Skin Care
The Right Skin Care for Every AgeStill using that oil-free cleanser your mom gave you when you were 13? To look flawless and fabulous at every age, it's time to rethink your skin routine. Here, your decade-by-decade anti-aging arsenal. |
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Your ideal regimen:
Step 1: Use a gentle foaming cleanser that will remove makeup and excess oil, but won't dry out your skin.
Step 2: For day, use a light moisturizer that contains sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection (the experts say this is something you cannot skip -- EVER. Look for a product that contains either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl. New York based dermatologist Dr. Heidi Waldorf recommends EltaMD UV Clear, $30. "It is an ultra light, quick absorbing, oil free moisturizer with SPF 46 and zinc oxide, that feels light but provides hydration, so it's an ideal daily moisturizer for face and neck." She also recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, $33.50, with SPF and titanium dioxide for patients with very oily skin.
Step 3: If you get mild breakouts (not serious acne -- your dermatologist should recommend the ideal treatment for that), use a spot treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. And whatever you do, don't pick -- it can lead to long-lasting scars.
Step 4: If you are one to stay up all hours of the night drinking and smoking, use an antioxidant to counteract the damage from your partying ways. Apply a serum at night that contains pomegranate extract (ellagic acid), vitamin C or grape seed extract. Antioxidants,"eliminate damaging free radicals responsible for most of what we perceive as skin aging, including fine lines, pigment changes and textural irregularity," says Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare.
Step 5: At night, cleanse and spot treat any breakouts (again with a treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide), and follow with a basic light moisturizer.
Step 6: It is okay to introduce eye creams and other anti-aging products as long as they are not too harsh. If it doesn't make your skin look better or if the product is irritating, skip it. Instead, Murad recommends looking for hydrating ingredients like ceramides, sodium PCA, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids. "They protect against dryness and fine lines by replenishing naturally occurring skin lipids."
SEE NEXT PAGE: If you're in your 30s
Older comments
These are sound, useful tips. I've seen many women use Vaseline to moisturize and they have had lovely complexions.
by GigiSD Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 07:28PM Report as inappropriate
feel old now.................
by Zeaundra Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 01:54PM Report as inappropriate
Would not use Vaseline on my face except to protect my hair line when coloring my hair.
by storrevillas Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:08PM Report as inappropriate
I agree with no vaseline on your face, maybe a dry patch!
by trishsterette Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 08:45AM Report as inappropriate
Nice routine.
by EricaC123 Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 05:15AM Report as inappropriate
great very informative thank you
by Nicole2814 Friday, January 4, 2013 at 06:54PM Report as inappropriate
This is really informative. I think it's too general though. I'm in my early thirties and I still have combination skin. Not everyone in their 20s, 30s, so on will have the same skin types!
by luckygal79 Monday, December 31, 2012 at 08:41AM Report as inappropriate
thanks
by aishak55 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 05:21PM Report as inappropriate
Thanks for sharing!
by robyne00 Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 05:30PM Report as inappropriate
time to add retinoids and peptides into my skincare routine.
by lilas Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 04:14PM Report as inappropriate