EP 49: What Happens to Your Skin After 35 (And What to Do About It)

Your skin at 37 is not the same organ it was at 22. Collagen is breaking down faster than it's being replaced. Fat pads are shifting. Cell turnover is slowing. And one morning you wake up and wonder where your face went.

Dr. Dustin Portela and Austin Lee break down the biology of aging skin in a way that's actually useful, covering the collagen and elastin loss that starts in your 30s, why the dermis gradually thins, how fat pads descend over time, and how cumulative sun damage eventually overwhelms your skin's antioxidant defenses. It's a slow process, mostly invisible, until it isn't.

The episode then turns to what you can actually do about it. Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are the foundation. Vitamin C serums help neutralize free radical damage. Retinols, on both the face and body, can slow collagen decline and improve texture over time. Diet matters more than most people realize: chronic sugar intake accelerates the breakdown of collagen, while inadequate protein makes it harder to rebuild. Sleep, cardio, and resistance training round out the picture, with real data showing that weightlifting can improve skin thickness, not just build muscle.

For those already seeing changes, the hosts get more specific. Topical pigment inhibitors like hydroquinone and thiamidol can address sunspots, with the important caveat that not every dark spot is the same. Microneedling, chemical peels, and CO2 laser resurfacing each have a place depending on the severity of concerns. Dermal filler can be transformative for volume loss when used correctly, though Dr. Portela is candid about what happens when it isn't.

The episode closes with a reminder that aging is not a problem to be solved. It's something to be managed thoughtfully, with realistic expectations and a little grace.

Product of the Week

Activé Restore Body Firming Cream — Dean Skincare

A retinol body cream with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and caffeine formulated to improve skin resilience and support collagen production. Available at shop.drdustinportela.com.

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