In this Blog I share my own Science Based Anti Aging Routine ! I am an Indian origin, England trained, Canada based Family Physician who studied nutrition at Harvard and coaches clients on Reversal of Metabolic Disease.
Oral Supplements : Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid
Every morning I take a capsule of Hyaluronic Acid+Vitamin C with my smoothie and add a scoop of Collagen Powder to my black coffee
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that provides structure to your skin, hair, and joints. As we age, our body's natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. Marine Collagen, derived from fish scales, is more bioavailable than bovine collagen, making it a superior choice.
Product:
Marine Collagen is more bioavailable than bovine collagen, especially when derived from fish scales. It also contains Hydroxy Proline, which stimulates the production of Hyaluronic Acid, enhancing skin hydration and elasticity.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is essential for skin hydration and joint lubrication. It helps retain moisture, keeping your skin plump and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Combining Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C boosts collagen production, enhancing its benefits.
Product:
This hyaluronic acid contains Vitamin C, an essential co-factor for the production of Hyaluronic Acid and collagen within the skin.
Morning Anti Aging Sunscreen Application
Regular use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to combat the signs of aging. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Applying sunscreen daily helps protect your skin from these harmful rays, maintaining a youthful appearance and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
In addition to standard sunscreens, those with added tint can offer even more benefits. Tinted sunscreens protect against visible light, which can contribute to hyperpigmentation, melasma, and further aging of the skin. By including iron oxide for tint, these products provide an extra layer of defense, ensuring comprehensive coverage against both UV and visible light.
Every Morning I apply two sunscreens regardless of the weather forecast. This is a combination of chemical sunscreen first followed by a tinted mineral sunscreen after.
This is because 90% of skin aging is due to sun damage and this combination protects against not just UVA / UVB but also blue light, visible light and against age related abnormal pigmentation / age spots as well.
Since tinted sunscreens thicker and more difficult to spread evenly on the face, apply the lighter chemical sunscreen first and the tinted sunscreen on top of that.
Top 3 Chemical Sunscreens
Eucerin Sun Age Defense Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Eucerin Sun Age Defense Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is specifically designed for sensitive and aging skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and five powerful antioxidants to hydrate the skin while providing broad-spectrum sun protection. This sunscreen helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it an excellent choice for daily use. Its non-greasy formula is quickly absorbed, leaving your skin feeling smooth and protected.
- Benefits: Broad-spectrum SPF 50, anti-aging ingredients, hydrating with hyaluronic acid, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Size: 75 mL pump
Vichy Capital Soleil UV+AGE DAILY SPF 60
This advanced anti-aging sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection along with niacinamide and peptides to fight the signs of aging. It has a non-greasy, water-resistant formula and is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Benefits: High SPF protection, anti-aging ingredients, water-resistant, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Size: 40 mL
CeraVe Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
This facial moisturizer doubles as a sunscreen, providing broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30. It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to hydrate and repair the skin barrier. The oil-free formula is suitable for normal to dry skin and is perfect for daily use.
- Benefits: Hydrating, barrier-repairing ingredients, broad-spectrum protection.
- Size: 89 mL
Top 3 Tinted Mineral Sunscreens
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 41
This is my current favourite. Tinted but blends easily and does not leave a white cast.
It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. The tint helps cover imperfections while providing protection.
- Benefits: Full mineral sunscreen, water-resistant, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Size: 3.0 oz
DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46
This all-in-one face sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its universal tint offers sheer coverage and blends seamlessly with most skin tones. The combination of mineral (zinc oxide), chemical (oxinoxate), and tint (iron oxide) ingredients ensures effective coverage for UV and visible light.
- Benefits: Protects against UVA, UVB, and visible light. Universal tint for a natural look.
- Size: 1.7 oz
Eucerin Sun Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 35 | Blendable Tinted Mineral Sunscreen for all skin tones
This SPF 35 sunscreen is blendable and suitable for all skin tones. It contains zinc oxide and five antioxidants to protect against environmental damage and provide broad-spectrum sun protection.
- Benefits: Blendable tint, enriched with antioxidants, broad-spectrum protection.
- Size: 50 mL pump
Night Time Retinol Application
The best-studied anti-aging topical product for reducing wrinkles and fine lines is Retinol which boosts production of Collagen within the skin. My top 3 products are
Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment Cream with Peptides, Vitamin C & Licorice Extract, Anti-Aging Treatment for Wrinkles & Loss of Firmness, Fragrance-Free & Paraben-Free, 30 mL
Main Active Ingredients: Retinol, Collagen Peptides, Vitamin C
Benefits: This serum is designed to smooth fine lines. Retinol promotes cell turnover, reducing the appearance of aging with peptides while Vitamin C brightens the skin and acts as an antioxidant.
Marcelle Retinol² + PHA Renewing Night Cream, Refining, Brightening & Plumping, Cruelty-Free, Hypoallergenic, Paraben-Free, Fragrance-Free, Non-Comedogenic, 50 mL
Main Active Ingredients: Retinol, Bakuchiol, Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA)
Benefits: This night cream combines retinol with PHA, which gently exfoliates the skin, promoting cell renewal. It brightens, refines, and plumps the skin, making it look refreshed and youthful.
RoC Retinol Correxion®️ Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Main Active Ingredients: Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid
Moisturiser
Healthy skin required plenty of hydration both in the form of water intake as well application of creams. My favourites 3 are Cetaphil, Cerave & Aveeno
Anti Aging Red Light Devices
Use of red light and infra red emitting devices to improve collagen synthesis within the skin has been well studied and is effective for slowing skin wrinkes as well as hair loss
Specific Cases: Items I do not use but would do if I encountered these specific issues.
Hair Loss
Minoxidil 5 % hair serum
Hair thinning and male pattern baldness become increasingly common in older men and post-menopausal women. The most evidence-based scalp lotion to reverse this is 5% Minoxidil. Be sure to wash hands carefully after use, as hair growth can occur in unintended parts of the skin if hands are not washed thoroughly. Note that 2.5 % serum is often marketed for women but the scientific evidence favours that both genders should use the 5 % serum.
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Rosemary Oil
Rosemary Oil has been shown in one study to be as effective half dose Minoxidil (2.5%) and along with Biotin can be considered as an add on to full dose Minoxidil 5 %
Biotin and DHT Blocker Shampoo & Conditioner
While the scientific evidence for efficary of oral biotin is scant ( and it can interfere with thyroid function test results ) this can be used safely in topical form such as shampoo and conditioner.
PCOS / Peri Menopause / Menopause
Soy Isoflavones
Soy isoflavones are plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activity, which can help balance hormone levels in women with PCOS and peri menopause. They have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
Dietary Sources: Soybeans, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and edamame.
Click to buy on Amazon: Natural Factors Soy Isoflavone Complex 50 mg
Herbal compounds including soy isoflavones and black cohosh aleviate symptoms of estrogen deficiency in ladies with established Menopause and have also been shown to slow bone loss
Click to Explore Estroven Products