Don’t miss the most important and underrated aspect of anti-aging, insists doc – and do it with silk for best results
A DAILY practice is underrated for maintaining a youthful appearance and there are ways to boost its effectiveness, revealed a doctor.
Dr. Ed Robinson shared his must-try tips for defying the signs of aging.
Dr. Robinson is a UK-based aesthetics doctor, specializing in treatments such as LED therapy, microneedling, and dermal fillers.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he revealed beauty practices that can be optimized for a youthful appearance.
REJUVENATING REST
Dr. Robinson said sleep is arguably the most “important and underrated” aspect of anti-aging.
However, too much screen time, alcohol, stimulants, such as nicotine, caffeine, and stress can cause poor sleep.
“Ideally, we need 8 hours of sleep per night for our body to function at its optimum and this includes going through cellular renewal processes,” he said.
“Ensure you are regularly cleaning your bedding and using silk or bamboo pillowcases.
“Cotton bedding harbors lots of oil, bacteria, and skin products which can cause your skin to break out.”
He revealed that it’s important to diagnose sleep conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea as this reduces your oxygen intake while you sleep and will prematurely age you.
He recommended minimizing stressors and stimulants but also being mindful of how you sleep.
“It’s very difficult to alter the position you sleep in so I generally recommend whatever will result in you having the most sleep,” he said.
“Side sleeping and sleeping on your back is better for your joints.”
INCREDIBLE INGREDIENTS
Dr. Robinson said niacinamide and vitamin C can be used to nurture skin from age 18.
“Vitamin C is a really effective anti-oxidant which protects your skin from environmental insults,” he said.
“It neutralizes free radicals which damage your DNA and contribute to the aging process.
“Niacinamide is great for anti-aging and treating fine lines but also helps calm down redness and corrects uneven skin tone.”
He said exfoliation can also start from age 18 onwards but it’s important to be careful not to use too many products or do it too often as this can damage the skin barrier.
“Exfoliating two times per week with a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid, AHA and BHA will help strip back dead skin cells on the surface which will help improve complexion and skin quality,” he said.
Regular sauna use, cryotherapy, and ice baths has been shown to confer anti-ageing benefits and I swear by it.
Dr. Ed Robinson
He advised waiting until over the age of 25 to introduce retinol into skincare routines.
“Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and effectively stimulate collagen production while reducing oil on the skin,” he said.
“They’re great for treating acne and pigmentation but also have anti-aging properties.
“As collagen levels start to deplete in the late 20, there is really no need to start retinoids before this point for anti-aging alone.”
BEAUTIFYING BASICS
Dr. Robinson said “all the boring things” work to defy the signs of aging.
These include cutting down on alcohol, caffeine, smoking, sun exposure, and getting a good night’s sleep regularly.
He also recommended having a diet that is low in processed food and sugar, as well as staying hydrated.
“In terms of when you apply skincare, it doesn’t need to be complicated,” he said.
“I advocate for double cleansing.
“Once to remove debris, makeup, or dirt from the day and then again to allow for a slightly deeper cleansing of your pores.
“Apply actives and serums at this point as you want the greatest absorption, when the skin is clean.
“Moisturise after actives and then in the morning wear SPF, before applying makeup if you choose.
“Retinols should be used at night time as your skin does most of its renewing while you are sleeping and they can also make you slightly more sensitive to the sun.”
He added that he swears by regular use of saunas, cryotherapy, and ice baths.
“They stimulate the release of cold and heat shock proteins which help suppress the aging process and encourage cell renewal,” he said.
