Deciding it is time to slow or turn back the signs of aging is a personal decision many people find themselves making. You might ask yourself:
“Will this really work?”
“Is it too early for me to try this?”
“Am I past the point of fixing this?”
With so many options and products available, it can be a struggle to find the right help. Some steps can be taken by yourself, but finding a professional to help provides many more opportunities.
DIY approach
Some steps are simple, should be done every day, and do not require the help of a professional. We seem to hear this advice over and over, because it benefits our health in so many ways!
Protect your skin from the sun, wear SPF 30 or higher every day
Eat a well balanced diet and consume around 13 cups of water every day
Wash your face twice a day
Professional help
Working with an aesthetic nurse practitioner (NP) is your best option for targeting wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and scarring that contribute to an older appearance. Aesthetic nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in cosmetic medical procedures to improve their patients’ appearance. Other great options for professional help include cosmetologists, permanent makeup artists, and estheticians who are professionals that can update your haircut, color, and style; remove unwanted hairs, and provide less invasive skin care treatments.
Find an aesthetic NP that is licensed and trained to provide the services you need. Your NP should listen to your skin concerns, take a thorough medical history, recommend treatment options after assessing your skin and learning about your lifestyle, answer all of your treatment related questions, and provide the recommended services. Services may include neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin), dermal fillers (Juvederm and Restylane), microneedling (+ PRF), and chemical peels. Aesthetic NPs can also recommend medical grade skincare products that are scientifically proven to deliver anti-aging results.
Following the plan
Once you start working with an aesthetic NP on a personalized anti-aging plan, following the plan is key to maintaining the results. Wearing sunscreen daily, using recommended anti-aging products (such as a retinol and serums containing the right growth factors), and keeping your scheduled appointments are important to your continued success. When you feel better about your appearance, that confidence shines through and positively impacts the world around you.