PAULA'S ANTI-AGING SECRET #1: Control your inflammation 

Did you know that controlling your inflammation is key to anti-aging? Inflammation is believed to play a key role in aging because activation of inflammation can lead to the breakdown of skin collagen and elastin. This can also increase glycation, a process that has been shown in numerous studies to drastically increase skin-aging. It can also contribute to  free radical formation. Free radicals are molecules that directly damage skin proteins as well as start and perpetuate inflammation.

Here are my favorite anti-aging and anti-inflammatory ingredients:

Kamedis Eczema Therapy Wash and Eczema Therapy Cream -These two products have Chinese rhubarb AND also licorice root. Licorice has been used to treat eczema, itching, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. Studies show that it is able to exert a cortisone-like effect on skin as well as suppress inflammatory mediators. It also has the activity against the bacteria that causes acne, P. acnes. Like licorice root, Chinese rhubarb is also able to control inflammatory mediators in our skin. It also helps improve fine lines and wrinkles by enhancing the deposition of collagen in our skin.

Both of these ingredients can also restore and maintain the barrier of our skin. What I like about this company is that they use a lot of botanicals that have been established for centuries in Eastern Medicine, and they support it by doing validated clinical studies.

VMV Red Better Deeply Soothing Cleansing Cream - This cleanser is seriously amazing. It makes your skin feel soothed and smooth after cleansing. It is also devoid of the 109 most common skin allergens as well as preservatives, dyes, SLS, and fragrances. It contains coconut monolaurins which are proven to improve the skin barrier and decrease inflammation. This company also does blinded placebo controlled trials to validate all their skincare claims.

Bioderma Sensiobio Tolerance + - This lightweight moisturizer is perfect for patients with oily, sensitive skin. It easily absorbs into your skin without making you feel greasy. It also has Bioderma's proprietary Neurocontrol formula, that instantly soothes your skin on contact. It reduces the hypersensitivity of the nerve fibers found on the skin. This product is also fragrance-free and noncomedogenic.

So it is never too late or too early to start thinking about anti-aging.

Written by: Paula Purpera 
IG: @paulasperfectpout