No one needs reminding that your skin is often the most visible sign that you’re aging. Whether it’s wrinkles and creases on your face, dry skin on your arms, or spots or bruises on your hands or legs, your skin is a visible reminder that the clock is ticking in your body. That doesn’t mean you should surrender and wave the white flag but what it does mean is that overt and intentional actions need to happen to help your skin weather the aging process and even flourish despite your age.

As research continues to better understand what happens with your skin as you age, some things are becoming more clear. For example, Dr. William Haseltine recently described new research out of Barcelona using mice to better understand the role that inflammation plays in the aging of skin. From this preliminary research, it appears that chronic inflammation is responsible for the weakening of skin as you age, the susceptibility of aging skin to injury, and the inability of older skin to regenerate and repair itself. While this research is in its early stages, it portends possible avenues of intervention down the road to reverse skin aging. Another research study out of Japan has clear relevance for those of us who want to help our skin right now. In this study, Japanese researchers examined the role of aerobic and resistance training in improving the underlying health of facial skin cells and tissues. While this was a small, limited study and more work needs to be done, the researchers were able to report that those who specifically engaged in resistance training had skin that grew more youthful with improved elasticity. It appears that resistance training increases skin thickness. So grab a free weight and read more here. 

Of course, on a day-to-day basis, how you care for your skin can also have a big impact on how healthy it is and how protected it is from environmental damage. Over the years we’ve highlighted many skin care routines recommended by experts, and it appears that professionals continue to advise that simple is best when it comes to maintaining and protecting aging skin. So, for example, a recent article in the Washington Post once again highlighted a simple, science-backed routine that involves just a few ingredients: a gentle cleanser to use morning and evening, a moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen for during the day. For your evening routine, it’s suggested that you also add in retinol, the vitamin A-derived topical that can be obtained either by prescription or in a less-intense dose through over-the-counter products. Retinol is truly the one ingredient that has been scientifically proven to reduce fine lines and large pores and to improve skin texture and even out skin tone. It can be harsh and cause irritation when initially used, so it’s recommended that you start with a small amount just a few times a week until your skin gets used to it. It’s also advised that you be patient with the results: the benefits of retinol sometimes take a couple of months to show up. And speaking of retinol, there is a new study reporting the value of infusing neck cream with retinol to reduce signs of aging on the neck.

So stick with simple and science-based, and you will likely see some positive results. And remember, with dry, cold, winter weather coming, your skin needs all the help it can get to stay moist and protected. For some winter guidance on proper skin care, grab the Vanicream and click here.