In Pursuit of Younger Looking Skin? Protect It from the Sun

Getting older is a privilege for which most of us are grateful. Looking older is a whole other story. While it’s natural to experience thinner, drier skin, and other signs of aging such as fine lines, crow’s feet, age spots, and wrinkles, it’s also natural to want to stave off the onset of these changes for as long as possible. Many women sport the signs of aging as a badge of honor, but younger-looking skin remains a priority for millions of others who spend billions of dollars on products designed to minimize the signs of aging. If you’re among those interested in maintaining—or achieving— younger-looking skin, choosing from the vast array of skin care products that vie for your attention and dollars can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide that can help.

Minimizing Lines and Wrinkles

The two ingredients that work best on wrinkles and fine lines are retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids. “Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, are most effective in minimizing wrinkles and fine lines. They do so by preventing breakdown of collagen and increasing collagen synthesis,” explains Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, associate professor of clinical dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Retinoids also give the skin a brighter, firmer appearance. Retinoids in over-the-counter (OTC) products include retinol and retinyl palmitate. A prescription-strength product, tretinoin (Retin-A), is up to 20 times stronger than the OTC products. It may not be appropriate for people with very dry skin. Alpha-hydroxy acids are organic compounds such as glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar cane, and lactic acid, which is derived from milk. They are key ingredients in skin products that target skin rejuvenation. “As we get older, turnover of the outer layer of skin cells slows, and there is a surface layer of dead skin cells that contributes to skin aging,” says Dr. Lipner. “Alpha-hydroxy acids help shed these surface skin cells and give the skin a healthy, glowing appearance. With dermatologist-applied alpha-hydroxy acid treatments, the deeper layers of the skin can be targeted, improving the appearance of fine lines.”

Cover Up

You may have heard that sun damage in your younger years is the most common cause of skin cancer, but that doesn’t mean older women don’t need to protect their skin. “It is important to protect your skin at all ages by seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing sun-protective clothing,” advises Dr. Lipner.

In addition to reducing your risk of skin cancer, using sunscreen will help prevent new age spots and keep your skin hydrated. To get the most out of your sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology advises the following:

• Choose a sunscreen that is broadspectrum, water-resistant, and has an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Apply enough sunscreen; most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shot glass.

• Always apply sunscreen before going outside. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate your skin.

• Reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.

• Check the expiration date. If it’s expired, or there’s no expiration date but it’s more than three years old, toss it and get a new product.

Be Realistic and Patient

Keep these tips in mind when selecting skin care products:

Be realistic. Don’t fall for outrageous claims; no product will make you look 10 years younger in a week. You cannot get the look of a facelift from a cream, lotion, or serum.

Don’t expect overnight results. A moisturizer may reduce the appearance of fine lines in a few days, but most products take at least six weeks to work, and it may take as long as three to six months to get the best results possible.

Cost does not equal quality. Do not assume that higher priced products are more effective.

Avoid DIY cosmetic procedures. “Using these products can be very dangerous to your skin and may cause permanent scarring. Also avoid cosmetic treatments at medi-spas to prevent serious complications,” says Dr. Lipner.

The post In Pursuit of Younger Looking Skin? Protect It from the Sun appeared first on University Health News.

Read Original Article: In Pursuit of Younger Looking Skin? Protect It from the Sun »