As spa professionals, we often encounter clients who are deeply concerned about wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of premature aging. These concerns are valid, as skin—both on the face and body—is relentlessly exposed to a variety of environmental factors that can accelerate the visible signs of aging while undermining our skin’s overall health. It is important that, as skin care professionals, we are able to address these concerns with targeted treatments and preventative strategies. By offering services such as specialized facials, antioxidant-rich treatments and encouraging healthy habits (such as applying SPF), we can help our clients reduce the visible effects of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, while strengthening the skin’s defenses. skin against environmental damage. This applies not only to the face, but to the body from head to toe. Let’s explore helpful information on premature aging along with ingredients that help skin look like you’ve turned back the clock.
Why the skin ages prematurely | Necessary ingredients | Lifestyle advice to give to clients
Why does our skin age prematurely?
Just like the skin on our face, the skin on our body is constantly exposed to elements that can accelerate aging and affect its health. Even customers who pay attention to sun protection on their face often forget to apply protective products to their body, leaving their skin exposed to harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants. This can speed up the aging process.
Whether on the face or body, make sure you consider these factors that affect skin aging include:
- Exposure to the sun: Sunburn usually results in visible signs of damage such as fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Harmful enzymes increased by UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to deeper skin folds and accelerated aging.
- Stress: As Healthline suggests, chronic stress releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause “inflammation and damage to DNA and cells” if produced over time.
- Pollution: The impact of pollution can be from the smog and dirt we encounter outdoors, as well as the hidden dangers lurking in our homes, such as household cleaners or beauty products with harmful chemicals such as parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils or lauryl sulfate sodium. Similarly, paint, air fresheners, hidden mold or pet dander also play an important role in skin health.
- Blue light: Blue light, emitted by devices such as laptops and phones, is reported to stimulate the production of free radicals in the skin, a factor that can cause visible signs of aging to appear earlier in life. The free radicals that are created create unstable molecules, leading to inflammation that attacks cells and accelerates the appearance of visible signs of aging.
- Diet: A diet high in sugar can damage the skin through a natural process called glycosylation. In this process, sugar in the bloodstream binds to proteins, leading to the formation of harmful free radicals known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The accumulation of AGEs increases with the amount of sugar consumed, and these compounds can damage surrounding proteins, such as collagen.
- Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. As Very Good Mind states: “Smoking doesn’t just compromise your internal physical health – its health effects can also show on your face and skin. Premature aging is common, but you’re also more likely to experience slower wound healing, pigmentation, eczema, skin cancer and other skin conditions if you’re a smoker.”
Now that you are aware of the causes of premature aging, here are the top ingredients and skin care products that you can recommend to prevent and treat the signs of aging.
Essential ingredients for age defense
Vitamin C and E
One of the most well-known ingredients in skin care is vitamin C and when applied topically, has been shown to inhibit the enzymes that break down the skin’s supporting structure. As Eminence Organics’ Chief Skin Care Educator Natalie Pergar She tells us: “Vitamin C is an incredibly effective nutrient for your body and a general skin care savior. It has been found to help prevent UV damage, reduce pigmentation, reduce inflammation and boost collagen production in the skin.”
Vitamin E is also particularly helpful in protecting cells from damage caused by UV radiation, especially when combined with vitamin C. When vitamins C and E are used together, they compete to neutralize free radical damage, leading to more strong neutralization and protection for the skin.
When your client comes to you with concerns about premature aging, consider recommending C+E Citrus & Kale Potent Serum. This lightweight formula combines three forms of vitamin C:
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (known as vitamin C salt), a stable form of vitamin C
- L-ascorbic acid, powerful antioxidant version of vitamin C
- Natural vitamin C extracts derived from citrus fruits (such as lemon and orange) and leafy greens (such as kale and broccoli)
The serum is also enriched with vitamin E and ferulic acid. As previously mentioned, vitamin E is particularly effective in protecting the skin from UV rays, especially when used in combination with vitamin C.
Hyaluronic Acid
If your clients are noticing signs of aging in their skin, hyaluronic acid (HA) can be a valuable addition to their skin care routine. HA is a natural substance in the skin known for its ability to retain moisture. The main benefit of hyaluronic acid is its moisturizing power. Dry skin is more prone to wrinkles and signs of aging. Dryness can also indicate a disrupted skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and possible breakouts or irritation. Incorporating HA into a skin care regimen can transform skin by:
- Plumps the skin for a smoother appearance
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Strengthens dry or dehydrated skin
- Maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier
Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion is formulated with hyaluronic acid, aloe and panthenol to deeply hydrate, retain moisture in the skin and protect the skin’s moisture barrier. For the face, you can lightly exfoliate the skin using Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant. Contains lactic acid which gently breaks down dead skin cells to even out the skin’s appearance.
Peptides
As the body’s natural collagen production slows in the late 20s to early 30s, peptides can help protect and preserve the collagen that is already there. Peptides are short-chain amino acids, which you can think of as the building blocks for essential skin proteins such as collagen. Peptides have a dual purpose, both treating and preventing the signs of aging.
Our Marine Flower Peptide Collection uses plant-derived peptides as well as marine flower technology to give skin a more youthful appearance. Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Serum contain the Smart Collagen+ complex, which is formulated with natural plant peptides and sustainably sourced freshwater and saltwater algae. Smart Collagen+ complex and powerful plant peptides give your skin the appearance of increased strength, elasticity and suppleness, while algae extracts improve the appearance of skin firmness.
We have also developed a Marine Flower Peptide Collection Facial Protocol that you can offer at your spa. Read the protocol here to help clients achieve more youthful looking skin.
Natural Retinol Alternatives
Conventional retinol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, often added to skin care products to improve the appearance of collagen, promote skin cell turnover, fight free radicals, and target fine lines and wrinkles . While retinol promises all of these benefits, there are side effects that mean it’s less than ideal for everyone. At Eminence Organic Skin Care, our products do not contain conventional retinol. Instead, we formulate products with retinol alternatives that mimic the effects of retinol. Our Natural Retinol Alternative offers a lifting and firming effect due to chicory root and tara tree extract.
Bakuchiol, extracted from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant, is another retinol alternative. Used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, bakuchiol has recently gained popularity for providing results similar to traditional retinol – such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, restoring firmness, improving skin texture and evening skin tone (but in a softer way). Our Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer, a light gel-cream suitable for all skin types, incorporates this ingredient. It also contains niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative, which helps reduce the appearance of pores and smooth the appearance of skin texture.
Lifestyle tips to prevent premature skin aging
Here are some key tips you can provide for age-defying skin care:
Emphasize sun protection
Educate clients on the importance of applying sunscreen daily to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. One of the most important steps in your daily routine, regular use of SPF not only prevents premature aging, but also protects against potential skin damage. We recommend it Radiant Protection SPF Fluid, an all-mineral SPF that helps protect skin from the harsh effects of the sun while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With a hydrating, nourishing feel and a cool finish, this SPF keeps skin ageless, while offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection for combination to dry skin.
Recommend regular exfoliation
Anti-aging clients should add regular exfoliation to their skin care routines. You may want to recommend exfoliating products to help remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and enhance the absorption and effectiveness of other skin care products.
Encourage the use of antioxidants
Advise clients to incorporate skin care products that are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. These ingredients are essential for skin protection and can help reduce the signs of aging. As more and more clients approach estheticians with concerns about premature aging, professionals can play a key role in recommending effective treatments and preventative measures to maintain youthful, glowing skin. Why not share your experiences with us in the comments below. Or, learn how to become an Eminence Organics Spa Partner here.
