Better With Age: Be Beautiful No Matter Your Number
Aging gracefully. Easier said than done, right? That’s about to change. No matter how many candles will sit atop your birthday cake this year, you can find ways to appreciate the laugh lines and silver hair that seem to be inevitable. We consulted a number of local experts who dished out dozens of secrets on how to keep your hair full and voluminous, what you really need to know about using SPF, how to dress to flatter your shape, and so much more. By following their advice, we hope you’ll feel more confident and fabulous at every age.
Skin
Your Daily Routine
“Anti-aging really comes down to three simple steps: a facial cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. You want a facial cleanser specific to your skin type and needs, a moisturizing face and eye product to plump and hydrate your skin, And a high-quality sunscreen with SPF 30 or above to protect your skin from sun damage. Adding a vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, retinol, or professional facials and chemical peels to your skin care regimen can offer lasting results (and you’ll see a difference in as little as six weeks).”
—Alison Rodriguez, aesthetician with Mercy Medical Group’s Plastic Surgery and Laser Center in Gold River, dignityhealth.org/sacramento/medical-group/mercy-medical-group/services/plastic-surgery-center
Yes to Scrubs
“Exfoliate your skin twice a week and keep it hydrated!”—Shannon Sophia, owner and esthetician at SugarMama’s Skin Studios, Folsom, sugarmamastudios.com
Key Ingredient
“Hyaluronic acid is your friend. It tells the skin to retain its moisture in our dry Sacramento climate.”—Shannon Sophia, owner and aesthetician at SugarMama’s Skin Studios, Folsom, sugarmamastudios.com
Keeping up the Collagen
“The telltale signs of aging include wrinkles and sagging skin—two of the biggest skin woes. These conditions are a direct result of the body’s aging process. Natural collagen production slows with age and the skin appears less plump. While aging happens to everyone, there are ways to minimize the appearance and development of fine lines and wrinkles. The best long-term prevention for all skin types is a healthy lifestyle, daily sun protection, and a targeted skin care regimen.”—Alexis Reynolds, owner of Halo Salon & Day Spa, Roseville, halosalondayspa.com
Stem Cell Secrets
“Stem cell-based topical creams tend to have the most potency in recruiting new cells, new collagen, and improved blood flow to the skin. Plant-based stem cells [can] also be used but aren’t as potent.”—Celia Remy, MD, owner and medical director for Vitality Stem Cell & Aesthetic Medicine, Folsom and Roseville, vitalitymedicallaserandskin.com
The Hormone Effect
“After menopause, when our estrogen drops to a certain critical level, we can no longer repair and manufacture collagen. This is seen as ‘crepey’ skin, and patients notice they wrinkle much faster. A discussion of hormone-replacement or optimization is critical to building and/or rebuilding collagen on an ongoing basis.”—Celia Remy, MD, owner and medical director for Vitality Stem Cell & Aesthetic Medicine, Folsom and Roseville, vitalitymedicallaserandskin.com
Shine Bright
“Regularly exfoliate for glowing skin. When you get rid of built-up dead skin, you can really show off your complexion at any age. For deep exfoliation, it’s better to exfoliate longer not harder. With the right gentle, natural products, you’ll see a huge difference.”—Boris Levitsky, publicist for Skin Nation, Rocklin, skinnation.com
Save Your Own Neck
“Don’t just pay attention to your face. Your neck is aging at the same rate as your face. If you aren’t keeping it clean and hydrated like you do your face, unwanted wrinkles and fine lines will develop even faster than your face. The way to really see a person’s age? Look at their neck!”—Boris Levitsky, publicist for Skin Nation, Rocklin, skinnation.com
Retin-Yay
“As we age, skin begins to lose collagen and elastin—the fibers and protein responsible for keeping skin smooth, tight, and firm. This loss can result in an increase of fine lines, wrinkles, and an increased loss of elasticity. The best line of defense is to use a retinoid, the prescription-strength version of vitamin A, which is tretinoin (brand name Retin-A) or a medical-grade retinol.”—Gina Micheletti, licensed esthetician at The Almonte Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Roseville, dralmonte.com
Fresh Faced
“Cleanse your skin from winter buildup with a light microdermabrasion
followed by Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque.”—Felicia Vera, esthetician at The Cupola Spa at The Murieta Inn & Spa, Rancho Murieta, themurietainn.com
Sun
New Season, New Sunscreen
“Sunscreen is far and away the best anti-aging product that I recommend and the most important part of your skin care routine. Remember that SPFs do expire, so purchase a new sunscreen to start the season off right!”—Rebekah Montero, esthetician with Mercy Medical Group’s Plastic Surgery and Laser Center in Gold River, dignityhealth.org/sacramento/medical-group/mercy-medical-group/services/plastic-surgery-center
Cover Up
“For the best protection, purchase quality sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. Protection and prevention of sun damage is the best way to mitigate aging skin. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours. In addition to sunscreen, wear SPF clothing and a wide-brimmed hat while hiking, gardening, or enjoying the outdoors.”—Rebekah Montero, esthetician with Mercy Medical Group’s Plastic Surgery and Laser Center in Gold River, dignityhealth.org/sacramento/medical-group/mercy-medical-group/services/plastic-surgery-center
Safety in Numbers
“Regular use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is an important way to keep your skin healthy and prevent age spots and discoloration. But not all sunscreens are alike when it comes to ensuring supple skin. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, switch to a more moisturizing sunscreen cream and avoid alcohol-containing sprays and gels that can dry out your skin.”—Gina Micheletti, licensed esthetician at The Almonte Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Roseville, dralmonte.com
First Thing in the Morning
“We recommend daily use of a sunscreen, rain or shine. Sunscreen is important to prevent sun damage, which can trigger premature breakdown of the skin and damage to your skin cells. Always apply your sunscreen in the morning as a part of your daily routine and reapply as necessary for your activity level throughout the day.”—Camille Lucia and Jessica Arens, estheticians at The Esthetics Center, El Dorado Hills, estheticscenter.com
Treatments
Get Checked
“I recommend a skin care evaluation by a professional, for those who are looking for the best skin care recommendations.”—Alison Rodriguez, aesthetician with Mercy Medical Group’s Plastic Surgery and Laser Center in Gold River, dignityhealth.org/sacramento/medical-group/mercy-medical-group/services/plastic-surgery-center
Get Your Glow On
“[We have] an amazing anti-aging elixir we use after right after clients receive a natural glow spray tan. It tightens the elasticity of the skin and adds moisture. The service only takes 15 minutes and leaves clients feeling confident in anything they wear. Also, drinking lots of water is essential for great skin!”—Melissa Rascon, owner of NorCal Natural Beauty, Folsom, norcalnaturalbeauty.com
Sugar, Sugar
“Switch from waxing your eyebrows, lip, and chin to sugaring them. Sugaring is an all-natural, gentle form of hair removal that isn’t hot, so it won’t burn or tug at sensitive skin.”—Shannon Sophia, owner and esthetician at SugarMama’s Skin Studios, Folsom, sugarmamastudios.com
Peel Out
“PCA Skin Chemical Peels are a gentle, results-driven, and cost-effective way to treat signs of aging and discoloration in all skin types. With little-to-no downtime, you leave with radiant, glowing skin. After a series of treatments, you’ll notice a significant reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.”—Gina Micheletti, licensed esthetician at The Almonte Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Roseville, dralmonte.com
Put Your Best Face Forward
“Apply moisturizer every day! A great skin care regimen with good products can help you stay youthful. Don’t be afraid to get a little extra ‘help’ with products like Botox or Fraxel, which are designed to help you stay young and age gracefully.”—Lisa Robinson, general manager at Roseville Health & Wellness Center, Roseville, rosevillehwc.com
Frankie Says Relax
“Schedule a routine massage. Relax the mind, elevate your mood, and destress. Studies have shown that a one-hour massage equals out to eight hours of sleep. So, when you’re low on sleep and low on time, remember: Just one hour spent taking care of your body with a massage may be just what the doctor ordered!”—Eva Lopez, massage therapist at The Cupola Spa at The Murieta Inn & Spa, Rancho Murieta, themurietainn.com
Clean Slate
“Get facials! It’s important to keep up with skin care concerns by seeing a licensed esthetician at least once every four to six weeks. Remember: Skin is your body’s largest organ and deserves the utmost care. Your skin cells are renewing every four weeks naturally, so that’s a good time to get a treatment that aids in sweeping those cells away, leaving the healthy cells behind and giving you glowing skin.”—Camille Lucia and Jessica Arens, estheticians at The Esthetics Center, El Dorado Hills, estheticscenter.com
Well-Being
You Are What You Eat
“Eat a healthy diet, stay at a healthy weight, get seven to eight hours of sleep, and be physically active! This is how to age gracefully and remain healthy through your golden years.”—Lisa Robinson, general manager at Roseville Health & Wellness Center, Roseville, rosevillehwc.com
Get Moving
“Exercising beyond 50 [is] the best gift you can give yourself. Working out enhances your energy levels, keeps you at a healthy weight, and even reduces some of the symptoms associated with aging.”—Lisa Robinson, general manager at Roseville Health & Wellness Center, Roseville, rosevillehwc.com
No Butts
“Do your best to eliminate nicotine. And unfortunately, vaping isn’t better than smoking [either].”—Celia Remy, MD, owner and medical director for Vitality Stem Cell & Aesthetic Medicine, Folsom & Roseville, vitalitymedicallaserandskin.com
Sleep like a Baby
“Get at least eight hours of sleep. If you need to boost natural melatonin production (sleep hormone) to help get quality sleep, supplement with a highly absorbable form of magnesium, such as a picometer-ionic form. Its direct and complete absorption into cells means it bypasses a leaky gut and doesn’t even reach the large intestine, so it doesn’t have a laxative effect like most other forms.”—Boris Levitsky, publicist for Skin Nation, Rocklin, skinnation.com
Style
Dress for Success
“Every woman generally likes something about their body. Find what that is and try your best to accentuate it. If it’s your legs, show them off with a flirty dress or skirt. If it’s your curves, wear things that hug you in the right spots. If it’s your arms or shoulders, [wear] short sleeves or sleeveless tops to show them off. Whatever it is, women feel good when they learn how to dress for their body type.”—Tegan Lee, co-owner of Lees’ Boutique, Shingle Springs, leesboutique.net
Take a Fashion Risk
“We recommend trying different trends, even when you aren’t sure how they’ll look. This year we saw a lot of off-the-shoulder tops. Some women liked the trend immediately and others took some time to warm up to it. We tell our clients not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone. We’re all guilty of ‘getting stuck’ with what we’re comfortable in, but it’s fun to change it up! If you’re unsure, ask for help—either from a trusted friend whose style you admire or associates working at a store.”—Tegan Lee, co-owner of Lees’ Boutique, Shingle Springs, leesboutique.net
Shop ’Till You Drop
“In our boutique, we love to help [people] shop. Oftentimes we have clients who don’t feel confident in choosing clothes for themselves. That’s OK! It takes practice. Shopping should be fun and not give you anxiety. Once you learn how to shop for your shape, you’ll enjoy it a whole lot more.”—Tegan Lee, co-owner of Lees’ Boutique, Shingle Springs, leesboutique.net
A Change Will Do You Good
“Do you feel like you’re starting to dress like your mother? Find yourself bee-lining for those ultra-stretchy pants or Danish (not the donut) loafers a little too frequently? Do something that makes you feel pretty! This could be as simple as getting a facial and a pedicure or seeing what the salesperson dresses you in! Have fun with change.”—Martha McGuire, owner of My Martha Design Boutique, Placerville, mymarthadesign.com
Beauty Queen
Easy on the Eyes
“Use concealer under the eye from inner tear duct to outer corner of eye, blended down, out, and right up to the lash line. This will help brighten and lift—ultimately making you look more awake and youthful.”—Lisa Harter, hairstylist and makeup artist, Grass Valley, lisamharter.com
Feeling Flushed
“Add a pop of color to cheeks. We lose that youthful rosy glow as we age. Use a pink blush to give the apples of your cheeks a rosy flush.”—Lisa Harter, hairstylist and makeup artist, Grass Valley, lisamharter.com
Bow to the Brow
“Define your eyebrows. As women age, eyebrows grow sparser and the hairs get lighter and thinner. A defined brow lifts the look of the face and gives a more youthful appearance. I suggest using powder or a soft pencil. Don’t go too dark as that can look too harsh. If you have a hard time filling in your brows yourself, I suggest looking into microblading, which is semi-permanent.”—Lisa Harter, hairstylist and makeup artist, Grass Valley, lisamharter.com
Research Methods
“Check out YouTube videos! They’re not just for young girls wanting to do crazy makeup. There’s so much great content out there for more mature ladies as well. It’s a great way to learn techniques and which products may work best for you, saving you time and money.”—Lisa Harter, hairstylist and makeup artist, Grass Valley, lisamharter.com
Hair
Wash and Go
“A common struggle we hear about is lack of volume in the hair. My go-to products are from Pureology. Wash with the Clean Volume or Fullfyl, finish and style with the On the Rise Root-Lift Mousse, then spray the Clean Volume Levitation Mist. This will put a ton of volume in your hair till the next wash.”—Alexis Reynolds, owner of Halo Salon & Day Spa, Roseville, halosalondayspa.com
Gray Area
“Looking for 100-percent gray coverage without the ammonia? Redken Chromatics is an age-defying permanent hair color with Argan oil, acai, and vitamin E that will leave your hair two times stronger.”—Crystal Karakas, Redken color educator at Halo Salon & Day Spa, Roseville, halosalondayspa.com
Go Big
“We specialize in a hair-thickening line that promotes healthy hair growth and has a lightweight formula that won’t weigh down thinning hair. It makes the hair look fuller and gives extra body.”—Melissa Rascon, owner of NorCal Natural Beauty, Folsom, norcalnaturalbeauty.com
Dirty Trick
“[Avoid] washing your hair daily, which dehydrates and damages it. Let your natural oils help fight against dry scalp and dandruff. Thank the hair gods for inventing dry shampoo.”—Stephanie Valdez, hair stylist at The Cupola Spa at The Murieta Inn and Spa, Rancho Murieta, themurietainn.com
Frame the Face
“Go lighter by adding a few face-framing highlights to your hair. It will brighten your look and give a more youthful appearance.”—Lisa Harter, hairstylist and makeup artist, Grass Valley, lisamharter.com