My Interview With Wholetalk Magazine: The Longevity Issue
Aging of the skin is an explicit demonstration of the progressive transformation of the body.
We certainly can’t reverse time but we can work towards maintenance and graceful aging. But what is longevity when it comes to skin and are we made to aim for the unattainable?
I had the pleasure of talking with Wholetalk Magazine about skin health for their longevity issue. Below is an excerpt of the article.
How does the health of our skin relate to our overall health and wellbeing?
Skin and health are certainly connected as skin is our largest organ and can sometimes be the mirror of our inner health. There are some markers I look for when treating someone: healthy skin barrier, inflammation, calm skin.. etc. But I believe that what should be promoted is “real” skin rather than perfect skin. E.g. more open pores as you get older, capillaries or thread veins or fragile skin. These are all part of skin that has aged gracefully.
However, I believe there is also a massive mental element. We are indoctrinated to believe what “healthy skin” should look like, when we are all individuals and every skin is unique. We are taught to strive for flawlessness but there is vast difference between healthy skin and what is seen as healthy skin. This is where the mental aspect comes in. We now believe everything is reversible, but the truth of the matter is, is it? And do these things “need” to be fixed rather than “want” to be fixed for the unrealistic image we all strive for.
Is skin nature or nurture?
I think we need to nurture what nature gives us. Every single person’s skin shows itself and showcases characteristics we are predisposed to genetically. And there needs to be a level of acceptance to that. I think the way to go about this is to first have awareness of your own unique skin and what you have been blessed with via nature and then adapt a routine to nurture what nature has given you. By thinking we can totally eradicate what nature has given us, we will never be happy because we are always in the mind frame of “change, change, change!”
How do lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep, and stress management impact skin health and longevity?
The needs of the body including the skin change over time, dependent on a variety of factors and stages of life. It is therefore essential for longevity, healthy skin and to age gracefully that we have solid foundations such as sufficient hydration, deep sleep, and continual healthy nutrition. I believe we are not just one body but made up of four bodies: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual that are composed of fundamental elements, which represent different characteristics and various bodily functions.
These elements interact within the body to maintain balance and health. We need an elemental equilibrium as imbalances may lead to inflammation and illness. It is very difficult to be in complete balance every day, however, awareness is the key to change.
Being aware of these elements and how to achieve, and maintain, balance is the key to everything in your life- not only skin.
What are your thoughts on Botox, fillers, and injectables- nurture that changes your appearance completely?
I believe that everything has its place, but it’s important to recognize when it becomes excessive. Many procedures are often overused and can lead to false expectations about halting the aging process. Over-reliance on these procedures can indicate a lack of acceptance of aging and confidence in oneself. While these treatments have been around for a long time, they still carry risks. Using them excessively can have negative effects. It’s crucial to find a balance between using them appropriately and overdoing it. Understanding our motivations for seeking these treatments is key. Feeling good about ourselves internally reflects in how we perceive our appearance. If we feel confident in our reflection, we feel better overall, but if we’re unhappy with how we look, it can affect our sense of aging.
Describe what you think is a solid beauty routine.
Every skin has different needs. But we really can simplify down to three specific things for everyone. Rather than picking products, think about 3 boxes that are important:
1. What you cleanse with.
2. What you hydrate with.
3. What you protect with.
A cleanser should gently cleanse the skin without stripping it or compromising its natural barrier. Your skincare routine should also be tailored to your lifestyle.
If you wear makeup frequently, consider double cleansing before bedtime to ensure thorough removal. During the day, prioritize hydration and protection by using an SPF moisturizer that provides continuous hydration and shields against external aggressors like wind and rain. At night, focus on replenishing and renewing the skin with products that contain anti-aging ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Overnight, your skin absorbs nutrients more effectively, so maximize the benefits of your nighttime routine. Retinol, a potent renewal and regenerating product, is best used at night to optimize its effectiveness.
To read the rest of my interview with Wholetalk Magazine you can purchase a digital or printed copy from the link below.
