Let's face it, aging can be an unpleasant process to watch. There's nothing quite like realizing your "cheekbone" isn't quite where it used to be, or that your eyelids are slowly sagging into your line of sight. But you don't need to wince next time you look in the mirror. Aging gracefully is not only a beautiful thing but very doable.
Whether you're in your 20s or your 60s, there are measures you can take to slow (or even turn back) the clock, and infuse your skin with a youthful glow. We talked to a cosmetic scientist, a dermatologist and a cosmetic surgeon about which skin care ingredients and technologies are most important and effective when it comes to battling common skin issues like multiplying brown spots, sagging skin, loss of volume and deepening wrinkles. Some are new; some have been around for decades -- all have shown impressive results. Next time you're at the drugstore, you can put this newfound knowledge to use to find a skin care treatment that addresses your main concerns -- and makes your skin look gorgeous.
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20s: Sun protection is the fountain of youth.
You may feel invincible in your 20s but your skin is probably already recovering from your teens. "Although a modest amount of UV exposure is healthy and promotes vitamin D production, too much is detrimental," says cosmetic surgeon to the stars Dr. Garth Fisher. According to dermatologists, sun damage is the main culprit for skin aging -- about 80 percent of the aging we see is due to excess sun exposure. Overexposure can break down collagen and elastin in skin and cause more wrinkles and pigmentation to occur. So it's never too early to take the easiest anti-aging measure out there: slathering on sunscreen daily (no matter the weather). And don't just use any ol' sunscreen; opt for a light-weight, non-comedogenic, oil-free and non-greasy one that shields against cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays. Try Olay Complete Ageless Skin Renewing UV Lotion, $23, which provides nourishing all day moisture, is packed with vitamins and contains SPF 20.
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20s: Caffeine perks up your skin -- really.
Disclaimer: This is not a pass to drink a pot of coffee a day or cut sleep, both of which can actually work against you in the aging department. That said, a modest dose of caffeine can not only perk you up for those long, busy days at school or work but also perk up your skin. Derived from sources like coffee, tea, cocoa, yerba mate and guarana, caffeine is used in cosmetics to combat stretch marks and fine lines because it vasoconstricts, or closes blood vessels, temporarily helping reduce the appearance of sagging, puffy skin. Look for it in products like Olay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex, $47.
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30s: Antioxidants, your next line of defense, come in many shapes and sizes.
"Women in their 30s should look for products that have antioxidants, which allow for enhanced free radical protection," says Procter and Gamble Senior Scientist Rolanda Johnson. When you reach your 30s, your skin starts to show some wear and tear, in part due to environmental factors and free radicals like cigarette smoke, pollution, leads, pesticides, alcohol and so on. Antioxidants like grapeseed extract, green tea and red wine polyphenols are being integrated in beauty products all the time to help combat these factors. Also, look to classic antioxidants like vitamins E and C, which work together to fight aging and prevent oxidative damage to the skin from UV exposure. (Vitamin C -- which must be applied to skin topically because the body doesn't naturally produce it -- also stimulates collagen production, and in some cases, lightens skin to fight hyperpigmentation.) Find some of these ingredients in Olay Regenerist DNA Superstructure UV Cream SPF 25, $24, and Peter Thomas Roth Power Rescue Facial Firming Lift, $150.
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30s: Acid can practically cure dry skin.
Since many women in their 30s are jumping on the anti-aging bandwagon, now is a good time to start exfoliating regularly. Exfoliation is important for skin renewal, and for battling dry skin, which can occur more often with age. It can also make an almost immediate difference in your skin's feel and texture since your top layer of skin is removed. Invest in an exfoliating device like the Clarisonic Skin Care System, $195, or look for products that contain glycolic, lactic, polyhydroxy fruit or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs -- found in fruits like papaya). Have sensitive skin? Go for beta hydroxy acids (glycolic or lactic), which can be less irritating. Try Olay Age Defying Daily Renewal Cleanser, $5, and Olay Age Defying Daily Renewal Cream Beta Hydroxy Complex, $11.
Let's face it, aging can be an unpleasant process to watch. There's nothing quite like realizing your "cheekbone" isn't quite where it used to be, or that your eyelids are slowly sagging into your line of sight. But you don't need to wince next time you look in the mirror. Aging gracefully is not only a beautiful thing but very doable.
Whether you're in your 20s or your 60s, there are measures you can take to slow (or even turn back) the clock, and infuse your skin with a youthful glow. We talked to a cosmetic scientist, a dermatologist and a cosmetic surgeon about which skin care ingredients and technologies are most important and effective when it comes to battling common skin issues like multiplying brown spots, sagging skin, loss of volume and deepening wrinkles. Some are new; some have been around for decades -- all have shown impressive results. Next time you're at the drugstore, you can put this newfound knowledge to use to find a skin care treatment that addresses your main concerns -- and makes your skin look gorgeous.
