Kalen Ashford is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant and Expert Injector with extensive experience in clinical dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Trained by international leaders in the field, Kalen has touched the lives of thousands of patients and instructed numerous providers on the art and techniques of aesthetic medicine. Her career highlights include experience at prestigious dermatology practices in Washington, D.C., and Charleston, South Carolina. She is the founder of Ashford Aesthetics, a facial aesthetic boutique offering the latest non-invasive techniques to enhance your appearance. Kalen specializes in full-face rejuvenation with an emphasis on natural results, and finds great satisfaction in helping each patient achieve the most beautiful version of themselves. In this episode, Caroline and expert guest Kalen Ashford explore how to maintain healthy, radiant skin and embrace graceful aging. Kalen shares her expertise on skincare routines, treatments, and lifestyle habits, empowering women to feel confident and vibrant at every stage of life. Drawing from her experience in clinical dermatology and aesthetic medicine, and her passion for helping patients achieve natural-looking results, Kalen provides practical advice on everything from daily skincare essentials to the latest non-invasive treatments. The conversation emphasizes that true beauty is found in Christ and that skincare is a way to honor the gift of our bodies. Key Takeaways: The importance of seeing ourselves as “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Basic skincare routine: washing your face and wearing sunscreen. Common aging skin conditions include pigmentation and solar elastosis. Key anti-aging skincare ingredients: retinoids, antioxidants (like vitamin C), and hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid). Factors that can disrupt the skin barrier: eczema, washing your face too much, using astringent products, and over-exfoliating. Improving skin elasticity and firmness involves increasing collagen production (retinoids, sunscreen, microneedling, fractionated lasers) and potentially using topical estrogen. Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, applied daily and reapplied, including to the neck and hands. Powdered sunscreen is good for reapplication, especially on the hairline and ears. Proper skincare, internal hydration (drinking water), and certain products (topical estrogen, hyaluronic acid) help keep skin hydrated. Diet affects skin health; avoid overly processed foods and sugar, and eat antioxidant-rich foods. Non-invasive treatments for youthful skin: microneedling, lasers, red light therapy, neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport). Sleep lines are vertical lines caused by side sleeping and are treated with skincare and minimally invasive procedures. Red light therapy can be beneficial if using a professional-grade device with the right wavelengths. “Balance” is difficult to achieve; life has ebbs and flows.   Featured Quotes: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” - Psalm 139:14 “Wash your face. That's the number one., And put on sunscreen, that's number two.” “I love helping people feel their best in their skin.”   Resources:  Guide to Reduce Inflammation in the Body  Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Lifestyle Guide    Connect with Kalen + Ashford Aesthetics! IG: @the_cosmeticpa  Website: ashfordaesthetics.com  Connect with Caroline! IG: @carolineharrisward  Email: caroline@transfitathens.com Web: www.transfitathens.com App:  TransFit Personal Training App     Train with me and my team at TransFit! We offer personal training, group training, yoga, HIIT, bible study, corporate events, nutrition consulting, and zoom training as well. Please email me at transfitathens@gmail.com for more information! So, if you’re ready to take it to the next level, reach out to me, and let’s get the conversation started.  Ready to conquer your fitness and health goals - the time is now!