Great Skin, At Any Age

Of course our skin ages as we get older. It’s an inevitable process that one must accept. Still there are many factors that contribute to how our skin looks, that are very much in our control. It seems to me that the best way to deal with aging is to be as kind to my skin as I can, and beyond that - let nature take its course. But there’s no need to act in a way that will cause premature aging and wrinkling!
Once in a while there’s an article that shows sets of identical twins and how they age differently depending on their lifestyles. It’s always a powerful reminder that while genetics play a major role in how we age, lifestyle and life choices play an important role too.
So what can you do to make sure your skin looks the best it can look, at any age?
* Stay away from the sun. Strict sun avoidance, especially during peak hours (11am - 4pm), and the regular use of a 30-SPF or higher sunscreen, are the most important things you can do for your skin. You DO need some sun exposure, to help your body make enough vitamin D - so make sure to be in the sun for 10-20 minutes each day, but always protect your face and décolletage.
* Exfoliate. Use an AHA or a BHA solution to gently slough off dead skin cells. You can use this daily, or 2-3 times per week. I much prefer this gentle method of exfoliation to physically rubbing my skin with a rough washcloth.
* If you can tolerate Retinol or Retin-A products, use them (Retin-A requires a prescription and should not be used if you’re pregnant). Retin-A has been shown to be effective for treating shallow wrinkles and improve skin texture and even its tone. In fact, it’s the only anti-wrinkle cream that actually delivers on its promises!
* Moisturize. With so many serums and treatments out there, it’s easy to forget one of the most basic, and easiest methods of making your skin look smoother and plumper - keeping it well-moisturized.
     These simple steps can make a real difference in how your skin looks, now and in the future.