Healthy Hair and Beauty Tips for All Ages

We can all attain beauty at any age—own it and keep it! It’s all about knowing what to do, and actually doing it. Regardless of your age, we should all get adequate sleep and exercise, drink plenty of water to hydrate the body, and eat a proper diet. It is also very important to start nourishing our skin and hair from within. The BellaNutri nutritional supplement is designed to work from within to enhance and maintain the external beauty of your hair and skin (bellanutri.com, or toll-free 866-711-HAIR[4247]. There are also a few specific things to do in each age range that will keep you looking your most beautiful!



The Social 20’s: At this age, it’s all about being the socialite, hanging outside on sunny days! However, UV (ultraviolet) protection is very critical. Although, as women of color, we have a lot of melanin pigment in our skin which acts as a filter, it is simply not enough. Apply a moisturizer daily with a SPF of at least 15 and reapply every 6-8 hours, or after sweating or swimming, even if it’s waterproof. Also, applying powder or foundation will act as extra protection.

Acne scarring and uneven skin texture are also a big concern. Daily use of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) assist with exfoliation to remove old, dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more even skin texture. More aggressive exfoliation can be achieved with microdermasion and/or chemical peels. Consult with an aesthetician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon for more cosmetic options or if acne is still a concern. Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) facial washes and benzoyl peroxide topical creams will also help with acne concerns.

As for your hair, protecting it now will reduce thinning and loss later. Start now by avoiding excessive use of chemical treatments like relaxers and hair dyes. Limit relaxer use to every 8 weeks or longer if you have problems. Also, limit wearing tight hairstyles and accessories like braids and ponytail clips to protect your hair follicles and roots.

Because your hair grows from the inside out, start nourishing your follicles daily at the root. BellaNutri will provide internal nourishment that will stimulate the follicles to help hair grow faster, longer, thicker and healthier.

The Sexy 30’s: At this point, although you still look and feel sexy, aging of the skin begins. Smoking, alcohol, UV rays and stress can accelerate this process. In addition to your daily skin care with a SPF and weekly exfoliation, start now with anti-aging products for prevention. There is a progressive decrease in collagen and elastic tissue that will eventually result in fine lines and wrinkles. Baby skin is soft and smooth due to high amounts of hyaluronic acid (HA) that also decreases as we age, reducing the moisture between skin cells and causing dry, wrinkled skin. Look for moisturizers that supply HA, collagen, copper peptides, pentapeptides, Coenzyme Q and other unique anti-aging nutrients. Because healthy skin starts from within, a BellaNutri supplement will also provide special nutritional collagen and hyaluronic acid that will keep the youth in your skin! Adult acne can also set in during your 30’s. Limiting spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine will help reduce occurrences.

The Sassy 40’s: Aging around your eyes is the biggest telltale sign! Visible dryness, under-eye dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around eyes start to appear. Besides sticking to your anti-aging routine, also apply an under-eye night cream containing heavy moisture-retaining nutrients. Avoid bleaching agents containing hydroquinone under eyes to avoid the raccoon look. Consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for cosmetic options. Thinning of hair occurs due to degeneration of hair roots from aging. Hereditary factors can accelerate this process as can not providing nutrition internally to hair roots.

The Secure 50’s-plus: Aging, with evidence of wrinkles, thinning hair, etc. has set in, but so has your inner confidence! Regardless of these factors at this age, you are capable of doing whatever it takes to look your best. Besides keeping up with the best skin care regimen, you also should keep up with the latest beauty treatments. Whether it is topical or surgical cosmetic treatments, go get it done!

by Melanye Maclin-Carroll, MD, Dermatologist