Q&A: Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson on Healthy Aging and Skin Care

What are the primary factors that contribute to the loss of volume and elasticity in aging women’s skin?

Chronological aging and sun exposure are two main factors that contribute to the loss of volume and elasticity in skin over time. The production of collagen and elastin, two proteins found in the skin, can naturally decline over time, simply put, the skin’s cellular energy declines. These proteins are vital in enabling structure and support to skin. When skin is exposed to UV rays the collagen and elastin within the skin is damaged resulting in a break down of the structural components in skin, accelerating signs of fine lines, sagging, wrinkles, uneven  tone and texture.

What can women do to reduce the signs of aging and help restore volume and elasticity loss they might be experiencing in their skin?

A regular skin care routine is important to help restore volume and elasticity and protect skin from additional off of these important structural components in skin. A night time regimen including skin moisturizing products that include retinol and niacinamide are important to help to smooth the skin, even skin tone, hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. A morning routine containing a serum and moisturizer with peptides, niacinamide, and an SPF have been proven beneficial to lift, firm, smooth, strengthen moisture barrier, regenerate and plump skin.

Are there non-surgical options available to address loss of volume in specific areas?

Olay Micro-sculpting cream hydrates to tighten and visibly lift skin, helps restore and improve elasticity, visibly improves texture, and instantly diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Results of lifting and wrinkle reduction with Olay Micro-sculpting Cream have been observed in clinical studies which included lifting and wrinkle reduction of the nasolabial fold and crows feet areas around the eyes.

What ingredients would you recommend women with skin aging concerns look for when purchasing skin care products?

See above- peptides, niacinamide, HA, retinoids, AHA’s are beneficial to address skin aging concerns.

When it comes to skin care products does luxury matter?

Luxury skin care products are not needed to get effective skin care. Olay’s Micro-sculpting Cream has been tested against a luxury creams costing over $400.00 and has been proven to be more effective.

How important is a daytime and nighttime routine in maintaining youthful skin?

A daytime and nighttime routine is very important in maintaining youthful skin. At nighttime, the skin barrier is at rest and more receptive to skin care actives which can permeate effectively into the skin’s surface cellular layers. Ingredients like retinoids are effective for a nighttime regimen, penetrating the skin, providing smoother, brighter skin in the morning. In the morning, it’s important to not only use a moisturizer (and a serum if you want to elevate your skin care regimen) but to also use an SPF for daily protection. If your skin care routine contains ingredients like AHA’s and retinoids, it’s especially important to protect skin from the sun. Additionally, long term sun protection can help to protect skin from accelerated degradation of collagen and elastin which speeds up visible signs of aging.

What advice do you have for women looking to start an anti-aging skincare routine?

It’s never too early to start caring for your skin to protect the skin from advanced signs of aging. Start with a skin care product that goes beyond moisturizing skin to also help to improve skin’s elasticity and firm skin. SPF daily can also not only provide immediate benefits, your skin will benefit from it in the long term.