Dermatologist teaches the importance of preventive medicine to ensure that this process is lived with more quality and confidence

Aging is a natural and inevitable process that everyone goes through, but its signs tend to cause concern in many people. Wrinkles, sagging and physical changes can impact self-esteem and well-being, leading many to look for ways to minimize these effects.

In this context, aging healthily requires an integrated approach, combining aesthetic care, preventive practices and healthy habits. “True beauty is the result of balance. We need to take care of our body and mind so that aesthetics reflects this comprehensive well-being”, says Dr. Kelly Pico, a doctor specializing in aesthetic dermatology.

Inside-out aesthetics is a philosophy that considers the health of the body and skin as a whole. It involves adequate nutrition, stress management, daily skin care and supplementation, when necessary. “The body needs to be well inside to reflect beauty on the outside. Aesthetic procedures such as fillers or bio-stimulators will have much more effective results when combined with a health and nutrition routine”, highlights Dr. Kelly Pico.

In this context, the skin acts as a thermometer of the general state of the organism. Nutritional and hormonal deficiencies directly affect its elasticity, luminosity and regeneration capacity. The lack of collagen, for example, accelerates the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. “Therefore, it is essential that aesthetic care goes beyond the application of creams or specific treatments. Maintaining a balanced diet and the use of antioxidants are essential”, reinforces the doctor.

Preventative medicine is the basis for those seeking to age well and healthily. The first signs of aging can be delayed by adopting preventive measures already in youth. “Prevention is essential to delay the appearance of the first signs of aging. Today, we no longer wait for the skin to show signs of wear before starting care. The idea is to take care in advance, strengthening the body so that the skin remains healthy over time”, explains Dr. Kelly Pico.

Preventive medicine also involves regular hormone screenings, as hormonal imbalances are common as we age and directly affect the skin. “Deficiency of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone can accelerate skin aging. Correcting this imbalance through medical monitoring improves not only aesthetics, but also mood and quality of life”, he adds.

Daily care is essential to maintain skin health and enhance the effects of aesthetic procedures. Dr. Kelly Pico recommends a routine that includes cleansing, hydration and sun protection. “Regardless of age, the basics are always essential: clean, hydrate and protect. Proper cleansing removes impurities and prepares the skin to better absorb the products applied”, he advises.

For your daily care routine, prioritize:

• Gentle cleaning: use dermatological soaps specific to your skin type. “Avoid products that dry out the skin, especially in winter, when dryness is more intense”, recommends the doctor.
• Constant hydration: use moisturizing creams with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and panthenol, which help retain water in the skin. “Well-hydrated skin maintains its elasticity and responds better to treatments,” he says.
• Sun protection: apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy or cold days. “Exposure to UV rays is cumulative and continuous use of sunscreen prevents the appearance of dark spots and premature aging.”

Dr. Kelly Pico advocates the use of non-invasive technologies as part of preventing aging. “Procedures such as micro and macro-focused ultrasound are great allies for those looking to maintain skin firmness and stimulate collagen production in a preventive way”, he states. These treatments prevent the skin from losing its structure even before visible signs of aging appear.

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Peeling promotes cell renewal for a healthy appearance. “Winter is the ideal season to carry out peelings, as less sun exposure minimizes the risk of blemishes”, explains Dr. Kelly Pico. Chemical peeling, made with acids such as glycolic or retinoic, promotes cell renewal and helps smooth fine lines, blemishes and acne scars. Furthermore, it improves the skin’s texture and luminosity, preparing it for the warmer months.

Another recommended treatment is the fractional CO 2 laser, especially recommended for winter, as recovery time requires less exposure to the sun. “This laser promotes intense skin regeneration, effectively treating wrinkles, blemishes and scars, stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers”, he comments. The procedure is ideal for those looking for visible and long-lasting results safely.

Maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants is crucial to fighting free radicals, which accelerate aging. “Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals such as zinc and selenium, is essential for healthy and youthful skin”, highlights Dr. Kelly Pico. She also recommends collagen supplementation, especially after age 30, when natural production of this component begins to decline.

“The use of supplements can complement a balanced diet and ensure that the body receives all the nutrients necessary to maintain skin and well-being”, he adds. Hydration is also essential: drinking at least 2 liters of water a day helps keep your skin vibrant and eliminate toxins from the body.

Aging well is the result of an integrated approach, which involves preventive medicine, aesthetics and healthy habits. “Caring for your skin is an extension of caring for your health as a whole. Aesthetics from the inside out and preventive medicine are complementary and provide not only beauty, but also quality of life and self-esteem”, says Dr. Kelly Pico.

With a well-structured plan, which includes preventative procedures, an adequate skincare routine and a balanced diet, it is possible to go through all stages of life with health, lightness and confidence. “The goal is not just to look younger, but to feel good at every stage of life, with health, energy and high self-esteem”, he concludes.

Doctor specializing in aesthetic dermatology, with over 22 years of experience. Graduated from Faculdade de Medicina ABC, she has postgraduate degrees in Aesthetic Medicine and Preventive Medicine.