For the Ages

Article: For the Ages
As your skin changes, so should your skin care routine

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SKIN CARE FACT
Your eye area is the most sensitive part of your face so products specifically for this area are formulated to be lightweight and non-irritating.

Just as your health concerns change as you get older, so should your skin care routine. The same products that you used when you were young are usually not appropriate as you mature in age. If you haven’t begun a good skin care routine, now is definitely the time to start. Damage from environmental factors such as the sun can have lasting effects from your 20s on up. A lot of the damage may not even be visible to the naked eye, but it can begin to surface over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of products and procedures available to keep you looking as young as you feel.

Twinkling 20s
When you are young, the most important thing you can do to benefit your skin is wear sunscreen every day. It can help prevent premature aging, irregular pigmentation, skin thickening, and wrinkles, not to mention skin cancer. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Reapply sunscreen on a regular basis to protect your skin from direct sun exposure and reflection from water, sand, snow and sidewalks. If you are still battling breakouts, look for a cleanser that contains salicylic or glycolic acid to help dry up excess oils.

Glowing 30s
As you age through your 30s, your skin may become less oily. In fact, it may become very dry and even flaky in certain areas of the face. Acne breakouts might occur, so stick to non-comedogenic cosmetics and moisturizers. Your skin may become inconsistent – sometimes oily and other times dry. To combat the irregularity, look for products containing some antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E and Retinol. These ingredients can help to repair and prevent any further skin damage induced by the environment. If you are concerned with some extra hair growth, laser hair removal is a way to permanently remove hair with minimal discomfort, usually much less painful than waxing.

Shimmering 40s
In your 40s, moisturizing the skin becomes increasingly important, particularly around the eyes and mouth. Collagen or Botox injections are another way to turn back the hands of time. Collagen is a tissue filler that can help soften lines. Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. You can also start utilizing alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which remove dead layers of skin and help to create a youthful glow. If you are looking to further combat the signs of aging, speak with your dermatologist, who can prescribe a Vitamin A creme (Renova, Retin-A, Avage) to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Chemical peels are an excellent option for those interested in correcting irregular pigmentation, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, and scarring.

Gorgeous 50s and Up
As you age, your skin loses its underlying collagen and elastic tissue, resulting in sagging skin and loss of plumpness and tone. Irregular pigmentation (age spots) may also start to appear. Visit a dermatologist for a skin exam of any suspicious looking spots, which can be precursors to skin cancer. Collagen and Botox may be a good option at this age, or even Thermage to give your face a tighter appearance. If your skin becomes very loose or wrinkle prone, you may want to consider a laser treatment to significantly improve wrinkles or to treat unsightly spider veins. Product Highlight To improve the signs of aging, try a topical product containing Vitamin C. Make sure you take your skin type into consideration, especially if you have sensitive skin. You don’t want to cause irritation.

Know your Skin Type?
 It is essential when choosing a skin care product or procedure to know your skin type. If not, you may hurt your skin more than you are helping it.

Oily Skin
Skin feels oily and has a “shine” within hours of washing it and throughout the day.		Acne Prone
Blemishes form along the “T” zone or along the jaw, hairline and chin.		Normal/Combination
Oily “T” zone and dry skin around the lower face, mouth, and cheeks.
Dry Skin
Skin feels dry at end of every day, either all over, or in select areas.		Sensitive Skin
Many products burn or irritate the skin and cause rashes.
Maturing skin
Skin is wrinkled: irregular dark spots.

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