The following are some helpful tips to keep your skin looking refreshed, youthful and healthy at any age!
20s: To maintain that youthful glow in your 20s and prevent hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkles, and sun spots, daily facial sunscreen use is key. Sunscreens containing ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are essential for protection from both UVA and UVB. With numerous facial moisturizers containing SPF on the market, choosing the best sunscreen for your skin can be overwhelming. A lightweight liquid formula, a buildable texture, non-greasy, noncomedogenic product is ideal for both darker and lighter skin types. A few recommendations: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 facial sunscreen, Colorscience total protection face shield, and EltaMD UV clear broad spectrum face sunscreen. Ingredients are safe and above all else provide optimum hydration, both of which are favorites among my skin of color patients with acne-prone skin.
30s: Vitamin C, topical retinol and sunscreen are considered the “holy trinity” in dermatology for maintaining youthful appearing skin. What better way to celebrate your “dirty thirty” by investing in a nighttime retinol cream and a morning vitamin C serum.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is quintessential in one’s skin care regimen as it prevents sun damage, increases collagen production, brightens the skin and most importantly, improves skin tone. The key to choosing a Vitamin C serum is to look for serums that contain L-ascorbic acid, the most active form of Vitamin C. Consumers should be mindful of packaging—an air tight bottle to prevent oxidation by UV light is vital.
Though retinol creams provide noninvasive wrinkle-prevention, evening out complexion, promoting increased cell turnover and reducing pore size, retinol use is often limited by dryness, peeling, and skin irritation—all of which are drawbacks for those with sensitive skin. Residual hyperpigmentation from the peeling and skin irritation is a concern for darker skin types.
40s: Diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can be frustrating for many at this age. In addition to skin changes as a result of normal aging, some may experience hormonal changes resulting in adult acne and subsequent acne-induced hyperpigmentation. At this age, daily sunscreen and nightly retinol use are increasingly important for management of both. Dynamic and static forehead lines, crow’s feet and the cosmetically displeasing “eleven” lines of the glabellar complex can be softened overtime with Botox. Fractionated laser and radiofrequency heat devices are helpful in skin tightening, prompting collagen and elastin synthesis as well as providing a youthful glow. When considering botox, soft-tissue augmentation and laser rejuvenation, consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is essential to discuss expectations, benefits and potential risks of such procedures.
50s: With age, our skin becomes increasingly dry resulting in a “crepey” appearance, defined wrinkles and facial hallowing. Skin thinning is most apparent for many around the eyes in this age group where the skin is the thinnest and most fragile. Eye creams are essential in skin hydration and plumping in this delicate area while masking under-eye darkness. Look for an eye cream containing retinol and hyaluronic acid to further promote firmness and hydration. Ingredients are safe and above all else provide optimum hydration with minimal irritation, both of which are favorites among my skin of color patients with acne-prone skin. Radiofrequency tightening devices can be helpful in improving the “crepey” appearance of thinned skin on the arms and legs.
60s and above: Treatment of wrinkles in addition to prevention is of the utmost importance in this age group. Loss of hydration and elasticity of the skin with age can lead to thinning of the skin, hollowing and defined static, stubborn wrinkles. Skin hydration and restoring the protective skin barrier are best achieved with ingredients such as Vitamin E, oils, and hyaluronic acid. Products infused with hyaluronic acid “boosts” the skin hydration, improving the elasticity and cohesion of the skin barrier while not leaving behind an unwanted greasy or oily residue. Look for safe ingredients that are effective and gentle for sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin.
Discuss with your board certified dermatologist anti-aging tips and recommendations.