When the signs of aging skin strike, you have an arsenal of skin-care products and tools to save you. Send wrinkles, spots and dips away using in-home care, avoidance techniques and professional cosmetic treatments that rejuvenate your appearance. Dermatologists also have skin-care tips for maintaining tone and elasticity between treatments. While you can't reverse the breakdown in your body's production of collagen and elastin, you can take steps to improve your skin's condition.
Step 1
Moisturize often throughout the day to rehydrate skin. The Skin Sciences Institute reports that drawing water into the skin this way leaves it more supple and elastic than dry skin, with an immediate effect.
Step 2
Wear sunscreen daily to protect skin integrity. Wrinkles and sagging in aging skin are largely the product of lifetime sun exposure. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises blocking more UV damage with a skin-care product that absorbs both UVA and UVB rays. Some moisturizers contain an effective strength (SPF 15 or more) of sunscreen.
Step 3
Use a sunless tanning cream instead of a tanning bed. The same principles of outdoor UV exposure apply to indoor tanning, a practice that damages skin elasticity to produce a tan.
Step 4
Quit smoking and doing facial exercises. According to the Mayo Clinic and American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), repetitive motions associated with smoking and facial exercises do not improve the elasticity of aging skin, but have the opposite effect, putting stress on skin that is less resilient and causing wrinkles and sagging.
Step 5
Get a dermal filler cosmetic treatment, such as collagen compound injections. Alternatively, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser therapy facials and botulinum toxin can give your skin a smoother surface and improved appearance.
Step 6
Use a topical night cream made for aging skin. The AAD points out that anti-aging creams with active ingredients such as retinol, azelaic acid and hydroxy acids are effective when used as directed. They also can preserve the effects of professional cosmetic treatments.
Tips and Warnings
- Like moisturizing skin-care lotions, moisturizing soaps or cleansers will prevent dry skin and a loss of elasticity. The Skin Sciences Institute recommends a glycerin-based cleanser rather than drying deodorant soaps. Cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens made without fragrance or added color create fewer irritations that interfere with skin health and appearance.
- The AAD cautions that home microdermabrasion or botulinum toxin kits can be very dangerous. Invasive cosmetic treatments should be administered by a licensed medical professional after confirming that they are safe for your skin.
Things You'll Need
- Hypoallergenic moisturizing cream or lotion
- SPF 15 or higher sunscreen
- Anti-aging topical cream
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