Join our Facebook chat with YouBeauty Dermatology Expert, Jeanine B. Downie, M.D. on Monday, Aug 6th from 12-1 p.m. EDT. She’ll be answering your questions on easy ways to look and feel younger. This is your opportunity to chat with a dermatologist! Feel free to leave questions in the comments section of this article for Dr. Downie and she’ll answer them during the live chat.
In Your 20s: Start With the BasicsSkin starts to thin after age 18, and drinking alcohol and smoking doesn’t help. Besides using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, women in their 20s should invest in a good moisturizer high in antioxidants. Even young women will see a change in their skin’s tone after only a few weeks of using the proper moisturizing agents and daily sunscreen. Quit the tanning bed immediately if you were doing that, and no more fast food.
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In Your 30s: Wise-Up to Glycolics
Women in their 30s need to tackle stubborn sun damage with a glycolic acid-based product twice daily, along with their regular skincare regimen. After a few weeks, they should notice a change in their skin’s texture and tone along with a decrease in fine lines.Starting in their 30s, some women will notice their skin has lost volume, and facial wrinkles and folds have become more prominent. At this time, women may consider treatment with a dermal filler (Juvederm or Restylane) or Botox Cosmetic.If you haven’t already, start an exercise regimen. Realize that sudden weight gains and losses can really age your face and body, and exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Begin to eat more fruits and vegetables, which will help your skin maintain youthful qualities. I like to tell my patients to eat the rainbow with a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Cut down on carbs and cut down on sugar. Exercise regularly four to five times a week.
In Your 40s: Get a Boost with Retinoids
Women of this age should consider revamping their skincare regimen to include collagen-boosting products and retinoids. Under the supervision of a dermatologist, a retinoid cream can dramatically reduce the signs of photo-aging, including fine wrinkling and mottled hyper- and hypopigmentation.Working from below the skin’s surface to “thin” the dead outer layers of skin, 40-somethings will see a difference that will keep them feeling beautiful. Increase your exercise regimen, decrease your food intake and get more sleep. Drink less coffee, less alcohol and more water. In your 40s, many peri-menopausal women have a significant slowdown in their metabolism. This means you need to cut your carbs and sugar even more or you will gain weight.
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In Your 50s, 60s, and 70s: Resurface and Retain
Women in their 50s, 60s and 70s should make sure to stay hydrated, especially after spending so much time in the sun. Besides using collagen boosters, antioxidants and glycolics, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (protecting the body against free radical damage); vitamins A, C, and E; and healthy oils to keep skin healthy from the inside out.Keep steady with your exercise regimen and only eat when you are hungry, then stop the moment you feel somewhat full. Lower your stress level by perfecting saying no. Stop running around for everyone and do more for yourself. This will also help you sleep better during those tough nights sweats in your fifties. Exercising with weights and cardio should still be a stand-by. Standing up straight, whitening your teeth and monitoring your moles for any changes are all critical.
