How can we reverse aging?

Skincare is no longer just about using cosmetics; it has become part of a healthy lifestyle. This is also a "wellness" trend in skincare, combining skin care with improving overall health. In this context, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, stress reduction, and exercise are all considered crucial factors for naturally beautiful skin.

Doctors from the Aesthetics Department of Dong Nai Dermatology Hospital perform skincare techniques on clients. Photo: Hai Yen

"Reverse aging" thanks to non-invasive beauty treatments.

Since turning 30, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha Thanh (residing in Tan Trieu ward, Dong Nai province) has paid more attention to beauty and skincare to "preserve her youth." According to Ms. Thanh, beauty is a process that requires comprehensive care both internally and externally, encompassing mental health, physical health, and appearance. Therefore, she researched non-invasive skincare and beauty methods to achieve naturally beautiful skin.

Every day, in addition to maintaining a proper skincare routine, Ms. Thanh also balances her diet scientifically , ensuring adequate nutrition and limiting sugary foods. She also maintains a regular gym routine of 3-4 sessions per week. Importantly, she always maintains an optimistic attitude, experiences few negative emotions, and avoids irritability.

Through examining, treating, and intervening with many patients, Dr. Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh, Specialist I, Department of Aesthetics, Dong Nai Dermatology Hospital, has observed many changes in women's beauty trends. Accordingly, clients desire sustainable beauty, achieving both radiant beauty on the outside and good health from within. Therefore, clients often choose safe, minimally invasive beauty methods, while also focusing on mental well-being, diet, and exercise.

According to Specialist Doctor Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh: Age isn't the only factor causing skin aging. Modern lifestyles with their many invisible pressures are a major reason why skin and body age faster than normal. Prolonged stress, lack of sleep, environmental pollution, sunlight, fast food, alcohol, and tobacco all cause the body to produce more free radicals – the "enemy" of healthy skin. Free radicals attack cells, breaking down collagen and elastin structures, leading to sagging, dry, dull skin and premature wrinkles. Therefore, if you want to prevent premature aging, start by changing your lifestyle and maintaining a relaxed state of mind every day.

Regarding skin beautification methods, the development of aesthetic medicine offers many advanced solutions to regenerate and restore skin from within: technologies such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma therapy) which uses the body's own cells to stimulate collagen production; modern lasers to resurface and improve pigmentation; HIFU and RF non-invasive lifting technologies to firm and rejuvenate the skin; and stem cell and biological therapies to regenerate damaged skin tissue and restore natural elasticity. If applied correctly and combined with a healthy lifestyle, these methods can significantly slow down the aging process.

“Moisturizers and serums only affect the outer layer of the skin, keeping it hydrated and protected, but they are not capable of addressing the root cause of aging – the degeneration of cells and connective tissue. Therefore, ‘reverse aging’ requires a comprehensive combination of safe, proven medical technology, along with a proper diet, sleep, exercise, and mental well-being,” shared Dr. Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh, Specialist I.

The role of nutrition

According to Nguyen Thi Huong, Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital, nutrition plays a fundamental role in slowing down the decline of cellular function and supporting tissue regeneration. A balanced diet, with sufficient energy and rich in vitamins and minerals, will help the body reduce stress and oxidation – factors that accelerate premature aging.

True beauty is only sustainable when it stems from a healthy body and a positively nurtured mind – in line with the "wellness" philosophy in modern skincare.

According to the "Guidelines for Proper Nutrition for Adults and the Elderly" issued by the Ministry of Health in 2023, the diet of adults should ensure a balance between the three energy-producing nutrient groups (protein, lipids, and carbohydrates) in the ratio of approximately 15-20% : 25-30% : 50-60%, while maintaining a protein intake of 1-1.2g/kg body weight/day. High-quality protein sources such as fish, eggs, milk, and soy products help maintain muscle mass and support collagen synthesis.

In addition, special attention should be paid to antioxidant micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, and D; zinc, copper, and selenium. These micronutrients play a role in neutralizing free radicals, protecting cell membranes, supporting the immune system, and promoting DNA repair.

Regarding the principles of maintaining youthfulness "from the inside out" through diet, according to Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, adults should: eat a diverse and balanced diet, prioritizing fresh foods and limiting processed foods; increase consumption of green vegetables and brightly colored fruits, as these are natural sources of vitamins and antioxidants; supplement with sufficient protein at each meal to maintain the structure of skin, muscles, and connective tissue; drink enough water, including filtered water, green tea, or low-sugar juices; reduce sugar, alcohol, tobacco, and fried foods, as they promote glycation, reducing skin elasticity.

"In the field of rejuvenating nutrition, the 'golden trio' of collagen, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids can be considered three crucial factors in helping the body maintain its youthfulness," Ms. Huong stated.

Ms. Huong explained: Collagen and its precursors (vitamin C, lysine, proline, copper) help increase the production of collagen and elastin fibers, improving skin elasticity and firmness. These substances can be supplemented from food sources such as salmon, eggs, soybeans, oranges, kiwis, red bell peppers, and cashews…

Antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E; polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, selenium) help neutralize free radicals, protect DNA, fight inflammation, and slow down the aging process. These nutrients can be obtained from food sources such as green tea, cocoa, turmeric, berries, tomatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, and walnuts.

Omega-3, 6, and 9 unsaturated fatty acids help reduce inflammation, support cell membranes, and increase skin elasticity. These nutrients can be obtained from foods such as: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), olive oil, flaxseed, chia seeds, and avocado.

The harmonious combination of these three nutrient groups not only helps maintain healthy, smooth skin but also improves cell function, strengthens the immune system, and protects cardiovascular health.

Sea Swallow

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202510/lam-sao-de-lao-hoa-nguoc-cbd1069/