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Click here for information on how to treat your skin
through the decades.
ROARING TWENTIES
The twenty-something years are a time when you're
most likely in skin heaven. If you're lucky, you've
survived your bouts with acne -- your skin is clear,
your pores are invisible, and your complexion is rosy,
even and taut. However, if your skin is still prone to
persistent blemishes or flare-ups, consider seeing a
Dermatologist to get your acne under control with some
of the many effective medications available.
A well-balanced diet, plenty of water and exercise,
and sensible skin care can keep your skin looking
healthy through your twenties. Many women will not
require a moisturizer, although the addition of a light
moisturizer and perhaps some gentle exfoliating
treatments may be appropriate for you. One of the most
important things you can do for your skin during your
twenties is good sun protection to prevent discoloration
and premature wrinkles. Eighty-five percent of what we
think of as aging is actually caused by exposure to the
sun.
For maximum sun
protection, The American Academy of Dermatology
recommends:
·
Use a broad-spectrum sun block with a
minimum SPF15 and SPF30 for more sensitive or fair skin
and those at higher risk for skin cancer.
·
Wear a hat with a brim at least 4 inches
wide.
·
Apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes
before going into the sun to give the active ingredients
time to soak into your skin.
·
Stay out of the sun when its rays are
their strongest, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
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THIRTY SOMETHING
During your 30's, you should see fewer breakouts, but
you will begin to see the first signs of aging. Small
changes begin to take place - the skin under your eyes
begins to thin; those all-nighters you pulled during
your teens and 20's may now bring about puffy dark
circles under your eyes, caused by increased fat and
sluggish After 30, the skin's natural process of
exfoliation slows down and collagen and elastin fibers
decrease. More water is lost which leads to drying and
decreases the skin's natural protection barrier. If
you're starting to notice fine lines, wrinkles and
discoloration, it's time to take a good look at how
you're caring for your skin.
After passing the threshold of 30, consider boosting
your skin care regimen, upgrading your makeup routine,
and paying more attention to the finer details of your
face. Looking good in your thirties takes more time and
effort than it did at age 25, and requires a systematic
program of maintenance.
Make sure to keep your skin well hydrated, especially
in a dry climate or during winter months when skin is
driest. You may need to use a heavier moisturizer in the
evenings if your skin still feels dry. And don't forget
the sunscreen. Many moisturizers now offer sun
protection too.
The 30's are a good time to consult a Dermatologist
for solid advice on medical and cosmetic skin
maintenance and ask questions about what to expect in
the years ahead. Dermatologists have access to a vast
array of treatments to help reduce or eliminate the
signs of aging and improve the overall appearance of the
skin.
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FABULOUS FORTIES
During your forties, you will see noticeable changes
in your skin's tone and texture. Your skin is no longer
as tight as it used to be. Your facial tone is duller
and pores may appear larger.
In this decade, you can expect signs of photodamage
to become more visible: blotches, freckles, age spots,
discoloration, and changes in skin color. Your
Dermatologist may suggest adding products that lighten
dark spots to your daily regimen to reduce the
appearance of brown spots and make your complexion
appear more even.
Dry skin is the root of many of these problems, so
moisturizing is an important part of your 40's skin care
regimen. Your maturing skin may require more aggressive
care, so make sure to explore the vast array of
anti-aging products available. Products with essential
ingredients that can visibly decrease the look and feel
of aging skin like retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha
hydroxy acids, are an absolute must. You can
reinvigorate tired, slack skin with firming treatments
that visibly improve skin firmness and texture.
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FANTASTIC FIFTIES
By your fifth decade, the aging process is in high
gear. The loss of volume and fullness continues giving
way to increased loose skin and sagging, pigmentary
changes continue, and the collagen breakdown becomes
more noticeable. The thinning skin loses its natural
protective barrier and becomes drier and more sensitive
to the environment, weather changes, and becomes
susceptible to bruising.
As hormone production levels change, they also have
dramatic effects on the skin. As a woman ages and the
reproductive cycle and hormones diminish, so does the
estrogen level. The primary function of estrogen in the
skin is to keep it soft, supple, and hydrated. The
absence of estrogen causes loss of elasticity and color,
and contributes to sagging and dryness in the skin.
Additional changes that appear with the onset of
menopause are the overproduction of oil, enlarged pores,
and facial hair growth due to the presence of
testosterone. Regular facials with massage can help
increase the skin's circulation. Firming masks and
hydrating treatments with mild exfoliation will also
help to rejuvenate the skin's appearance. Sun avoidance
is critical, and consistent use of moisturizers and
products containing anti-aging staples like retinoids,
AHA's, antioxidants, and humectants will help to reduce
the signs of aging skin on the face and neck, and the
ravages of hormone loss.
There are many nonsurgical techniques that your
Dermatologist can recommend. It's an ongoing process.
You can't cure fine lines and wrinkles, but you can
control them. Maintenance is the most important part.
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SIXTIES PLUS
The changes in the skin you experience in your
fifties continue through the sixties, seventies and
beyond. By now, your skin tone is becoming increasingly
lax and jowls and excess folds of skin are the norm.
Skin takes on a lighter color due to decreased
circulation, and the results of cumulative sun exposure
are most apparent. These changes are all part of the
normal aging process, and genetics as well as lifestyle
factors play an important role in determining how well
you will age.
After menopause, when estrogen is no longer produced,
added moisturization is critical. Fading age spots that
have developed over years of sun exposure becomes even
more critical. The better care you take of your skin in
your thirties, forties, and fifties, the better your
skin will look in the sixties and beyond. No discussion
of an anti-aging regimen would be complete without some
mention about the daily use of broad-spectrum sun
protection year round. Sunscreens are not the only
answer, but they are one vital part of a multi-pronged
approach.
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