Dulling skin, spreading lines, growing brown spots, enlarged pores -- is there no relief? Aging can be a pesky reminder of fleeting youth; it either creeps up on you or hits you one day like a ton of bricks. Unfortunately, there's no time machine (yet) that keeps you smooth and firm forever -- but, whether it's with the help of cosmetic surgery and makeup or just really good skin care, there are proven ways to elude premature signs of aging on your face, hands and other commonly exposed body parts. We asked several dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists and some really young-looking seniors what they did to keep their skin in great shape. Here, we share their short- and long-term skincare secrets, habits and tips that can slow down and, in some cases, turn back visible signs of aging. No matter your age, this guide will help your skin be the best it can be throughout your lifetime -- provided you follow suit. Next time someone asks, go ahead and tell them your age; we bet they'll be impressed.
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Tip 1: Use peptides regularly.
Nearly every dermatologist we've consulted about anti-aging products recommends peptides like those found in the Olay Regenerist Skin Care Starter Trio, $62. A good set of peptides (yes, there's such thing as a bad set) can trick the skin into producing more collagen, a skin cell protein that makes you look young. But as with most skin care, don't expect immediate results. Patience, and regular application according to the instructions, actually has been proven to yield results over time (and by time, we mean give it up to six months before you consider throwing in the towel).
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Tip 2: Hydrate tenfold.
OK, perhaps drinking insane amounts of water isn't a secret but it's definitely something most people need a constant reminder to do. And carrying around a refillable water bottle seems to be the best way to do it, according to the women we asked. Drinking enough water and fresh fruit juices can help your skin be more supple and elastic, which is extremely desirable in the battle against signs of aging. You want your skin to be hydrated, plump and able to bounce back at all times. For those of us who spend our days indoors, a daily intake of eight to 10 glasses of water or fruit juice is the bare minimum. For those who venture outdoors frequently or exercise often, more is ideal.
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Tip 3: Remember, a cream is a cream.
Another aspect of hydrating is, of course, to apply a good moisturizer (preferably one containing a rich peptide complex like Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream, $22) at least twice a day. But is it necessary to have an eye cream, a face cream, a hand cream and a lip cream (aka balm)? Some experts might say no. Your skin is all one organ, so in theory, you could use your face cream on your hands, your lip cream on your eyes, your eye cream on your lips, and so on. In fact, some people swear by it. (Makeup artist Bobbi Brown, for example, prefers eye cream to hydrate and smooth exfoliated lips; while skincare guru Dr. Howard Murad recommends applying your night cream on your hands; after all, your hands often give your age away before your face does!
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Tip 4: Avoid acidic foods.
While the subject is still up for debate in medical circles, many experts believe that your diet does affect your skin. Dr. Jeanette Graf, author of "Stop Aging, Start Living," recommends regulating your complexion by combating the body's natural tendency toward a lower pH level as it ages. By eating a diet that's rich in alkalinizing foods (like dark leafy greens, filtered water, lemons, nuts, seeds, olive oil and specific whole grains) and sparse in acidic foods (like sugar, cola, coffee, dairy and animal proteins), your body's pH level may remain higher (more alkaline) and show fewer signs of aging.
Dulling skin, spreading lines, growing brown spots, enlarged pores -- is there no relief? Aging can be a pesky reminder of fleeting youth; it either creeps up on you or hits you one day like a ton of bricks. Unfortunately, there's no time machine (yet) that keeps you smooth and firm forever -- but, whether it's with the help of cosmetic surgery and makeup or just really good skin care, there are proven ways to elude premature signs of aging on your face, hands and other commonly exposed body parts. We asked several dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists and some really young-looking seniors what they did to keep their skin in great shape. Here, we share their short- and long-term skincare secrets, habits and tips that can slow down and, in some cases, turn back visible signs of aging. No matter your age, this guide will help your skin be the best it can be throughout your lifetime -- provided you follow suit. Next time someone asks, go ahead and tell them your age; we bet they'll be impressed.
