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When applying skin care products, particularly eye creams, don't rub or smear the product into your skin. With your pinky or ring finger (they deliver the lightest touch) dot and pat the product around the treatment areas. Tension and pulling around the eyes can decrease elasticity, says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd.
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Read the label on your sunscreen as if the life of your skin depends on it -- because it does. "Not every sunscreen offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays," says Dr. Lancer. UVB rays are the ones most likely to cause sunburn, but UVA rays are known to contribute heavily to photo aging and the development of skin cancer, so it's important to protect your skin from both. You know the drill: Apply a sunscreen SPF 30 or higher 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply every three hours. To maximize your sun protection regimen, Dr. Lancer recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher on lips, and wearing sunglasses to cut back on squinting, which causes crow's feet and frown lines.
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As you age, you lose some of the fat from your face, which can result in hollows under the eyes and a thinner upper lip. Cosmetic fillers add volume where fat has been lost. Remember: Botox is not a filler. A filler fills the wrinkle with product, which adds volume, whereas Botox relaxes the muscle that's creating the wrinkle, says dermatologist Derek Jones, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at UCLA.
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Start sneaking walnuts into your yogurt, salads and other dishes. These nuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids (see O), and also contain anti-inflammatory powers that can help eczema sufferers. "Half a cup of walnuts provide enough omega-3 for a daily requirement of four grams," says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd.
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Chill out. Meditate. Play violin. Read a great American novel. Whatever you do for serious, relaxing downtime, do it and do it more often. "Stress causes the production of the hormone cortisol in our bodies," says Dr. Lancer. "Over time, this thins and dries out the skin, breaks down collagen and leads to sagging, fine lines and wrinkles." Stress also affects the quality of sleep (see B).
You know those stories about the latest, greatest breakthroughs and research into anti-aging -- the ones that make you feel like you need a masters degree in chemistry, biology and dermatology to understand? This isn't one of them. Because creating an amazing anti-aging skin care regimen isn't about knowing every nuance behind the science of anti-aging. It's about distilling all of the research and how-to tips out there into a plan that suits you -- a plan that fits your life and your unique skin care needs.
Consider this your elementary guide to youthful, wrinkle-free and radiant skin. It's as easy as A-B-C.
Consider this your elementary guide to youthful, wrinkle-free and radiant skin. It's as easy as A-B-C.
