Birth to 20: Pristine Skin
Description: Skin is pristine
at birth. Excess burning in the early years can add up to trouble later
in life. In adolescence, oil production increases and blemishes may flare
up.
Recommendations:
Always protect skin from sun burn with an SPF 15 sunscreen to avoid burning.
Establish a gentle, regular cleansing routine, healthy eating and sleeping
habits and get plenty of exercise in the teen years. See a dermatologist
if acne becomes a problem.
The 20s: Skin at its Prime
Description: Skin eruptions
have often settled down, and skin may be at its prime--soft, supple and
wrinkle-free.
Recommendations:
Continue to wear sunscreen and tan in moderation. A cleansing and moisturizing
routine is important, especially if you are wearing makeup. Use an exfoliator,
such as an alpha-hydroxy acid product or gentle scrub, if your skin responds
well. Establish healthy sleep, exercise and eating habits, which pay off
later on.
The 30s: Skin Begins to Show Age
Description: Wrinkles
and age spots begin to appear, and tiny lines start to develop around the
eyes. Hormones from pregnancy and oral contraceptives may cause some skin
discoloration. Skin starts to look less radiant.
Recommendations:
Regular use of moisturizer, especially for those with dry skin, becomes
important now. Continue to guard against sun burning with a sunscreen;
protect your neck and hands as well as your face. AHA products can help
keep skin looking vibrant and smooth. Maintain a regular exercise program,
and make getting enough sleep a priority.
The 40s: Moisturizing is Essential
Description: Collagen
and elastin decrease and the skin becomes dryer. Lines and wrinkles become
more prominent. Blood circulation slows, leaving skin and lips with less
of a blush.
Recommendations:
Moisturizer is especially important now. AHA products and other exfoliators
help increase skin-cell turnover. A change in makeup application may be
appropriate. Stay physically active, but always wear sunscreen when outdoors
and remember to drink lots of water.
The 50s: Cell Renewal Decreases
Description: Wrinkles
and sagging increase, while cell renewal decreases dramatically. Skin becomes
thinner and retains less water.
Recommendations:
Continue moisturizing face, neck and hands religiously, switching to cream
cleansers and heavier moisturizers if needed. Keep up regular exercise
and other good health habits.
The 60s: Attitude is Important
Description: Wrinkles and sagging due to age, rather than sun damage, start to show up now. Your
face, neck and hands are in better shape if you have practiced a lifetime
of good health habits and protected your skin from sun burn.
Recommendations:
Continue to cleanse, moisturize and wear sunscreen. A positive attitude,
enthusiasm for living and concern for others will help you stay youthful
looking.
Reproduced with
permission from Your Inner Beauty by Jill and Larry Freeman. C1996. Affinity
Communications, Corp.
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