Back then, I thought good skin meant a cleanser, moisturizer, and maybe a scrub. I didn’t realize every late night, skipped sunscreen day, and sugary snack was quietly writing a story I wouldn’t see for years.
Now I know aging isn’t just about fine lines. It’s about how lifestyle, hormones, UV rays, and gut health all shape your skin over time.
If I could go back, I’d:
1. Food is your skin's fuel.
Before, I didn’t connect what I ate with how my skin aged. Now I know protein and plants are the building blocks of healthy skin. Sugar and processed snacks accelerate collagen breakdown and inflammation, which show up years later as sagging, dullness, and deeper lines.
2. Skincare is about balance.
We spend so much time exfoliating and stripping our skin, but the real key is nurturing it. Probiotics and postbiotics in skincare help feed your skin’s good bacteria, strengthen your barrier, and keep inflammation low. That balance is what makes your skin more resilient over time.
3. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays sneak in and chip away at collagen and elastin. Daily sunscreen is the closest thing we have to a true anti-aging product. Looking back, I wish I had treated it like brushing my teeth- something you never skip.
4. Sleep is medicine.
Burning the candle at both ends feels harmless in your 20s. But every hour of missed sleep is a missed opportunity for your skin to repair. Pair that with chronic stress, and your skin ends up in a constant state of inflammation. Protecting rest and stress management early makes a visible difference later.
5. Investing in gentle, collagen protecting treatments.
Instead of waiting for damage and then rushing into harsh procedures, I’d have invested in treatments that protect collagen and encourage gradual renewal; think antioxidants, peptides, and gentle resurfacing. Prevention always outperforms correction.
6. Being consistent with exercise.
Strength training and sprints don’t just help your body; they help your skin, too. Building muscle supports structure and circulation, which keep your skin looking firm and vibrant as you age.
Healthy skin is a long game. What you eat and what you put on your skin matter. Start building habits today that your future skin will thank you for.
xoxo,
Dr. Naana Boakye
Your Lifestyle Dermatologist
