Duty: cleaning and providing mild chemical exfoliation to
soften fine lines. Mild cleansers such as castile soap are
less irritating to the skin.
Exfoliate:
The skin's top layer renews itself every thirty days or so,
as cells rise to the surface to form a barrier to the outside
world, then get sloughed off and replaced by new cells. This
process, which keeps skin looking fresh and young, diminishes
with age; regular exfoliation helps to compensate by speeding
up cell turnover. Exfoliation can be accomplished with chemical
peeling agents (such as alpha-hydroxy acids) or physical scrubs
(at-home microdermabrasion products that contain aluminum
oxide crystals, tiny plastic beads or natural grains).
Moisturize: Look for moisturizers that do
more than just add emollients to the skin. In the morning,
apply a combination moisturizer/sunscreen, or a moisturizer
with free-radical-fighting antioxidants. In the evening, use
a cream that contains a retinoid (either prescription-strength
Retin A or a milder, over-the-counter retinol). Doctors still
consider retinoids to be the gold standard when it comes to
enhancing collagen production.
Sun
protect: Don't leave the house without sunscreen
protection (SPF 15 or higher) -- every day, all year round,
sunny or cloudy skies. Physicians agree this is the number
one way to prevent future sun damage and skin aging. Look
for products that protect from both UVA and UVB rays. Read
the label for ingredients such as zinc oxide, PABA and titanium
dioxide.
|
