The Youthspan Glow-Up: Longevity, Skin Health, and the Real Deal on Aging Well

By Bryce Wylde & Cheryl Hickey

Aging doesn’t happen in a straight line and it certainly doesn’t start with wrinkles. It starts at the cellular level, and for most of us, it happens far earlier than we realize. But the good news? You have more control than you think.

Before you go chasing high-tech biohacks, let’s talk about the four core ways we break down as we age:

We oxidize – Free radicals damage our cells like rust on metal.

We brown – Glycation from sugar causes our tissues to harden and wrinkle—like burnt toast.

We stiffen – Cross-linking of collagen and elastin reduces flexibility—inside and out.

We inflame – Chronic low-grade inflammation accelerates nearly every age-related disease.

Foundations Before Fancy

Before you invest in peptides, exosomes, or red light panels, consider the daily habits of centenarians in the world’s Blue Zones. They didn’t rely on serums or supplements. They focused on sleep, movement, nutrition, and connection.

1. Sleep: Your Natural Botox

Deep sleep fuels skin regeneration, collagen production, and hormone balance. Poor sleep drives cortisol, glycation, and inflammation.

Pro tip: blackout blinds, a cool room, and magnesium glycinate or A.Vogel Goodnight (lettuce seed + lemon balm) can transform your rest.

2. Exercise: The Longevity Signal

Movement boosts circulation, detox, and collagen formation. Just 15 minutes a day can reduce inflammation and extend your biological youth.

3. Protein: The Forgotten Youth Nutrient

Every wrinkle, joint, and mitochondrion needs amino acids. Aim for 1–2g of protein per kg of body weight daily. Add collagen peptides, salmon, eggs, and legumes to support structure.

4. Social Connection: The Hidden Hack

Loneliness is more aging than obesity. Oxytocin, serotonin, and immune strength all rise when we bond. Invite a friend for a walk, sauna, or a red light session—it’s real medicine.

Skin, Science & Longevity: What’s Actually Worth It?

Beauty From the Inside Out

Skin reflects your gut, stress, and inflammation. Nourish it from within with omega-3s, antioxidants (Vitamin C, E), and adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola to battle stress and high cortisol.

Collagen: Still the Cornerstone

Declines start in your mid-20s. Support it with Vitamin C, zinc, silica, MSM, and hydrolyzed collagen peptides (type I & III for skin, type II for joints).

NAD+: Your Cellular Youth Molecule

NAD supports energy, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. Forms include:

IV NAD+ – powerful but expensive
NMN or NR supplements – daily support
NAD patches – slow, sustained delivery

Sauna + Red Light Therapy

Infrared sauna – detox, heat shock proteins, circulation
Red/NIR light – collagen boost, inflammation reduction, mitochondrial energy
Budget option – red light panels, sauna blankets, contrast showers

Peptides: Tiny but Mighty

BPC-157 – for gut healing, injury recovery, tissue repair
GHK-Cu – stimulates collagen, reduces wrinkles, supports hair growth

Exosomes: The Next-Level Regenerator

Used in advanced facials and injectables, exosomes promote collagen, skin tone, and cellular repair. Incredible—but not essential for everyone.

The DIY Rewind Mask

For lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, barrier repair, collagen stimulation, and glow.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp aloe vera gel
250 mg vitamin C
250 mg niacinamide
¼ tsp matcha powder
¼ tsp MSM powder

Instructions:

Mix to a smooth paste. Apply to clean skin. Leave for 20 minutes. Rinse and moisturize. Use 2–3x/week. Check out Cheryl’s demo in her IG reels!

New-Age Supplements to Know

Urolithin A – boosts mitophagy and muscle strength
Spermidine – supports autophagy and cellular cleanup

Wrap-Up: Your Aging Playbook

Top 3 Takeaways

Start with lifestyle: sleep, sweat, socialize, protein
Collagen and NAD+ are your inside-out youthspan allies
You don’t always need injectables – your kitchen has (or should have) some amazing organic fruits and veggies in it to support you

Our Main Message

Aging is inevitable but how we age is deeply personal and profoundly modifiable. What we’ve shared isn’t about chasing youth, it’s about owning your youthspan—those vibrant, energized years where you still feel like you in your skin, mind, and body.

Start with the basics: sleep like it matters, move with purpose, eat enough real protein, and don’t underestimate the power of a deep laugh with someone you love. Then layer in what science now makes possible – collagen, NAD+, red light, peptides, and natural tools that help your body do what it’s already wired to do: heal, rebuild, and glow.

Aging well isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

We’re right here with you on this journey.

—Bryce Wylde & Cheryl Hickey

Posted in Articles, Biohacks, Diet & Nutrition, Home Health, Immunity, Mind & Spirit, Remedies

Wellness Wednesdays – The Youthspan Glow-Up: Proven Strategies for Radiant Skin, Longevity, and Aging Well