Your local Naturopathic Doctor and cosmetic injector’s five non-negotiables for longevity. Dr. Heather Iverson shares her advice on habit stacking, supplements, and biostimulators for aging well.
After nearly a decade as a Naturopathic Doctor and cosmetic injector, I’ve noticed that the people who age well usually have five things in common.
It’s not just genetics, and it’s definitely not one magic product or treatment. It’s a blueprint of small, consistent habits, smart internal support, and regenerative treatments that work with the body instead of against it. I’m following this blueprint myself because the science supports it, and I’m sharing it in case you want to do the same.
After nearly a decade as a Naturopathic Doctor and cosmetic injector, I’ve noticed that the people who age well usually have five things in common.
It’s not just genetics, and it’s definitely not one magic product or treatment. It’s a blueprint of small, consistent habits, smart internal support, and regenerative treatments that work with the body instead of against it. I’m following this blueprint myself because the science supports it, and I’m sharing it in case you want to do the same.
1. They habit stack.
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can cause collagen levels and hydration to plummet, resulting in rough texture and dryness. People who age well commit to internal health by eating protein and whole foods to provide the amino acids needed for skin and connective tissue, since estrogen decline during and after menopause can lead to a 30 % drop in collagen in just five years.
They move regularly; physical activity not only improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety but also maintains muscle mass and posture. Staying hydrated is essential for thermoregulation and cell homeostasis—adding two litres of water per day for 30 days significantly improved both superficial and deep skin hydration in one study—and ample water before and after cosmetic injections minimizes bruising.
Quality sleep and stress management support growth-hormone release and tissue repair, and daily broad-spectrum SPF helps prevent UV-induced collagen degradation. Successful agers also use “habit stacking,” anchoring new behaviors to existing routines: sip water after brushing your teeth, walk for ten minutes after lunch, or stretch while coffee brews. By planning meals, setting out workout clothes, and scheduling self-care like appointments, they make healthy choices automatic even with busy schedules.
2. They don’t sleep on supplements.
True skin health begins within. Even with a pristine diet, our modern food supply doesn’t always provide adequate micronutrients for optimal collagen production, mitochondrial function and cellular repair. That’s why I curated a few evidence‑based supplements that support healthy aging, daily vitality and skin health. These are not magic pills; they complement a nutrient‑dense diet and are part of a larger strategy.
- Hair / Skin / Nails Ultra: This supplement contains biotin, zinc, silicon, vitamin C, copper, CoQ10 and BioCell® collagen. It’s designed to support keratin and collagen synthesis for strong hair, nails and skin. I’ve found it also helps patients maintain the longevity of their neuromodulator results – a bonus for those who want to stretch out their Botox visits.
- Whole Body Collagen: Collagen decline is a major driver of skin sagging and joint discomfort. Whole Body Collagen provides hydrolyzed collagen peptides that support skin elasticity, bone strength and joint integrity. When a woman’s collagen stores are dwindling during menopause, adding collagen peptides can replenish the building blocks her body needs to rebuild.
- CellGuard‑NR: Aging skin is also driven by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. CellGuard‑NR pairs Niagen® (a form of nicotinamide riboside) with resveratrol and pterostilbene. This combination boosts NAD⁺ levels and activates sirtuin pathways to support cellular repair. Patients often report improved energy and cognitive clarity alongside more resilient skin.
These targeted supplements reflect my belief that aesthetic medicine isn’t just about looking younger; it’s about supporting your body’s innate repair mechanisms. I always review a patient’s medications and conditions before recommending supplements and offer lab testing when necessary. The goal is to nourish your skin from the inside out.
3. They incorporate biostimulators.
I’ve noticed that people who age gracefully don’t wait until everything starts to sag before exploring regenerative treatments; they make “banking collagen” a habit. As we age, our focus shifts from simply filling lines to encouraging our own tissues to regenerate. Because collagen production declines about 1 % per year and we can lose up to 25 % by age 45, I use Sculptra® to proactively build reserves. Clinical studies show it increases collagen by 66.5 % after three months, with 97 % of patients seeing improvement at 13 months and some results lasting up to five years. This makes it ideal for women experiencing the sharp collagen decline of menopause, as it helps maintain facial structure and skin thickness.
4. They don’t just book cosmetic injections.
People who age well don’t rely solely on botox and filler for longevity; they invest in regenerative treatments that improve skin quality. Microneedling, Sylfirm X and similar treatments help support collagen production, refine texture, and improve redness and laxity. Even the most expertly administered neuromodulators or volumizing fillers won’t look their best if the overlying skin is dehydrated and showing the signs of intrinsic ageing.
5. They invest in quality skincare.
Topical products amplify the results of your internal work and treatments, but many conventional serums are 60–80 % water and rely on fragrance. That’s why I recommend waterless skincare like OLIVEDA. These formulas replace water with nourishing oils such as jojoba, rosehip, olive and squalane, so they pack in more active ingredients and require fewer preservatives. A hero ingredient is hydroxytyrosol from olive oil and leaves; as a potent antioxidant it helps calm inflammation and protect skin. Patients often tell me their skin looks clearer and more hydrated after switching to waterless products.
Paired with a gentle cleanser, barrier‑supporting moisturiser and daily SPF, a few high‑quality, targeted products are all you need to keep skin glowing—you’ll use less and get better results.
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How to Age Well | Dr. Heather Iverson, ND
These are the five habits I notice people who age well have in common: they habit stack, they support their skin and body with targeted supplements, they incorporate biostimulators, they don’t rely on cosmetic injections alone, and they invest in quality skincare that supports the skin itself. The science backs this blueprint, which is exactly why I’ll be following it myself. I’m here to support any of my patients in Parksville, Nanaimo, Courtenay, and Langley who want to do the same.
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