This is the foundation of our MIND. BODY. SKIN.™ approach to beauty, health and wellbeing. We believe that focusing on the person as a whole is key for flourishing inside and out, which translates to a healthier mind, stronger body and more beautiful skin — and a major part of aging well starts in our stomachs¹.

The role of the microbiome
The gut microbiome is comprised of more than 100 trillion microbes that play a vital role in the body’s most essential functions including digestion, metabolism and more — and each person’s microbiome is unique. However, the microbiome is not limited to the gut and the skin has a microbiome of its own as well. As we continue to learn more about the undeniable, invisible connection between the microbiomes within and on the surface of our bodies, the MIND. BODY. SKIN.™ connection and the part it plays in healthy aging becomes even more clear.

What affects the microbiome?
In healthy adults, the microbiome is generally stable, but several factors can influence the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in both positive and negative ways. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and, if necessary, supplementing with a probiotic dietary supplement are the best ways to replenish and reinforce the microbiome. On the flip side, stress, illness and poor diet can have a detrimental effect on the body’s microbiome³.

Foods and the microbiome
The foods we eat help fuel the microbiome, and fiber is a big one to focus on. Research has shown that a high-fiber diet helps increase microbial diversity3 and low-fiber diets have negative effects on the microbiome⁴. Perhaps the most interesting fact about the relationship between the foods we eat and the microbiome is that making positive dietary changes can improve the gut microbiome in just a few days and eating plant-based protein instead of animal-based protein has been found to improve the microbiome in as little as one day⁵.

Prebiotics and probiotics
No discussion of the microbiome is complete without talking about the vital supporting role that prebiotics and probiotics play in the gut’s bacterial ecosystem. Prebiotics are essentially fuel for probiotics, and they are found in high-fiber foods and natural sugars like chicory root, dandelion greens, artichokes, garlic, onions, leeks, bananas, oats and apples. Probiotics are the beneficial microorganisms in the gut, and they are found naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, miso, kefir and tempeh. Probiotics can also be introduced to the microbiome through dietary supplements, such as Arbonne Essentials® Digestion Plus.

The skin’s microbiome
The skin has a microbiome all its own, but it is widely believed that the bacteria of the gut also influence the microbial balance of the skin . The skin’s microbiome affects several key components of the skin, including its natural protective barrier. (Click here to learn more about the skin’s microbiome.)

The MIND. BODY. SKIN.™ connection
Now that you better understand the microbiome, we can take a closer look at how it plays a role in connecting the mind, body and skin.

The Gut-Brain connection
The gut is home to the enteric nervous system, which is comprised of more than 100 million nerve cells that line the gastrointestinal (GI) system from beginning to end. This system’s job is to process sensory information in the gut and send it to the brain, which then sends signals back to the gut to adjust its function. This interaction affects our emotions and digestion, as well as basic functions like swallowing, nutrient absorption and elimination. When the GI system is disrupted, it may send signals to the central nervous system that trigger mood changes. Researchers have found that certain bacteria in the gut microbiome can send signals that influence cognition, memory, metabolism and more⁷.

Lifestyle is one of the most important components of healthy aging and aging well. Taking a holistic approach to wellness benefits your body inside and out — and has a positive impact on skin aging. Here are factors that can take a toll on your skin if you don’t make mindful, healthy choices.

Diet
Every cell in our bodies needs vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients in order to do their jobs well, and this is why our daily diet is so important. A menu that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and nutrient-rich carbohydrates delivers the fuel cells need, while fiber helps support proper digestion and elimination. Unhealthy choices such as excessive sugar intake can affect our appearance by contributing to decreased collagen-repairing potential through a process called glycation².

Not sure where to start? Our 30 Days to Healthy Living Guide helps get you on the right track so you can start aging well!

Healthy lifestyle tip: Most people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, which are great sources of antioxidants, fiber and much, much more. In addition to filling at least half of your plate with plant-based foods at every meal, strive to “eat the rainbow” in the form of richly colored fruits and vegetables every day.

Sleep
As far as our appearance goes, we’re all familiar with dark undereye circles after a night of tossing and turning, and ongoing sleep deprivation can impact skin aging as well. Sleep also gives our bodies an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. People who have chronically poor sleep quality experience more visible signs of aging, as well as diminished skin-barrier function³.

Healthy lifestyle tip: It’s important to set the stage for quality sleep that gives your skin and entire body a chance to go through its natural nightly regenerative process. Among the small changes that can contribute to better sleep and healthy aging are sticking to a routine (including proper skincare!) that tells your body it’s time to wind down for the day, putting your phone down an hour before lights-out, having the proper bedding (especially if you’re a “hot” sleeper) and creating a dark, quiet environment.

Stress
It may seem easier said than done, but it’s imperative to manage stress levels for overall healthy living and skin aging. Similar to lack of sleep, stress can lead to negative effects on the skin and body. Not to mention, stress makes us cranky, too!

Healthy lifestyle tip: The key to managing stress is finding the tool (or tools) that work best for you, whether that’s spending time with friends and family, daily exercise, meditating or even a hobby that gives you a much-needed break when you feel overwhelmed and promotes healthy aging.

Exercise
It would be nearly impossible to list all the benefits of regular exercise, and it goes without saying that staying active is imperative for healthy living and aging well. From maintaining your muscles, bones and joints to increasing circulation that delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your skin, there’s more to exercise than burning calories (although that’s beneficial, too). This doesn’t mean you have to train for a marathon or commit to two-hour sweat sessions every day — and even taking the stairs instead of an elevator or parking farther away from your destination to get extra steps in can add up.

Healthy lifestyle tip: If you have a hard time squeezing in a work-out, make an “appointment” in your calendar as you would for a meeting, lunch date or other can’t-miss event (and keep it!). You can even combine exercise and socializing with friends and family by skipping happy hour and going for a walk in the park instead.

Hydration
Is it a coincidence that both the planet Earth and our bodies are both comprised of approximately 70 percent water⁴? Probably not. We know what happens when an area experiences a drought, and our bodies are prone to a host of problems without proper hydration, too. In addition to thirst, dehydration causes fatigue and can make you feel unwell⁵. When the skin is dehydrated, visible signs include dark undereye circles and more prominent lines and wrinkles⁶.

Healthy lifestyle tip: Maintaining proper skin and overall body hydration is quite simple — as long as you have the proper supplies. In addition to applying moisturizer to your skin from head to toe at least once a day, keep a travel-sized tube in your bag in case your skin feels dry or tight when you’re out and about. Also make it a habit to bring a refillable water bottle with you when you leave the house (and keep an extra in the car in case you forget). As an added plus, you’ll be less likely to reach for soda or juice, you’ll save money by not buying drinks and avoiding single-use plastic bottles helps the environment as well. Our Arbonne PhytoSport™ Complete Hydration is another great solution, as one easy-to-use stick pack can be added to water to help give your hydration break an extra electrolyte boost.

What’s stressing you?
For starters, all stress is not created equal — and there are actually two types of stress, acute and chronic. Simply put, acute stress is short-lived, such as being stuck in a traffic jam, getting some not-so-positive feedback at work, arguing with your child about doing their homework or sparring with your spouse about whose turn it is to do the dishes. Fortunately, our bodies do a good job of managing acute stress.

However, there’s a big difference between acute and chronic stress. Chronic stress is ongoing, and can be due to a toxic work environment, unresolved issues at home or dealing with the illness or care of a loved one. Chronic stress has the same effects on the body — but the effects are ongoing and managing them requires a lot of internal underlying work to maintain normal function of the mind, body and skin. Even more, chronic stress may contribute to face wrinkles and other visible signs of aging that are linked to stressed skin¹⁶.

What happens to stressed skin?
Acute stress is unavoidable, but a constant stream of short-lived “moments” can add up and may contribute to face wrinkles. Think about it… How does your face react when you’re waiting in line for something when you have somewhere else to be? Perhaps you scowl and furrow your brow. Maybe you purse your lips, clench your jaw or raise your brows. Unfortunately, all of these repeated muscle movements can lead to face wrinkles over time, especially when movement-related lines become etched into the skin and visible even when the face is at rest. Chronic stress also prompts the aforementioned facial expressions, and the ongoing nature of this type of stress can lead to face wrinkles, as well as other visible side effects such as undereye bags and puffiness if stress is interfering with sleep. Research has shown that repetitive cycles of stress and inflammation may result in decreased skin-cell function and possibly contribute to chronic skin conditions¹⁷.

10 ways to help manage stress
There are several ways to help manage overall stress, however the key is finding the methods that work best for you.

• Use regular exercise as a way to release stress
• Get an adequate amount of sleep
• Practice mindfulness
• Utilize relaxation practices like yoga, deep breathing, massage and meditation
• Incorporate a nutritional supplement such as Arbonne’s InnerCalm Adaptogenic De-Stress Powder
• Devote time to hobbies, reading a book or listening to music
• Invest in healthy friendships and relationships
• Maintain your sense of humor
• Volunteer within your community
• Seek professional help if necessary

How to minimize the look of wrinkles
The good news is, there are skincare products that help minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Arbonne’s AgeWell collection features an ingredient trifecta of bakuchiol, stabilized vitamin C and plant stem cell extract that work together to improve the appearance of face wrinkles, support collagen through moisturization and enhance the appearance of skin radiance, elasticity, firmness and texture with moisture and skin-conditioning ingredients that promote a youthful skin appearance.

This regimen features all the products you need to help put your best face forward. Including a cleanser and toning mist plus serum, eye cream, moisturizers (with and without SPF), night cream and neck cream formulated with bakuchiol, Arbonne’s AgeWell collection targets fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

The right combination of lifestyle choices and effective skincare products can help your skin stand up to the ups and downs of daily life (including stress!) while looking and feeling its best.

Aging is inevitable — and that’s not a bad thing. It all comes down to how you look at it. In many cases, our cultures dictate how we view aging. Many societies revere their elders and the wisdom they have gained throughout their lives, while others celebrate youth and physical appearance. In the Western world, aging is often associated with not looking like we used to or changes in our physical and mental capabilities. For some, this has an impact on mental state —but with a positive aging strategy, you can approach aging in a holistic, healthy, productive way.

Positive aging and the mind
State of mind is not dependent on time, and it can take a little effort to maintain a positive attitude at any age. A positive aging strategy involves mindfulness, managing stress and healthy, supportive relationships. The brain also requires “exercise” to maintain its acuity, especially after retirement. A few ways to promote positive “mind” aging include:

• Meditation: Take a little time to focus inward every day.
• Focus on friends and family: A solid support network makes us feel needed, valued and purposeful at every age.
• Volunteer: Donating your time encourages social interaction and feeling connected to the community.
• Use your brain: Small mental challenges like crossword puzzles or changing up your route when driving to a frequently visited location can help maintain cognitive function.
• Connect with nature: Studies have shown that simply being in the great outdoors (or even just a park) has a positive effect on one’s mental state²².
• Eliminate negativity: Positive thinking in the form of a daily affirmation promotes healthy aging.

Positive aging and the body
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s never too early to embrace a positive aging strategy, and active young adults usually become active older adults. Along with physical activity, a healthy diet helps keep our bodies in tip-top shape throughout our lifetime, allowing us to stay mobile, live independently and simply feel good every day. Even though some of us begin to experience small physical changes in our 40s (such as needing to wear reading glasses), there’s no need to obsess about minor “adjustments” that don’t have an impact on our overall quality of life. Consider these tips for positive body aging:

• Make exercise part of your regular schedule: Staying active shouldn’t feel like a chore, and there are plenty of low-impact ways to keep moving, including walking, yoga and Pilates.
• Exercise for the right reasons: Your goal should be to feel your best while maintaining muscle mass and healthy bones.
• Get enough sleep: The body needs time to regenerate every day — and too little sleep can prompt the body to produce inflammation-inducing cortisol.
• Commit to a healthy diet: We are what we eat, and our bodies need nutrient-rich foods to do their jobs. Think lots of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and nutrient-rich carbohydrates.
• Enlist the help of supplements: Supplements are meant to enhance your positive aging strategy (not replace it). We offer easy-to-incorporate options for digestion, energy, extra nutrients and more to help maintain your body’s performance so you can feel your best.

Positive aging and the skin
Even if your mind and body are all-aboard the positive-aging train, accepting and embracing visible signs of skin aging can be more challenging for some. Perhaps you think you look older than you feel. More likely, your brain has been flooded with impossible-to-maintain youthful ideals for as long as you can remember (and well before that).

A positive aging skincare strategy is simple: Provide your skin with the ingredients it needs to age well. These include those that help support your skin through moisturization, replenish hydration and reveal fresh-, radiant-looking skin.

Our AgeWell collection was formulated with positive aging in mind — and created to complement the healthy choices you make for your body and mind. Featuring an ingredient trifecta of Bakuchiol, Stabilized Vitamin C and Sustainable Plant Stem Cell Extract, our AgeWell range helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone so you can stay positive about aging!

AgeWell Silky Cleanser with Vegan Surfactants: This luxurious cream-to-foam cleanser contains Provitamin B5 that helps the formula attract moisture on your skin, and vegan surfactants that gently whisk away makeup and everyday impurities. Use it morning and night for skin that feels incredibly soft, smooth and supple.

AgeWell Refreshing Toning Mist with Vitamin B3: Mist this alcohol-free goodness onto skin after cleansing to prepare for the next step or spritz throughout the day as a refresher. With Vitamin B3 (a.k.a. Niacinamide), this mist helps enhance the appearance of skin brightness and tone.

AgeWell Collagen Nurturing Serum with 2% Bakuchiol: Indulge your skin with this super-concentrated formula that boasts 2% Bakuchiol to help reduce the look of facial wrinkles along with Stabilized Vitamin C to help boost and maintain collagen by supporting moisture.

AgeWell Enriching Eye Cream with Caffeine + Bakuchiol: This luxurious, ophthalmologist-tested eye cream helps reduce the appearance of puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles thanks to a special combination of Caffeine, Bakuchiol and Stabilized Vitamin C.

AgeWell Moisture Restoring Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen: This special moisturizer formula performs double duty as mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum SPF protection against UVA/UVB rays as Hyaluronic Acid delivers hydration to the skin.

AgeWell Moisture Restoring Cream with 0.5% Bakuchiol: A must for all skin types, this moisturizer contains Bakuchiol along with a botanical complex of Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil and Squalane, which helps replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

AgeWell Intense Repairing Night Cream with 2% Bakuchiol: Formulated with 2% Bakuchiol to help reduce the look of facial wrinkles and Beech Tree Bud Extract to smooth the look of skin texture with hydration, you’ll always wake up with soft, supple skin.

AgeWell Firming Neck Cream with 0.5% Bakuchiol: This specialized neck cream formula with Bakuchiol, Peptides and Sustainable Edelweiss Flower Stem Cell Extract helps improve the appearance of skin tone and firmness for a smoother, more defined-looking décolleté.

Can a healthy diet help you age well?
Although the foods we eat don’t reverse aging, your diet can certainly help you age well. Examples of this can be seen in Mediterranean and Japanese cultures, as well as other “Blue Zones” across the globe where lifespans are significantly longer than most other parts of the world⁹. The key is feeding your body the nutrients it needs to maintain good health. Remember, your skin cells receive these nutrients, too — which is why a healthy diet can help support radiant, youthful-looking skin¹⁰.

Which foods help support good health?
The answer to this question includes two important parts. In order to look and feel your best, it’s wise to steer clear of empty calories and choose nutrient-dense foods instead. A poor diet high in excess added sugars, refined carbohydrates and trans-fats can impact the function of virtually every type of tissue in the body. On the flip side, foods that are rich in beneficial nutrients are essential for good health. When implementing a healthy nutrition plan, be sure to keep these 10 “food groups” in mind, both for your skin and your body as a whole.

Fruits: Fruits are a wonderful source of the vitamins, antioxidants and fiber your body needs for healthy living and aging well. It’s important to get your daily dose of vitamins because they are essential for certain cellular functions. (For example, vitamin C supports collagen production that plays a role in youthful-looking skin.) However, it’s important to eat fruit in moderation as consuming too much can provide too much sugar to the diet.

Berries: Berries are a source of antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect cells from oxidative damage. Polyphenols have antioxidant activity and can be found in raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, cherries and grapes. They are responsible for giving berries (and other fruit) their red, blue and purple colors¹¹.

Colorful vegetables: Vegetables support healthy aging the same way as fruits, but they naturally contain different nutrients. The bright colors you see in vegetables like tomatoes, carrots and red, yellow and green peppers are due to beneficial antioxidant compounds called carotenoids. Specific carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene can have a variety of benefits like vision support and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles¹².

Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. These crunchy, non-starchy vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and unique phytonutrients like sulforaphane, which has strong antioxidant activity¹³.

Dark, leafy greens: Greens are especially important for healthy nutrition since they are a source of vitamins and minerals including vitamin K, which supports bone health, as well as iron, which is important for the transfer of oxygen from your lungs to tissues throughout the body. To supplement your daily diet with an extra serving of fruit and vegetables, add one scoop of Arbonne Essentials® Greens Balance into a glass of water, juice or your smoothie.

Healthy fats: Fat is an essential nutrient and unsaturated fatty acids should be included as part of a healthful diet. Healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, nut butters, seeds, olive oil and wild salmon are essential for energy, cellular growth and absorbing certain nutrients. Foods that are high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are beneficial for your skin as they provide barrier support to seal in moisture. To support your healthy nutrition approach, Arbonne Essentials® Omega-3 Plus can help increase your dietary intake of vegan flaxseed oil and DHA.

Protein: Protein is one of the most important food groups because the amino acids in protein are a vital building block of muscle. The body also needs protein to build and repair tissues as well as produce enzymes, hormones and other essential compounds¹⁴. Desirable proteins are lean proteins such as wild-caught fish, chicken, turkey and leaner cuts of beef. Protein is equally as important for those who adhere to a vegan diet, and good sources include beans, legumes, whole grains, quinoa, chia seeds and tempeh. To help increase your protein intake, if necessary, each serving of Arbonne Essentials® Protein Shake Mix delivers 20 grams of vegan protein derived from peas, rice and cranberries (and we offer a variety of protein snack bars as well).

Fiber: Fiber is your digestive system’s best friend, as it helps promote regular elimination and intestinal health. Beyond keeping things “moving,” getting the recommended daily allowance of fiber has also been found to provide cardiovascular benefits¹⁵ and support healthy blood sugar levels that are already in the normal range. Prebiotic fiber helps support the gut microbiome. Whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are the best sources of fiber — and Arbonne Essentials® Daily Fiber Boost can be used if needed to give you an extra 12 grams.

Complex carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are often vilified however they are a great source of energy and nutrients when chosen appropriately. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread have less fiber and nutrients. Whole-grain and nutrient-rich carbohydrate sources such as brown rice, oats, quinoa and sweet potatoes are a key part of a healthy diet since they provide the brain and body with key nutrients like, B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, selenium and fiber, which help support good health.

Fermented foods: Probiotics are a big nutrition buzzword these days, as these “good” bacteria are essential for a balanced microbiome. The fermentation process naturally produces probiotic bacteria, which is why foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and tempeh can be beneficial for digestive health. Arbonne Essentials® Digestion Plus dietary supplement features 3 billion CFU of probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes in each serving. (It’s always best to ask your physician if supplementation is right for you.)

Remember, the foods you eat are one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle and taking a healthy nutrition approach to your diet can have a positive impact on your mind, body, skin and overall wellbeing.

What is vitamin C?
Found naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables (though generally formulated in a lab for skincare use), vitamin C for topical cosmetic uses and in foods and supplements has been extensively studied. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and is an essential part of numerous body functions, including the synthesis of collagen. Unlike some other vitamins, humans cannot naturally produce vitamin C and must ingest it via foods or supplements. When ingested, vitamin C also plays a vital role in the skin’s natural production of collagen, a protein that lends support and structure to the skin¹.

Why you should look for skincare with vitamin C
Several forms of vitamin C are used in skincare products. However, vitamin C is prone to oxidation when exposed to air and light, which is why it’s important to look for a stabilized vitamin C derivative that is engineered for optimal potency for the life of the product. (An opaque bottle and pump dispenser can help maintain vitamin C’s stability as well.)

Vitamin C in skincare is beneficial for all skin types at every age since it helps provide antioxidant benefits and supports collagen. However, some products with very high concentrations of vitamin C may cause discomfort and redness for those with sensitive skin and may take some getting used to.

How to use skincare with vitamin C
Stabilized vitamin C can be found in virtually every type of skincare product, including cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, eye creams, neck creams and sunscreens — and all you have to do to reap the skin benefits is use them as directed! In terms of application order, use a serum with vitamin C after cleansing and toning, then follow with moisturizer. To make the most of these benefits, be sure to apply vitamin C skincare serums and moisturizers to the neck, chest and the backs of the hands as well (and be sure to use sunscreen on these areas as well).

Do vitamin C supplements have the same benefits as vitamin C skincare?
Vitamin C in both supplements and skincare products provide many benefits. Supplements or food sources of vitamin C provide important antioxidant functions and collagen production. Topical vitamin C also provides key antioxidant benefits for signs of photoaging from sun exposure and supports collagen in the skin.

It all comes down to melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin its color. Lighter skin tones have less melanin, and those with a dark skin tone have more. Since melanin provides a small degree of natural sun protection, those with darker skin often experience delayed signs of aging skin as compared to their lighter-skinned counterparts, but all skin tones are susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer caused by unprotected UV exposure. The Fitzpatrick scale was created by dermatologist Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick in 1975, and it is still widely regarded as the primary method for classifying skin type by color and its related features — and understanding the unique challenges and propensities of each of the six skin types.

Fitzpatrick skin type 1
Skin color (before sun exposure): Ivory
Eye color: Light blue, light gray or light green
Natural hair color: Red or light blonde
Sun reaction: Skin always freckles, always burns and peels, and never tans

Fitzpatrick skin type 2
Skin color (before sun exposure): Fair or pale
Eye color: Blue, gray or green
Natural hair color: Blonde
Sun reaction: Skin usually freckles, burns and peels often, and rarely tans

Fitzpatrick skin type 3
Skin color (before sun exposure): Fair to beige with golden undertones
Eye color: Hazel or light brown
Natural hair color: Dark blonde or light brown
Sun reaction: Skin might freckle, burns on occasion, and sometimes tans

Fitzpatrick skin type 4
Skin color (before sun exposure): Olive or light brown
Eye color: Dark brown
Natural hair color: Dark brown
Sun reaction: Skin generally doesn’t freckle, burns rarely, and tans often

Fitzpatrick skin type 5
Skin color (before sun exposure): Dark brown
Eye color: Dark brown to black
Natural hair color: Dark brown to black
Sun reaction: Rarely freckles, almost never burns, and always tans

Fitzpatrick skin type 6
Skin color (before sun exposure): Deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown
Eye color: Brownish black
Natural hair color: Black
Sun reaction: Never freckles, never burns, and always tans darkly

Fitzpatrick skin type tendencies beyond sun exposure
Based on Dr. Fitzpatrick’s work and research performed over the past four decades, dermatologists can now make general assumptions about the skin concerns and age-related changes each of the above skin types is most likely to experience²¹.

Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2
Beyond being extremely sensitive to sunlight, these skin types’ biggest issue is skin redness. Generally found in those of English, Scottish and northern European descent, these skin types also experience a higher rate of collagen breakdown at an earlier age due to a lack of natural melanin-related sun protection. Discoloration can be an issue in these Fitzpatrick skin types since the skin produces pigment as a defense mechanism, but fine lines, wrinkles and redness are the primary aging skin concerns. The skincare goals: Reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier

Fitzpatrick skin types 3 and 4
Those of central and southern European, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Hispanic and some Asian descent most often fall into these skin types. Though prone to fine lines that usually appear later as compared to lighter skin tones, uneven skin tone (especially after acne heals) is often a primary concern. People with these Fitzpatrick skin types often think their skin tone provides more natural sun protection than it actually does.
The skincare goals: Replenish moisture to help support the extracellular matrix

Fitzpatrick skin types 5 and 6
These skin types are generally of Indian, African or Asian heritage and some people tend to believe their dark skin tone is not affected when exposed to the sun. These Fitzpatrick skin types tend to experience visible signs of aging much later than those with lighter skin (and more in the form of volume loss than fine lines and wrinkles). The skincare goals: Replenish moisture to help support the extracellular matrix

A note about melanin and sun protection
Yes, melanin does offer a degree of natural sun protection, but no, this doesn’t mean those with darker skin tones can skip the sunscreen. All skin types need daily sun protection not only to avoid sunburn, but to mitigate long-term sun-induced damage.

AgeWell: Skincare that promotes healthy aging for all skin tones
Designed to support healthy aging, AgeWell features the ingredients all skin tones need to fight visible signs of time such as fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Formulated with hydrating ingredients that help address increased dryness associated with age, plus bakuchiol, stabilized vitamin C and sustainable plant stem cell extract, these products work together to provide visibly significant results — and complement conscious lifestyle choices that benefit your overall wellbeing and help you age well.

The AgeWell “star” is bakuchiol, and this plant-derived retinol alternative offers all of the benefits of this dermatologist-revered ingredient minus the side effects. Bakuchiol is a great option for Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2 because it delivers improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without extra redness or irritation. This ingredient is ideal for Fitzpatrick skin types 3, 4, 5 and 6 as well because it offers visible improvement in the signs of aging without the harsh effects often associated with retinol.