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Skin Care Through The Ages |
The products and practices which kept your skin looking pretty in your 20s won't necessarily work as you hit your 30s, 40s and beyond. Like lifestyles and wardrobes, your skin care needs to be updated as times passes.
Here's a breakdown of common skin characteristics for each age group.
Your Beautiful 20s
- You have an abundance of collagen and elastin, imparts a firm, plump healthy glow to the face.
- Wrinkles are virtually non-existent.
- Although most women in their twenties do not have wrinkles, signs of premature aging can be present and should serve as a warning:----USE SUNBLOCK---AND AVOID SUN EXPOSURE
Your 30s-Keeping Up Appearances
- You can look vibrant and youthful, especially if you practiced sun avoidance over the years.
- Some superficial wrinkles may appear, the correct use of skin care products can do wonders to minimize lines and creases.
- Moisturizers cannot actually prevent aging, but they can keep drier skin from looking parched.
- The use of sunscreen, especially on the face, is critical. Because 30 plus year-old skin begins to dry, a moisturizing sunscreen is recommended.
- Using Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) leave-on products can actually smooth skin.
Your 40s-Challenges and Rewards
- Good skin care habits employed over the years shine through.
- Rosacea, a disease which typically affects fair-skinned women over the age of 40 can occur.
- The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, can begin cropping up.
- The use of sun block has a dual purpose---staving off wrinkles and reducing your risk of skin cancer.
Your Mid-40s to Fifties
- Declining levels of estrogen during menopause effect skin elasticity, pigment, firmness and tone.
- Estrogen contributes to sebum production. As sebum production goes down, skin may become drier.
- Estrogen also stimulates fat deposits. Menopause can lead to the diminution of fat. Fat deposits on the face, hands and neck impart a more youthful appearance.
- As estrogen decreases, a lack of elasticity takes place.
- Pigment producing cells, controlled by estrogen, slow down. Irregular dark patches can appear.
Source: Patricia R. Lawler, co-author of How to Wash Your Face by Barney J. Kenet, M.D.
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