For The Long Haul: A Longevity Framework For Your Skin Care

Likely you’re aware of the ongoing debate in women’s magazines and on websites devoted to beauty. That is, whether the term used to promote skin care products- “anti-aging”- is stigmatizing and degrading to women, especially older women who have the privilege to live well into their later years. Are we really “anti” or against getting older? Instead, do we prefer a term like “age-defying” as a more neutral way to approach skin care that promises to reduce fine lines and wrinkles? Or do these terms send a signal that aging, or looking your age, is something to despise or prevent? Shouldn’t we instead focus on health and well-being for those fortunate to live longer lives? Well, the latest buzzword in skin care- “longevity”- tries to walk that fine line (pun intended) between promoting healthy aging (including healthy skin) and helping women look their best, regardless of their age. No matter what term is used to sell a product, though, the concern is always that the marketing hype may outpace the scientific evidence to support it.

Perhaps this debate about terminology really is more about semantics and less about what actually makes skin healthy and resilient. Though one expert believes there is an important difference between an “anti-aging” focus and a skincare “longevity” perspective: “Anti-aging is repairing the roof after the leak starts. Longevity is reinforcing the roof so it withstands the storm in the first place.” Regardless of which term you use, the way trends and research are heading, what appears to be most important when it comes to skin care as you get older is what also matters for the broader concept of healthy aging. That is, the healthier your lifestyle- diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction (you know the healthy aging drill)- the better you’re protecting and nourishing your skin for the long term, and the results will be evident both inside and out. 

In fact, lifestyle factors drive visual skin aging (along with sun exposure) more than any other factor. As one expert has made clear, “The products on your bathroom shelf matter far less than what you eat, how you sleep and whether you wear sunscreen consistently.” There’s even now the concept of “skinspan” (along the lines of your “lifespan” and “healthspan”) to reflect the fact that skin care should focus on strategies to support the health and well-being of your skin, based on scientific evidence (rather than marketing hype), to promote long-term skin health. There’s clear evidence that both lifestyle and a few tried-and-true products will support and extend your skinspan as you get older. And while newer “longevity” products are being marketed as great skin care innovations, in fact, products we have previously touted continue to be your current best defense for protecting your skin for the long term. For some skin-supporting lifestyle recommendations, read here.

As a review, what are those essential tried-and-true products that have scientific rigor behind them and will be important companions on your skincare longevity journey? Always, most important for skin health and preservation is sunscreen, especially as we know that approximately 80% of the visible aging that appears on your face and hands is due to UV rays exposure, rather than some biological innate aging process. For some highly recommended sunscreens for older women, put on your sunhat and click here. Next up are retinoids, which have decades of science to back up the claims of fine-line and wrinkle reduction as well as the fading of sun spots. You can either get a stronger, prescription-strength version, or many over-the-counter types of retinol may be more gentle for older skin yet still effective. A rich moisturizer is always recommended to keep older skin hydrated, and an antioxidant, such as a Vitamin C serum, tops off the list of your basic tried and true, evidence-based products that should be used to support your skin’s longevity. And for your best results, think of nighttime as the best time for most of these products (of course, sunscreen needs plenty of daytime application!). Finally, for a comprehensive and credible recommended list of all of these essential products, clear your bathroom counter and click here.