As we age, our skin will go through many changes. From oily and blemished, to fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. To keep our skin in top shape we need to periodically reassess our skin habits and products accordingly. We’ll get into that later.
First, I want to talk about the universal rules we should all follow. Paying attention to the following tips can go a long way in your skincare condition, appearance and results.
These tips are in addition to the common ones that we all know, such as wearing sunscreen, getting enough sleep, drink water, etc.
I’ll start with the “bad” and then end with the “good”, so we can finish on a positive note!
The Bad: 7 Sins of Skin
Picking or Popping Pimples: This can push bacteria into your pores which can cause an infection and leave scars
Not cleansing your face before bedtime: Causes clogged pores, leading to breakouts, dries out the skin and causes premature aging
Not cleaning your makeup brushes on a weekly basis: Bacteria can build up and cause infection if you have an open sore/acne blemish
Not drinking enough water: Calculate half your body weight and that’s how many ounces of water you should be drinking everyday
Over Exfoliating: This can dry your skin out and cause irritation. Only exfoliate 1/wk for dry skin and 2/wk for oily skin
Not giving enough attention to your eyes: Be sure to use a specific product for the eye area
Using the wrong products for your skin type
Bonus Tip: Cell phones are often overlooked. They collect a lot of bacteria, be sure to wipe it clean with an alcohol pad or hydrogen peroxide at least once a day
The Good: 9 Nutritious Skin Helpers
Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries and Vit.C are great antioxidants, they fight free radicals
Olive oil is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, can be used topically. Eat plenty with your food
Green Tea is anti-Inflammatory. Bonus tip: put your used tea bags in the refrigerator and place them over eyes for puffiness
Nuts: Anti-Inflammatory, Walnuts (fatty acids), Brazil Nuts (Selenium-improves elasticity of skin), Almonds (Vitamin E-nourishes and protects skin)
Dark green vegetables: Kale, broccoli, spinach are antioxidants (beta-carotene helps repair and renew skin)
Avocado: Is an antioxidant, has healthy fat, Vit.C & E
Tomatoes: Contain lycopene which helps fight free radicals
Carrots: Contain Vit.A and helps prevent an overproduction of cells in the skin's outer layer
Skin Care Through the Ages
Throughout our 20s it feels like skin care is so easy, right?
We can be pretty minimalistic as far as products go and seemingly get away with late nights, poor nutrition and lots of fun in the sun. But, as we age we start to see the effects of all of this and realize how important taking care of our skin is.
Tips for your 30s:
When dry skin, fine lines and sun damage starts to appear, no more partying without repercussions.
Use products with antioxidants which help repair and prevent sun damage, reduce fine lines and increase collagen production
Be sure to hydrate inside and out, eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies
Don’t forget your neck and decollete area
Tips for your 40s:
You start to experience hormonal changes, the loss of collagen and elastin causing lines and furrows to grow deeper, dark spots and uneven tone start to appear. Follow these tips to look fabulous throughout your 40’s:
Use a hydrating gel cleanser with lactic or glycolic acid
Combat hyperpigmentation with products that are hydroquinone-free (hydroquinone may cause cancer and has been banned in many countries)
Be sure to use an anti-aging eye cream
Tips for your 50s:
Still going through hormonal changes, wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation is more pronounced.
Gently cleanse skin using a hydrating cleanser
Use a collagen booster
Use anti-aging products
Yes, genetics play a big role in our skin health, but there’s also so much under our own control; lifestyle choices, using the right products for your skin and staying away from all those bad skin habits.
Getting regular facials and advanced skin treatments will also help tremendously with keeping your skin in the best shape it can be.
Sources:
Be Nice to Your Skin-15 Bad Skin Habits. Retrieved from Catherine Hinds website: http://www.catherinehinds.edu/blog/?p=489
Skin Care Tips for your 30’s. Retrieved from Glo Beauty Blog website: http://blog.gloprofessional.com/2013/01/skin-care-tips-for-your-30s.html
Skin Care Tips for your 40’s. Retrieved from Glo Beauty Blog website: http://blog.gloprofessional.com/2013/01/skin-care-tips-for-your-40s.html
Skin Care Tips for your 50’s. Retrieved from Glo Beauty Blog website: http://blog.gloprofessional.com/2013/01/skin-care-tips-for-your-40s.html
Nutrients for Healthy Skin. Retrieved from WebMD website: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/face/skin-nutrition
