Beautiful Skin At Any Age
Although it is true that some of us genetically blessed with better skin and are able to maintain a youthful look for longer, it is also true that there are secrets that everyone can use to get fabulous skin. I am often asked about the basics of good skin care for each decade, be it the 30’s 40s or 50s. Cosmetic science has evolved such that there are tried and tested solutions for every age. Like most good things, the solutions are simple. This column will be dedicated to discussing these three decades individually in order to give readers a solid scientific primer to good skin care.
30s
Main Issues: Wrinkles, increased pore size and less radiant skin
Causes: Due to slower cell renewal, skin starts to look duller. The previous healthy radiant skin is no longer quite there. Also ultraviolet light damage to the face now begins to show as the skin begins to wrinkle around the eyes and forehead.
Strategy: As always there are two aspects to your skin care, at home care and in-office care. At home use a good chemical based exfoliating cream (ex. Glycolic acid 8%) daily, and sunscreen. To avoid breakouts use mineral based make-up. In office treatments may be limited to a series of chemical peels. Chemical peels use glycolic acid, lactic acid or betahydroxy acid, which is left on for a few minutes and then neutralized. The skin will look a little flushed for few hours but you will be rewarded with smooth skin for a month or so. If you are concerned with lines around the forehead or eyes then it is not too early to consider Botox. When done by an experienced physician, you should get a natural, younger looking appearance.
40s
Main Issues: Deeper wrinkles, nose to mouth lines, spider veins and pigmentation
Causes: Once again, slowed cell renewal leads to dull skin. In addition to this pre-menopausal hormone changes can lead to loss of elasticity and thinning skin. Gravity also plays its part in facial aging.
Strategy: Over and above regular exfoliation (work up to 15% glycolic acid) and sunscreen. It is vital to start to treat the loss of elasticity. Retinol is a good ingredient to add in nightly to your skin regime. Also at this time a matryxl based eye serum can work well to reduce aging in the area. In the doctor’s office, besides chemical peels and Botox, it is time to consider fillers. Fillers are like padding, they work to replace the intrinsic facial fat that is lost with age. There are many types of fillers available however most doctors recommend temporary fillers that last 9 months to a year. These can treat lipstick lines, thinning lips, as well as marionette lines (nose to mouth lines). For pigment damage to the skin, those with lighter skin can opt for laser treatments or IPL (Intense pulse light) and for those with darker skin, there are skin-lightening creams that can be specially formulated for your skin type.
50s
Main Issues: Sagging skin, a tired appearance, sunspots and deeper lines.
Causes: As hormone levels drip off, this leads to thinner more fragile skin. The collagen and elastin shrinks causing the sagging and this also increases the depth of lines. A lifetime of sun exposure causes sunspots to become apparent.
Sources: Dr. Takhar’s Cosmetic Clinic and
Illumination Laser Medical Associates.