Sunscreen is the price of admission for beautiful skin in your 40s and 50s. What else can you do? Dr. Bethanee J. Schlosser, assistant professor of dermatology and director of Women’s Skin Health at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, offers a Super 6 watch list:
- Gentle skin care products. In our industry, you have easy access to great professional products that will leave your skin looking radiant and feeling smooth.
- AHA and retinoid products. “Formulas with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoids can make your skin look younger,” says Schlosser, who is certified by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) board. “Also consider using products with antioxidants, as these may help repair and prevent further skin damage.”
- Adult acne. “If you struggle with acne as an adult, use—and overuse—of anti-acne cleansers and products may irritate your skin,” Schlosser notes. “Consider switching to a mild cleanser with salicylic acid or sulfur. Make sure all skin care products and cosmetics are labeled “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic” or “oil-free.” In addition, wash gently, as scrubbing can further irritate the skin.
- Moisturize. “Oil production in the skin diminishes in our 40s, so it is important to moisturize your skin regularly,” Schlosser says. After showering is the best time to apply a moisturizer, and you can supplement that with a few drops throughout the day.
- Hands. These can be an aging clue, so treat your hands as well as your face, protecting them from sun and perhaps applying a glycolic acid or antioxidant product.
- Do not smoke. Want to have a dull, dry complexion, loss of skin firmness, premature lines, mouth wrinkles and a leathery look? You’ll get all of that from smoking.
For more tips, watch the AAD video.
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