How to Get Younger Skin – From the Inside Out
As a woman ages, her body changes in many ways. But the most visible – and probably the most frustrating – sign of aging is wrinkled and lined skin. Many women assume that wrinkles and lines are an unavoidable part of getting older. But, with proper care from the outside and the inside of the body, the skin can retain much of its youthful smoothness and elasticity well past menopause.
In this article Austin’s own women’s health and anti-aging expert Dr. Ruthie Harper, MD explains how women can maintain healthy, glowing skin at every age with proper care from the inside out.
Younger Skin from the Inside: Treating Hormone Decline
Women now live an amazing two times longer than they did 100 years ago! But, while the female life-expectancy has doubled, the age at which menopause and its associated hormone decline occurs has remained the same.
And, unfortunately, the hormone decline of menopause can lead to many unpleasant side effects in addition to some serious diseases. Most women know that menopausal hormone deficiency commonly leads to loss of libido, vaginal pain, mood swings, weight gain, osteoporosis and more.
But many women are not aware that the hormone decline of menopause is also the primary contributor to aging of the skin, including sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, decreased ‘plumpness’ and loss of elasticity. Fortunately, bioidentical hormone replacement can restore missing hormones and help “turn back time” to rejuvenate skin that is starting to show its age.
Hormones That Build Younger Skin
Estrogen is the most well-known female hormone, affecting sex drive, fertility, reproduction and much more. But what many women don’t know is that estrogen levels also affect the skin’s cellular structure, including thickness, plumpness, elasticity, and hydration.
Collagen and elastin are the proteins that form the ‘scaffolding’ that gives skin its structure, tone, and firmness. But when estrogen levels decline, production of collagen and elastin also decreases. Additionally, estrogen increases the production of Hyaluronic Acid, which is responsible for maintaining the skin’s moisture and “plumpness”.
So, according to many clinical studies, including one published in Dermatology Online Journal (2019), this combination of collagen loss and moisture decline is what is responsible for the deeper, more prominent wrinkles that occur with age.
Similarly, testosterone – typically considered a ‘male’ hormone – also plays an important role in the appearance of a woman’s skin. Sufficient testosterone levels are associated with both thicker and more hydrated skin – which in turn is responsible for later onset of signs of skin aging.
The thyroid gland also produces two hormones that influence almost every function of the body – from metabolism and weight gain, to muscle strength and bone density. And insufficient levels of these thyroid hormones can also cause a woman’s skin to become dry and coarse – leading to wrinkles, lines and other signs of aging.
Hormone Therapy for Younger Skin
Recent clinical studies have shown that replacing a woman’s deficient hormones improves skin elasticity, hydration, thickness, plumpness, texture, tone and smoothness. This medical research has also revealed that females who have been prescribed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy have younger-looking skin with fewer wrinkles and lines, greater elasticity and less sagging.
Dr. Ruthie can conduct comprehensive blood testing to determine if a woman has insufficient, excessive, or imbalanced levels of specific hormones, including estrogen, progestin, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. She can then prescribe customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to rebalance the patient’s hormones – for more youthful skin, as well as thicker hair, greater energy, and improved overall health.
Younger Skin from the Inside: Proper Nutrition
A balanced diet is required for overall health, and each organ and body part – including the skin – has specific nutritional requirements. To turn back the hands of time, Dr. Harper has formulated a proprietary line of customized supplements that provide the wide variety of nutrients necessary to maintain healthy, youthful skin.
SKINSHIFT® Collagen Defense was developed to specifically address the issue of collagen loss. This scientifically designed formula contains an activated form of silica, called choline-stablized orthosilicic acid, which stimulates production of collagen, keratin, and elastin.
Free radical damage is another leading causes of aging skin. Dr. Harper developed SKINSHIFT® Antioxidant Defense Supplement to deliver a combination of full-spectrum antioxidants, flavonoids and polyphenols that offer protection against the oxidative stress, help reduce the signs of aging, and promote cellular repair for an even, smooth, glowing complexion.
Younger Skin from the Outside: Proper Skin Care
Dr. Ruthie Harper, MD has also developed revolutionary SKINSHIFT® skincare creams and serums that are scientifically based on DNA. These award-winning products have been featured on international television shows like Good Morning America and The Doctors. Today, thousands of patients have experienced the transformative, anti-aging benefits of Dr. Harper’s SKINSHIFT® skin care products.
Dr. Harper has formulated powerful SKINSHIFT VITAMIN C SERUM with the most advanced form of Vitamin C that is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and brighten and firm skin. Added Idebenone protects against free radical and UV damage while boosting the serum’s tightening, brightening, and rejuvenating effects. And proprietary botanicals provide a soothing treatment that protects the skin.
Another of Dr. Harper’s scientific skin care formulas, SKINSHIFT® Hyaluronic Moisture Serum with PCA, helps to provide superior hydration by attracting moisture to the skin. It includes highly effective antioxidants that protect the skin against damage from the sun and environmental toxins, while mineral complexes and aloe vera reduce free radicals, and support skin repair. This super serum visibly softens fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, softer, younger-looking complexion.
Younger Skin from the Inside Out
For decades, hormone replacement therapy has been prescribed to improve sex drive, reduce vaginal pain, help mood swings, get rid of hot flashes, and much more. Now, it is understood that hormone balancing can also dramatically improve the appearance of skin. And when combined with the proper nutritional supplements and skincare products the anti-aging benefits can be astounding.
Austin’s own Dr. Ruthie Harper is a nationally renowned leader in hormone replacement therapy and anti-aging who can help you restore your skin to a more smooth, toned and youthful appearance. Schedule an appointment today for a complete hormone workup panel and diagnosis – and see how hormone replacement and SKINSHIFT® supplements and skincare products can turn back the clock for more youthful and beautiful skin!