THIS month, I turned another year wiser. This month, I also got a facial for the first time in ages. The Visia Complexion Analysis facial scanner in Bodyworx Medical Spa, along with a thorough assessment by proprietors Doctors Andy and Sugar Mantilla, was kind enough to tell me that my skin age is five years younger than my biological age. Whether you think this is true or not, I’ll share anyway what I do to try to age gracefully.
Moisturize. I have been religiously applying some form of lotion on my face and body since high school. Some of my favorite affordable body lotions are by Vaseline, Johnson’s Baby and Jergens. Palmer’s body oil is also great, and I have been using The Body Shop’s body butter on and off for 15 years.
Eye cream. I have had panda eyes since college. The only eye cream I’ve used that effectively fades them is Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream.
Yoga. My yoga instructors have been practicing and teaching for about a decade, and they look a decade younger than their biological age. Yoga is an exercise for both the body and the spirit. When I first started more than five years ago, I hated it because it felt awkward and I was embarrassed next to my lithe classmates. Now, after three years of regular practice, I can’t imagine going more than a few days without an upward facing dog.
Laughter. “You laugh a lot, don’t you?” The answer to Dr. Sugar’s question is yes! My assessment at Bodyworx told me I do not have wrinkles yet, but many expression lines around my eyes. I have my fair share of stress working 50+ hours a week, but it’s important to counter stress, which accelerates aging and illness.
Sun protection. This is the number one thing I was told at Bodyworx and my friend who is a dermatologist to prevent skin damage. It’s best to use a sunscreen with at least SPF50. Choose a broad spectrum one (also indicated by PA++) to protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays.