Defy Aging
You Can Take Control Of Your Life!

by Judie Bizzozero

Three generations of women in my family recently gathered at our favorite resort spa to bid farewell to summer and welcome in the beginning of fall. As we casually chatted by the pool extolling the benefits and wonders of our individual treatments, I quickly realized that—like it or not—we were all at different stages of our lives, and our health and lifestyle choices and needs varied. It was interesting to see the difference in attitudes between my 21-year-old niece entering her senior year of college and my mother gearing up to turn The Big 70. As a woman who had just blown out 40 candles on her last birthday cake, I realized that I was the bridge between the past and future. This became more evident as I looked around and saw more mothers and daughters, friends and strangers talking about particular treatments and why they chose them.

Conversations centered around such spa staples as facials, massages, body treatments and fitness, and more advanced techniques such as microdermabrasion, cellulite reduction, IPL treatments, injectables and non-invasive anti-aging treatments.

Whether you are frequenting a day spa, resort/hotel spa, destination spa or medical spa, having a firm understanding of age-related health issues and their treatments can help you defy aging and take control of your life now and for years to come.

The following pages track a woman’s health issues from her 20s through 60s and beyond and suggest some of the most popular anti-aging treatments for those decades.

The 20s

Those of you in your 20s probably are enjoying life for the moment. However, this is the time to establish a great  relationship with your healthcare provider who can guide your health and welfare choices well into your senior years. While many women are opting to have children later in life, the 20s are the prime reproductive years. Experts agree that some of the most important issues for this age group are menstruation, sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, pregnancy and bone health—all of which are affected by lifestyle choices such as nutrition, alcohol consumption, stress, sleep and exercise.

Additionally, these lifestyle choices affect a person’s physical condition. The most common area of concern is the skin, which is the body’s largest organ. Poor lifestyle and nutrition habits translate to poor skincare. Spa-goers should discuss these issues with technicians or therapists who can suggest services appropriate for desired results.

Some of the most-requested spa services include facials, specialized skincare counseling and massage, as well as manicures, pedicures and salon services. Additionally, more and more 20-somethings are looking beyond treatments and turning to spas for yoga, Pilates, fitness training and nutritional counseling. Individuals with acne problems may want to consider deep-cleansing facials, back treatments or a more intense treatment such as microdermabrasion.

The 30s

There are a number of physical changes taking place during this decade, and a spa can provide a variety of treatments to keep the signs of aging at bay.

The skin is one of the first things to change in your 30s. Since new skin cells don’t form as quickly as they did 10 years ago, the skin may appear dull and laugh lines may become more prominent. There are a host of treatments and topicals that can bring back that youthful glow.

The majority of 30-somethings are opting for customized facials, chemical peels and other non-invasive facial procedures such as microdermabrasion and facial contouring instead of plastic surgery. Talk to your therapist to find out which services are appropriate for your skincare goals.

Stress also starts to hit home during your 30s. Learning and implementing techniques to manage stress will improve your spiritual fitness as well as your physical health. Many spas offer specialized stress-busting programs that include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, lymphatic-drainage, hot stone massage, reflexology and hydrotherapy. Body polishing/scrubs, mud baths and other body treatments rejuvenate skin and restore moisture and essential oils. Soothing eye and lip treatments nourish the delicate areas of the eyes and lips, resulting in a noticeably smoothed eye contour area and luscious lips.

Pregnancy is a wonderful thing, and spas can provide a fabulous respite for the mom-to-be. Many spas offer pre- and post-natal services that include specific treatments such as massage, reflexology and aromatherapy that will relax and rejuvenate. It is important to remember that high-heat treatments such as steam and sauna should be avoided during your spa visit.

Weight gain also creeps up during this decade, since a woman’s metabolic rate tends to drop about 2 percent during each decade after 20, according to the folks at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston. Stay focused on your exercise program and consult a personal trainer if you can’t shed those extra pounds.

The majority of spas have restaurants that focus on healthful spa cuisine, so strike up a conversation with the chef to find out his or her secrets to preparing low-fat and nutritionally balanced cuisine.

According to St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, your arteries and lungs begin to lose their elasticity during this decade, so refrain from smoking and instead engage in an exercise program such as walking, jogging, aerobics or biking. Bone and muscle loss also begins in your 30s, so now is the time to take steps to ward off osteoporosis. Talk to your healthcare provider about calcium, vitamins, minerals and supplements that will help build stronger bones and muscle. Many spas have certified nutritionists that can provide you with an individualized program.

Finally, since breast cancer is the leading cancer in women, be sure to conduct a monthly self-exam. Experts agree that eating a low-fat diet and limiting the intake of alcohol is related to a lower incidence of breast cancer.

The 40s

The Big 40 ushers in a host of physical and psychological issues for women. Perimeno-pause and decreased metabolism make the signs of physical change that were subtle in your 30s more noticeable during your 40s. Experts agree that this is a pivotal decade to take back control of your health and wellness.

Skincare probably is one of the biggest issues during your 40s. Hormonal changes, cumulative sun exposure and lifestyle choices all come home to roost and begin to show in the form of wrinkles, pigmentation and age spots.

The skin’s loss of elasticity also makes sagging at the eyes, jowls, neck and brows more apparent. Many women now consider more invasive treatments, including plastic surgery, Botox®, Restylane® and collagen injectables. Spider veins and cellulite become more prominent during this decade, and many women are choosing sclerotherapy treatment for veins and mesotherapy for cellulite instead of traditional plastic surgery.

However, experts agree that more women are searching for more non-invasive treatments. For this reason, many spas, particularly medical spas as well as skincare centers, dermatologists and plastic surgeons, are incorporating noninvasive treatments into their practices. Some of the most popular non-invasive treatments include LED, IPL and microcurrent.

LED, or phototherapy, can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, acne and rosacea, and even more specific skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. IPL is similar to that of LED and includes stimulation of collagen production, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and increased skin elasticity. IPL also can reduce redness from dilated capillaries and irregular pigmentation. It also can be used for vein work, non-ablative skin rejuvenation and hair removal. Microcurrent treatments, which often are incorporated with facials, increase blood circulation and collagen and elastin production.

Rounding out the total body package is a woman’s desire to look thinner. That’s why detoxifying and slimming services such as body wraps, Endermologie®, Lypossage and lymphatic drainage are gaining popularity.

Body wraps have instant appeal due to their therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. They can be used for moisturizing and conditioning skin, withdrawing impurities from skin, and/or reducing inches.

Endermologie is a French technique used to reshape the body and improve skin quality and texture. It works through motorized rollers that fold and unfold skin to improve cellular and fluidal exchanges.

Lypossage is a blend of massages that derive from physical therapy, including lymphatic drainage and deep-tissue release. The process cleanses the body of stagnant lymphatic fluid that can create lumps and bulges in the body.

The 50s

A woman’s body is changing drastically during her 50s, and you need to be especially in tune with your body. Health issues such as menopause, hypertension and heart disease, thyroid disease, arthritis, and cancer all should be discussed with your physician.

Fluctuating hormones directly affect the skin, which tends to become drier, flakier and itchier due to a decrease in oil-gland production. Additionally, wrinkles, pigmentation and age spots are becoming more prominent.

Your daily skincare routine should include a daily moisturizer—applied right after your bath or shower—as well as other skincare products and serums that boost collagen levels and promote healing, lifting and youthful-looking skin.

Some of the most-requested spa treatments for aging skin include body polishing, body moisturizing, body wraps, customized facials and paraffin treatments for the hands, body and feet. Additionally, photofacials, IPL and microcurrent treatments also help reverse the signs of aging and renew the skin.

Pay special attention to bones, muscles and joints during this decade since reinjury, the return of past muscle or tendon injuries, is a common problem for this age group. Healthcare providers suggest paying extra attention to areas that have incurred previous injury and warming up thoroughly before exercising. Body treatments such as specialized massage, hydrotherapy, mineral baths and reflexology can help alleviate aches and pains.

Remember, the 2 percent slowdown in metabolism per decade still is in effect. Fewer calories now are needed to maintain your weight, so be sure to continue your regular exercise routine to maintain muscle, burn calories and raise your metabolic rate. Consult with the spa’s personal trainer or nutritionist about an individual program.

Don’t forget such staples as manicures, pedicures and salon services to keep you feeling healthy and looking your best.

Your 60s  & Beyond

Growing gracefully into your senior years is essential for total body, mind and spiritual wellness. Continuing your spa experience allows you to relish the moments of balance and tranquility while still connecting with your inner self.

By the time you turn 60, your lifestyle choices are becoming more evident and may have health-related repercussions. Key health concerns for senior women include heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, memory decline, and a reduction in circulation, vision, stamina and mobility. Maintaining healthy habits is essential during this time. Physical and mental exercise will keep the body and mind operating at optimal levels.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking and ask about vitamins, minerals and supplements that will help you build stronger bones and sharpen your memory. Don’t forget about nutrition either—many spas have certified nutritionists that can provide you with an individualized program.

During this decade, the skin becomes thinner because it is losing tissue elasticity. You may notice more unexplained dark, purple bruises and tears than when you were 50. Keeping skin hydrated is essential to its health. Continue to seek out spa services that complete rejuvenation and relaxation.

Treatments such as body moisturizing, body polishing, body wraps, customized facials and paraffin treatments for the hands, body and feet will help with your overall skincare and circulatory issues. Also take advantage of hydrotherapy, mineral baths and plunging pools. Be sure to discuss the use of saunas and steam rooms with a spa professional prior to use. Certain health conditions and medications may not react well with heat.

Head To The Spa Congratulations! You now have an understanding of age-related health issues and a number of spa treatments that can help you defy aging and take control of your life now and for years to come. Be sure to talk to your spa therapist and let him or her guide you toward the best treatments and therapies for your particular needs.

You’ve worked hard, and deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come.

Preventive Health Screenings

Source: National Women’s Health Resource Center