According to Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, a New York City--based dermatologist, in your 30s, your skin will begin to show signs of aging. You might see more dryness, facial lines and wrinkles, and unevenness in your complexion. As you move into your 40s, the elasticity of your skin may loosen due to collagen loss and slower skin cell turnover, and your skin will begin to lose some of its tightness. By your 50s and beyond, the oil production in your skin will progressively decrease, leaving your face even drier than before. The skin around your neck, eyelids and jaw may begin to sag as well, making it look dull, loose and aged. As discouraging as that sounds, there is much you can do to minimize the effects of aging on your skin. There are several products that contain preventative and restorative ingredients that will help you maintain your skin's firm, youthful appearance.
For the Face
When your skin begins to lose some of its elasticity, a firming cream or lotion can help restore it. Dr. Ingleton suggested two products that can help keep the skin of the face and neck firm and tight. The first one is Olay Total Effects Night Firming Cream, Face and Neck. It contains vitamin B and vitamin E, both of which contribute to a dewy, youthful glow. Vitamin E, in particular, is a powerful antioxidant that can help minimize the effects of aging by keeping skin moist and supple.
The other product Dr. Ingleton recommends is ROC Protient Fortify Night Cream. This product contains DMAE, a naturally occurring substance purported to lift and tighten when applied to the skin. Both products are nightly moisturizers that should be applied to the neck and face after cleansing in the evenings.
For the Body
Certainly you always want to put your best face forward, but it isn't just the skin of your face that will show signs of aging. You need to take care of your body, too. Ageless-beauty.com created a list in 2009 of the top 10 most effective cellulite firming creams available, naming Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Firming Moisturizing Lotion, SkinCeuticals Advanced Body Firming Lotion, and Murad Firm and Tone Serum as three of the best firming products. All three of these products contain a variety of ingredients--such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and skin-nourishing vitamins--which tighten, moisturize and restore the skin. Apply your product to your clean, dry skin twice a day, massaging it thoroughly into areas of concern.
A Word About Sunscreen
Although sunscreen isn't a firming product per se, Dr. Ingleton attributes many of the skin-aging changes listed above to sun damage. She advises that sunscreen containing UVB and UVA ingredients is "a daily necessity" in order to counteract the effects of skin breakdown, collagen loss and unevenness. Sunscreen, then, should be used as a preventative measure against skin sagging and droopiness. Wearing it everyday will help keep the skin on your face and body toned and firm.
For the best protection from the sun, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Jeannette Graf, recommends Olay Anti-Wrinkle Daily SPF 15 Lotion (with retinol and beta hydroxy acids) and Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, both of which offer much needed UVA and UVB protection.
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