Art of Aging Gracefully

The foundation for an antiaging skin care regimen is the same as any basic skin-care routine: washing with mild facial and body cleansers, exfoliating on a regular basis, moisturizing early and often, and practicing daily sun protection on a year-round basis. But skin changes with age, and that’s when products specifically designed for maturing skin become powerful tools in your antiaging arsenal. Know the ingredients to look for and how to make the most of the wide array of antiaging products on the market, and you’ll be armed and ready to keep wrinkles at bay.

Fine lines and wrinkles: As we grow older, skin loses its elasticity. That’s what causes those pesky lines and wrinkles to make their unwelcome debut and our youthful, glowing complexion to fade. While this may seem inevitable — and to some extent it is — there are effective ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Moisturizing and sun protection are two of the big ones, along with using products that contain antioxidants. Prescription-strength antiwrinkle creams, like Retin-A, or skin creams that contain peptides, are particularly effective, since these ingredients work to thicken and plump up collagen, your skin’s natural youth serum. Glycolic acid-based peels can also be used to stimulate collagen, and so can vitamin C. If you’re interested in pursuing cosmetic procedures, talk to your dermatologist about laser resurfacing, chemical peels, Botox, and fillers.

Adult acne: Your teenage years may be well behind you, but apparently no one told those pimples that keep popping up! So while it doesn’t seem fair that acne can still rear its ugly head — that is, both its blackheads and whiteheads! — the truth is that adult acne is very common. Dermatologists typically recommend a combination of therapies, including topical treatments, such as creams, lotions, gels, and solutions. At the drugstore, look for products that contain salicylic and/or glycolic acid, or talk to your dermatologist about prescribing something stronger. More serious conditions may call for an oral antibiotic.

Sun damage: Sun exposure can create any number of problems for aging skin. Some — like sunspots and leathery texture — are unsightly but harmless. But others, like basal or squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, can be more serious or even life-threatening. Your best defense: Minimize your exposure to the sun and wear sunscreen, which is the most effective antiaging product available, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The AAD recommends practicing smart sun protection year-round by liberally applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that fights both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 15 — though some dermatologists encourage a minimum of 30 for better protection. Regular moisturizing can also help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.

Spider and varicose veins: Whether they’re thin and purple or thick and blue, visible veins are at the top of many a woman’s “hate” list. What cause spider and varicose veins? Less-than-perfect circulation, which taxes the veins, causing them to swell and bulge, or burst, leaving a “spidery” trail. The condition is often hereditary and/or or sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. The best way to prevent varicose or spider veins is to promote good circulation with regular physical activity, particularly cardio exercise like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. If you choose to seek medical treatment, ask your doctor about sclerotherapy, a common procedure during which veins are injected with a solution (typically saline) to collapse them. Treated veins should disappear over the course of several weeks or months. (Keep in mind that some advanced varicose veins may require more serious medical treatment or even surgery to relieve potential complications, such as blood clots, inflammation, or ulcers. And be sure to alert your doctor if you experience persistent or severe muscle cramping, swelling, or tenderness in your legs.)

Words of wisdom – These commonsense antiaging skin-care strategies will promote overall health as they help you maintain younger looking skin.

• Eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3s.
• Make exercise that combines cardio with strength training a regular part of your daily routine.
• Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol, as well as exposure to environmental pollutants, including secondhand smoke and air pollution.

Source: Daily Glow Online Beauty Magazine