No matter what our age, we all want smooth, soft skin that looks radiant and healthy. But the reality is, our skin is aging every day.

FACT : It’s easier and less expensive to target the signs of aging by caring for your skin at an early age than trying to minimize the signs of aging after they appear on your face. Here’s how:

• Stay away from harsh cleansers that can cause over-drying of the skin.
• Use products that are appropriate for your skin type and needs.
• Rain or shine, help protect your skin every day with a broad spectrum SPF product.
• Don’t forget your neck and chest. While you’re logging in cell phone time, your neck starts to show premature folds and wrinkles thanks to the angle you hold your head. Tech neck- it’s a thing, look it up.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Our collagen stores naturally decline with age, which can cause our skin to show changes including wrinkles, sagging and decreased elasticity. Collagen is a protein found in muscles, bone, skin, ligaments, the digestive system, and blood vessels. It’s what gives our skin its elasticity and it acts like glue for our ligaments. Even before we can see these changes, lower collagen and hyaluronic acid levels can begin to change the integrity of our skin’s structure. Hyaluronic Acid is what makes toddlers cheeks so …… ohhhh….. Kissable!!

Elastin is the “rubber band” that gives skin strength and bounce. But as we lose elastin over time, our extracellular matrix weakens. This causes fine lines and wrinkles, particularly where we make repeated facial expressions. (think of the “11’s” between the eyes) It’s important to help support our skin’s extra cellular matrix because it’s the essential physical scaffolding for the skin and all its cells. Products that deliver the top ingredients into the skin are essential!

Healthy-looking, radiant, smooth, firm and hydrated skin isn’t an accident — it’s a result of understanding your skin type and creating a skincare and nutrition regimen to meet your needs.

More importantly, this is the time to get a proactive jump on premature skin aging by adopting healthy skincare and eating habits. One good habit adopted each week can change the way you look and feel.

“Beautiful and healthy skin starts with a healthy inside- out approach in addition to using high quality products on your skin. Eating, sleeping, and moving right is what makes the difference for lasting health so that we age well instead of simply aging.” – DR. RAJA SIVAMANI, MD MS AP BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

Be sure to check out my makeup videos on my youtube channel The Brave Beauty.