“The skinny on skin care at any age” by Nicole Rosales
Skin care is personal: What works for a friend may not work for you, and what works at one age may not later on.
At age 15, I was all about blemish control. By age 25, I had adopted eye cream, and now at 29, I’m starting to develop a solid skin care routine that includes sunscreen and anti-wrinkle serum.
Face it, as we get older our skin is going to change. It’s best to embrace it with as much grace as possible and find what makes your skin happy.
But good skin goes beyond what you see in the mirror. It can be an indicator for your overall health.
I spoke with Daniel Witheiler, MD, dermatologist on the medical staff at Methodist Dallas Medical Center about developing an easy guide to healthy skin at any age.
THE ESSENTIALS
No matter your skin type or age, your cabinet should include a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen.
“The single most important thing that you can do for your skin is to prevent sun exposure,” Dr. Witheiler says. “The damage you do to your skin in one day or in one weekend is usually impossible to see. But after a few decades, it’s hard to miss!”
Dr. Witheiler recommends products with an SPF of at least 30 and broad spectrum protection. This blocks 97% of UVB rays, which cause sunburns.
The less-is-more approach is key for overall skin health. Here are some steps to keep in mind:
Step 1: Wash your face by using a gentle cleanser that won’t leave your skin feeling tight. If it does, it means your cleanser is taking out too much moisture and natural oils. Pro tip: Use your fingertips instead of cloths or other abrasive materials; it’s less irritating.
Step 2: Follow up with a light moisturizer. Moisturizers trap water in the skin. Find one that suits your skin type. If oily, opt for creams that are non-comedogenic (these don’t clog pores). If you have dry skin, look for products with hyaluronic acid or ceramides; these ingredients can retain even more moisture.
Step 3: Apply sunscreen if your moisturizer doesn’t already contain it. Pro tip: Apply only after the previous cream has been fully absorbed into the skin to avoid diluting either product.
Step 4: In the evening, after cleansing, spot treat as needed and then apply a night cream or light moisturizer. There’s a reason it’s called beauty sleep. This is when your skin will be able to replenish itself through cell regeneration.
Step 5: Don’t forget eye cream. It helps diminish the look of fine lines and crow’s feet. Make sure to gently pat into the skin using your ring finger since it provides the lightest touch. Avoid tugging and pulling under your eyes, which can cause premature aging.
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