You can thank three decades
of sun exposure for these.
lf you aren't already using
a daily moisturizer or foundation with an SPF of 15 or
higher, start slathering it on. Look for a product labeled "broad-spectrum,"
meaning it protects you from both wrinkle-causing UVA rays
and burning UVB rays.
You should also incorporate
a few other age-busting ingredients such as antioxidants
into your routine. Environmental assaults create free
radicals - molecules that break down collagen and elastin,
the supportive fibres that make your skin firm and elastic.
When the fibres start to disconnect, skin wrinkles and sags.
Antioxidants destroy free radicals, protecting existing
collagen and elastin and stimulating the production of new
collagen.
Dermatologists have
been buzzing about the effectiveness of idebenone, a
synthetic antioxidant, vitamins C and E, and green or white
tea. Whatever product you go
with, experts recommend giving it a 3-month trial period: If
your skin feels softer and looks brighter, you'll know it's
working.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
such as glycolic acid (from sugar) and lactic acid (from
milk) can also help by sloughing off the dead cells that
make skin look dull.
If after 4 to 6 weeks you're
not happy with the results of a nonprescription AHA product,
your dermatologist may recommend an in-office procedure that
uses a blend of more-potent ingredients. The most effective
combination is a solution of 20 to 70 per cent AHAs plus a
prescription vitamin A derivative (Retino A), which helps
the acids penetrate better.
Problem:
Wrinkles around the eyes
The eyes have it - thinner,
more-sensitive skin, that is. While regular facial
moisturizers can keep the skin supple, eye creams usually
contain lower concentrations of active ingredients and fewer
preservatives, so they are gentler.
Make sure the cream you
choose includes the basics, such as sunscreen and
antioxidants. If you need a little extra help, look for
ingredients like caffeine and magnolia extract to reduce
puffiness; coneflower to cool and soothe or vitamin K to
lessen dark under-eye circles.
Problem:
Breakouts
Upto 50 per cent of women
over age 25 have adult acne. Hormones are the problem. When
levels of androgens, the testosterone-like chemicals
responsible for acne, rise - just before your period, for
instance, or whenever you are particularly stressed your
oil glands go into overdrive, causing clogged pores and
sometimes leading to acne flare-ups.
If you have always been
pimple-prone, you may find that the pattern of your
breakouts is changing as you age (adult acne tends to appear
on the lower part of the face) and that the treatments you
used when you were younger don't work as well.
To target breakouts without
overdrying your skin, wash your face twice daily with a
gentle nonsoap lotion and avoid harsh toners that contain
alcohol. Use a noncomedogenic (non-pore-clogging)
moisturizer with moisture-attracting humectants like
glycerin and hyaluronic acid, but stay away from pore
blockers such as mineral oil and lanolin.
Prescription retinoid
creams, such as Retino A, clear pores and fight wrinkles at
the same time. If your skin doesn't respond to these
chemicals, the dermatologist may decide to prescribe
stronger remedy.
Oral antibiotics can kill
acne-causing bacteria, while birth control pills can control
breakouts by decreasing oil production.
