The Skincare Equation: Here’s How To Nurse Your Skin To Good Health While Reducing The Signs Of Aging

Dr. Kimberly N. Mascia grew up in Newport News, Virginia, and received her Biology and Chemistry degrees at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. While there, Dr. Mascia became immersed in the sciences and enjoyed helping other students as a Chemistry tutor. She received the Pre-Doctoral Research Training Award at NINDS, NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, and authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications. She received her medical degree and training in Internal Medicine (Adult Medicine) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and continued to publish. As a resident, she was awarded the Outstanding Presentation award for one of her publications. She also co-authored a Dermatology handbook with Dr. Barbara Wilson at UVA Dermatology. After moving to Erie, she practiced for several years as an Internist, where she introduced many Dermatologic procedures into practice. She also practiced Palliative/Hospice Care to help fill a need in the community. Later, Dr. Mascia became certified in Botox and filler injections and practiced as a concierge MedSpa for several years before making her services available to the public at her current location. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Looking for recommendations regarding treatments that improve skin health and reduce the signs of aging? You've come to the right place. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Kimberly Mascia commonly sees patients ready to take the next step for their skin's health. As you may or may not know, reaching your end goal can be a bit of a process. Whether it is a simple two-step routine or a fully loaded roadmap of collagen, dietary supplements, and treatments to get you to your end goal, Dr. Mascia is equipped for it all.

In previous discussions with her patients, Dr. Mascia has explained the numerous advantages of topical treatments such as antioxidants, retinol, growth factors, and elastin promoters while discussing the benefits of several oral supplements and exercise. You might wonder why she mentions all the above, but, as suggested before, skincare is a process. Each part of the puzzle can be used in adjunct to many of the procedures offered at SpaGo Med Spa, enhancing your overall outcome.

To better understand each part of the skincare equation, Dr. Mascia dives into the specifics and how they can work together to give you the skin of your dreams. Here's what she had to share:

Collagen

Collagen is one oral supplement that has gained significant popularity lately and is almost a $300 million industry in the US alone. For centuries, it has been touted as the fountain of youth, improving hair growth, skin laxity, acne, wrinkles, joint health, and more. Several small studies suggest that oral collagen supplementation ranging from 1-5 grams per day improves skin elasticity and reduces dryness and wrinkles. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Dietary Supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Many dietary supplements have an established place in skincare. As you may or may not know, healthy fats, such as omega-3 can improve skin moisture and flexibility. Oily fishes that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel. Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish. When eating these items, inflammation can subside. Omega-3 fatty acids are also needed for building healthy cell walls. So, when I see my skin appearing crepey, I adjust my diet to include more fatty fish.

Proteins

Proteins are a source of amino acids, building blocks for new cells. They are also needed for wound healing and to build new collagen. In addition, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E are essential to skin health and can be obtained through oral supplementation or by eating a well-rounded diet.

Daily Excercise

Daily exercise improves sleep, reduces depression, fosters better habits, and increases circulation. In addition, weight-bearing exercise helps control blood sugar by reducing cortisol, increasing muscle mass, increasing metabolism, and improving bone strength. Weight-bearing exercise and resistance training may be the most important way to keep skin looking young. While focusing on your daily exercise, it is important to properly hydrate your body as well. The key is to drink half of your weight (lb) in ounces daily. If this means buying an extra large water jug on Amazon with timely reminders to drink your fluids, then I prompt you to do so.

Treatments

Procedures can delay aging when combined with a healthy lifestyle and adequate hydration. HydraFacials with hydradermabrasion, chemical peels, laser treatments, and RF Microneedling treatments are used to specifically improve certain skin problems while encouraging increased blood flow and promoting neo-collagenases.

Moving from the face to the body, the Emsculpt NEO is a newer body sculpting technology that doesn't merely kill fat but also builds muscle. Increasing muscle mass is likely the best way to protect the physical health and, quite possibly, skin health.