Treat the Signs of Skin Aging

Brad explains that skin aging is driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and diet powerfully modulates the internal environment. Studies link higher fruit and vegetable consumption to more attractive and healthier‑looking facial skin. Emerging research shows the gut microbiome communicates with the skin microbiome; a poor diet promotes inflammation that accelerates aging. A detailed analysis of nutrients beneficial for skin pointed to carotenoids, vitamin C, polyphenols, and others, which are abundant in a Mediterranean or DASH‑style diet. He recommends minimizing refined sugars and processed foods, as they likely drive glycation and inflammation that damage collagen.

He includes collagen peptides in his Microvitamin Plus powder. The meta‑analysis provides robust evidence for a measurable effect on hydration and elasticity, but he does not specify a dose or brand beyond his personal powder.

He explains that hyaluronic acid is a natural component of skin that declines with age. Just half a teaspoon can absorb about 1.5 gallons of water, providing structural support and moisture. A 2021 study showed a significant wrinkle reduction of 18.8 % vs 2.6 % in the placebo group. A larger 2023 study (129 subjects) confirmed skin benefits. He combines hyaluronic acid with collagen peptides in his Microvitamin Plus powder.

He cites a study in sedentary middle‑aged women that found both aerobic and resistance training improved skin elasticity and structure. However, only the resistance group saw increased dermal thickness—a key finding because skin naturally thins with age. Blood samples showed marked upregulation of genes involved in collagen and hyaluronic acid production. He stresses that the effects are partially overlapping yet distinct, so a combination of both modalities yields the greatest cutaneous benefits.

He describes sleep as the third inside‑out fundamental after diet and exercise. One study found that good sleepers had significantly lower scores on a skin‑aging scale, while poor sleepers lost more transepidermal water and recovered more slowly from UV damage. Another study showed that just two nights of restricted sleep led to measurable loss of moisture, reduced elasticity, and increased oxidative stress. He emphasizes that sleep is when the body focuses on repair and regeneration of skin cells and DNA.

He highlights a 2013 landmark trial where daily sunscreen users showed no new skin aging after 4.5 years, and a 2016 follow‑up showing reversal of existing signs. However, six common chemical sunscreen ingredients were found to be absorbed above FDA safety thresholds; the health consequences remain unclear. He himself avoids those ingredients. He recommends mineral sunscreens because they sit on the skin and don't absorb, or newer chemical filters like Bemotrizinol with large particle sizes that prevent penetration. If the newer options aren't available, he suggests Cerave 100 % Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. He stresses the importance of broad‑spectrum protection and SPF at least 50.

He explains that moisturizers improve hydration and help restore the skin’s natural barrier function, reducing transepidermal water loss. Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that fill the spaces between corneocytes. His personal choice is Cerave PM Facial Moisturizer, which also contains vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to reduce inflammation and improve skin texture. He applies it in the morning together with his sunscreen.

Brad describes retinoids as vitamin A‑derived ‘personal trainers’ for skin. Tretinoin, the oldest, was FDA‑approved for photoaging after acne patients noticed cosmetic improvements. A meta‑analysis of 180 studies confirmed benefits within a month. Because tretinoin can cause significant irritation, third‑generation retinoids like adapalene were developed, acting on more specific receptors to maintain efficacy while reducing side effects. A 2018 head‑to‑head trial found adapalene equal to tretinoin in reducing signs of aging. He emphasizes night use only and daytime SPF. At his clinic he generally recommends against using exfoliants simultaneously, though his own skin tolerates the combination.

He uses two Paula’s Choice products: 2 % salicylic acid (BHA) and 8 % glycolic acid (AHA). Studies on lactic acid showed increased skin firmness, thickness, and smoothness. AHA works on the surface, while BHA penetrates pores. At his clinic, the standard advice is to never use exfoliants on the same night as retinoids because the dual chemical load can severely inflame the skin. His own routine defies this rule, and he stresses that most patients should separate the products onto alternate nights.

He distinguishes non‑ablative lasers, which preserve the epidermis, from older ablative ones. Fractionation means only columns of skin are treated, leaving bridges of untreated skin that hasten recovery. The controlled thermal injury triggers the body’s wound‑healing response, leading to gradual collagen deposition and tightening over months. He schedules this treatment every six months as part of his advanced skincare regimen.

Unlike lasers that emit a single wavelength, IPL delivers a range of wavelengths absorbed by both melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin (blood), allowing simultaneous treatment of discoloration and vascular lesions. He underscores that it’s especially good for telangiectasias, a common sign of sun‑aged skin. He schedules IPL every four months.

Brad explains that red light photobiomodulation is gaining popularity because it offers collagen stimulation without downtime or skin damage. In the cited study, 137 women received 10 sessions over 4 weeks, with red light achieving the highest wrinkle reduction. The advantage over lasers is that LED panels are affordable, safe for regular use, and can be done at home. He is currently trialing a device himself.

At his clinic, Brad tells patients to use retinoids or exfoliants on alternate nights to avoid significant inflammation. However, he found that his own skin tolerates both together without problems. He shares this as a personal exception, not a universal recommendation, reinforcing that skincare routines must be tailored to individual skin responses. He still advises beginners to start with separation and only attempt combination if their skin demonstrates tolerance over time.

Brad explains that filters like triazorb and Bemotrizinol have a wide absorption spectrum and a large particle size that prevents skin penetration. These ingredients are used in several Korean sunscreens but are not yet universally available; he lives in New Zealand and has access. He lists four Korean brands (onscreen) that use such filters and says he personally uses Beauty of Joseon. If these newer options aren't accessible, he would fall back to Cerave 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.

Brad details a study of 137 women given 10 sessions over 4 weeks. Red light reduced wrinkles by 31.6 %, amber by 29.9 %. He highlights advantages over lasers: no downtime, no skin damage, low‑cost home devices. He is in the early phase of personal use and plans to report back on his results.

Both groups improved elasticity and dermal structure, but the resistance training group alone saw increased skin thickness. Blood analysis revealed activation of genes for collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis. Brad emphasizes that the effects partially overlapped but also made unique contributions, so combining both exercise types yields maximum skin benefit.