Looking and Feeling Your Best Self.

I often tell my clients that starting young is the best way to achieve youthful-looking skin. Some of you may look at this and think “But what about my genes?” The key to youthful skin isn’t just in genetics; it’s also in the proactive choices you make.  I am turning 63 this year, and  I often find people surprised by my age (though white hair has its own story). Starting early and being intentional with what you do, and what you put into your skin and body can have a tremendous impact on your skin later in life. Here’s how you can maintain your skin’s vitality and look your best at any age.

1. Protect Your Skin from the Sun.

Ugh, really Casandra? Yes, this might sound repetitive, but sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to premature aging. Sunscreen should be a daily staple in your routine, regardless of cloudy or rainy days. Applying sunscreen daily will drastically decrease the visibility of aging. Apply it every morning and ideally, reapply every two hours if you're spending time outside. I have a selection of amazing SPFs that I use every day. Plus, for my makeup lovers, (or those who prefer a lighter SPF) I have a powder sunscreen that makes it super easy to reapply, without ruining your base!  Sunscreen is your skincare best friend for life!

2. Microcurrent.

Just as you’d hit the gym to tone your body, you can do the same for your facial muscles—no dumbbells required! While I’m not suggesting you start doing face curls or making exaggerated “A” and “O” mouth shapes (though that does sound amusing), there's a more effective way. Enter microcurrent technology. This method uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate and tone your facial muscles, allowing movement without awkward expressions. It’s a workout for your face, minus the sweat and gym equipment! You can stop making silly stretching faces now, this is easier and much more effective.

3. Limit Unnecessary Movements.

You can't avoid all wrinkles—smiling and laughing are essential for a happy life! One thing we can minimize is unnecessary squinting. Wearing sunglasses not only shields your eyes from UV damage but also helps avoid creating crow’s feet and the typical 11s that appear on your forehead. Additionally, poor posture—especially from looking down at screens—can lead to necklines. You can help tighten the skin there using a silicone pad that keeps the skin stretched, which seems a lot easier than having to relearn proper, straight posture.

4. Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Drug Use.

This is an obvious one. Smoking and vaping diminish oxygen levels in skin cells, leading to a dull appearance and noticeable lines. Years of smoking can cause “smoker’s lines” and can also result in your lips sagging more than normal. Excessive alcohol consumption dehydrates the skin and impairs cellular turnover, contributing to sagging. It also dehydrates the skin, which makes it appear dull and lifeless. Additionally, drugs can disrupt hormonal balance, which may further accelerate skin aging. Steering clear of these substances is crucial for maintaining vibrant skin.

5. Embrace a Holistic Approach to Well-being.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are fundamental, but mental and emotional well-being are equally important.

Having a healthy mind, and surrounding yourself with people that elevate your life will lead to a prosperous future.

And yes, you may get smile lines, but those are the best wrinkles because they come with memories of your most joyous times.

So there you have it—these are all the preventative measures you can take to ensure that you’re caring for yourself both inside and out. How you care for your entire body, mind, and spirit will impact how you age, both inside and out. If you make caring for yourself a priority, you will reap the rewards for a lifetime.

Cheers to aging gracefully!