due to factors beyond our control—our genes and heritage—but the rest is up to us. So, what’s the secret to achieving beauty at any age? Good health, quality of life, great skin care and of course a few tweakments along the way. At my Fresh Aesthetics clinics in Portadown and Newry, I provide a wide variety of aesthetic services to slow down the hands of time!

Twenties

Prevention is crucial during this phase of your life. If you didn’t have good habits in your teens, now is the time to start. Sunscreen should be a part of your daily skin care regimen, in the form of an SPF moisturiser, in order to prevent premature ageing. The body and skin show little change in our twenties, but external factors such as sun exposure, alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits and smoking have lasting adverse effects on skin. If you prevent damage and protect your skin while in your twenties, your complexion will thank you for the decades to come. Those with strong muscle activity in the frown, forehead and crows feet will benefit from anti-wrinkle injections. Botox relaxes these muscles to prevent them forming deep creases in the skin.

Thirties

Between career moves, busy lifestyles and starting a family, our thirties can bring on a variety of different stressors. Many women at this age are plagued by adult acne and inflammatory skin conditions due to hormonal fluctuations and work-related tension. More evidence of internal change begins to surface as age spots, crows feet and fine lines appear around the eyes and mouth. However these signs of ageing can be curtailed with treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections (Botox). Undergoing a series of chemical peels in conjunction with an at-home treatment regimen of medical grade skincare such as Alumier MD can dramatically reduce the look of blemishes, wrinkles and sun spots, helping you to hold onto your youth.

Forties

As we enter our forties, noticeable differences occur as skin begins to lose elasticity. There may be slight sagging around the neck area, and lines that were only visible when you smiled or laughed in your thirties may now be etched into your complexion. Anti-wrinkle treatments like Botox will help with these. Skin cells take longer to migrate to the surface, so encourage cellular turnover with chemical peels and Retinol based home treatments. Stimulating collagen with Profhilo or Sunekos is central to promoting healthier, more youthful looking skin. Incorporating antioxidants into both your diet and skin care routine will assist in preventing further free radical-induced damage. Look for medical grade skincare such as AlumierMD with cleansers, exfoliants and serums infused with vitamins A, C and E and load up on fruits, green vegetables, seeds and nuts. Fillers will replace volume lost by the ageing process and minimise skin sagging.

Fifties and beyond

After 50, the skin’s abilities to retain moisture and heal properly are significantly weakened as the body experiences internal changes. Regular Profhilo treatments will boost hydration and collagen levels. Hormonal oscillation and diminished natural reserves in mature and menopausal skin can cause the complexion to appear dry or flaky. Medical grade skincare treatments containing essential vitamins, hyaluronic acid and anti-oxidants will play a role in skin immunity and hydration and aid in replenishing the skin’s lipid barrier to repair tone and texture. Botox will smooth deep wrinkles around the eyes. Fillers will lift and firm sagging skin (now found around the cheeks, jowls and jawline) to rebuild definition.