Society is obsessed with looking younger.
It’s this very obsession that has made plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures like Botox and fillers so popular.
And while some people have had phenomenal results, others are left looking even older or with what’s being coined as ‘pillow face.’
So what determines whether you end up with glowing, younger looking skin versus looking like you sneezed while under the knife?
‘The answer often lies not just in genetics, but in their approach to skincare and self-care,’ Lika Alania, owner and master esthetician of Alania Aesthetics, told DailyMail.com.
‘There is a difference between quick fixes like Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery, and a genuine commitment to nurturing the skin as one would care for an artist’s canvas.’
Alania explained that true anti-aging skincare is less about procedures and making the sure the base of what you add procedures to is healthy.
This involves supporting collagen, stimulating facial muscles, choosing quality skincare, and enhancing your skin texture.
Esthetician Lika Alania said that everyone should focus primarily on skincare, and then any cosmetic procedures they want done
‘While it’s easy to assume celebrities owe their looks to cosmetic procedures alone, the reality is that many invest in the long-term health of their skin,’ Alania said.
Alania said celebs like Anne Hathaway, Adriana Lima, and Naomi Campbell have got this formula down correctly.
The first step is to cut everything else out and focus on your skincare, as Alania pointed out that it’s nourishment for your skin.
She explained that each product is essentially a meal for your skin, packed with essential nutrients.
‘The focus should always be on ingredients: antioxidants and vital vitamins such as A, C, and E, as well as peptides, which serve as the skin’s building blocks and stimulate collagen production,’ she said.
Alania explained that antioxidants enhance the barrier function, evens skin tone, diminish dullness, and fight free-radicals.
Hyaluronic acid on the other hand, helps deeply hydrate and plump the skin.
Similarly to your gut, your skin also needs probiotics to support regeneration and improve overall skin health.
Antioxidants and vitamins are essential nutrients for your skin (stock image)
‘Healthy, radiant skin is the result of thoughtful ingredient choices, not just fleeting trends,’ Alania said.
‘At the end of the day we should not forget that the skin is our biggest organ and it is vital to take care of it.’
Alania then went on to say that once you hit age 30, it’s time to consider adding advanced treatments to your skincare routine like radiofrequency skin tightening and microcurrent therapies.
And if you’re tempted to touch a needle, she explained that ‘baby Botox’ can be a proactive measure when the first signs of expression lines appear.
‘Lasers, while effective for certain types of pigmentation and vascular rosacea, are not a universal solution, particularly for conditions like melasma,’ she said.
‘The key is moderation and customization, always considering an individual’s unique skin type.’
And before you touch the fillers, it’s important to remember that while lip fillers might offer beautiful results, fillers in other areas of your face should be looked at case-by-case.
‘Under-eye fillers, however, remain a treatment I would hesitate to recommend,’ Alania said.
Essentially, she explained that it’s important to not wait until you ‘need’ certain treatments and to instead get started on your skincare as soon as possible.
‘No matter when you begin, you always have the opportunity to look and feel your best,’ she said.
