The fountain of youth—we’re all trying to find it, but many of us don’t want to go under the knife to get the results.
Where should you start? Unfurrow that brow, there are many pathways to beautiful, youthful skin. Here are a few that meet a variety of needs and budgets.
Anti-Aging Products
Makeup
Invest in an effective concealer and highlighter. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Èclat concealer works wonders on lids and under eyes to instantly lift and luminize. Choose liquid and cream foundations, which are less drying than powders.
Exfoliant
A physical exfoliant buffs away dead skin cells and helps increase the skin’s natural renewal process, whichs leads you to brighter skin tone. A chemical exfoliant uses alpha hydroxy acids to improve complexion and produce collagen and elastin. If you use any type of topical prescription or Retin A, make sure you consult with your dermatologist before trying an exfoliant.
SPF
According to dermatologist, Dr. Matthew Harris of the Illinois Dermatology Institute, “Both men and women should get in the habit of using a daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.” Make sure to reapply every 2-3 hours during warmer months.
Retinol
“There is significant data that shows retinol creams can smooth and regenerate skin without a lot of down time or irritation,” Harris says. “Many over-the-counter versions are quite good and can be less irritating than stronger, prescription-version retinoids.” Harris recommends starting with a mild over-the-counter retinol such as Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair line. You can start using products with a light retinol as early as age 30.
Doctor-Required Anti-Aging Treatments
Botox and Fillers
“Botox treats and prevents dynamic lines like crows feet, frown lines and forehead lines,” Harris says. “Fillers go under the skin to fill in wrinkle lines and can also add lots of volume, which you lose with bone density and collagen loss, by filling in the cheekbones, temple area, jaw line, etc.” Not sure about botox? Check out Botox and Facial Fillers—Get Over the Judgement.
Peels and Lasers
He also recommends chemical peels, which improve skin tone and texture when used as a superficial peel. They can also diminish fine lines and mild scarring when used as a moderate-to-deep peel.
Lasers improve redness, spider veins, brown spots and reduce scarring. New devices use radiofrequency and ultrasound to tighten the skin and give a mini-face lift without the surgery.
Spa Services for a Younger Look
Vitamin C
This antioxidant slows the rate of free-radical damage and helps keep skin supple. Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa exclusively offers the Cellular Age Reversal Therapy Facial. The treatment employs an anti-aging vitamin C serum that contains a high concentration of vitamin C. They claim the serum protects skin from environmental damage, increases skin elasticity, firmness and tone, and reduces wrinkles and pigmentation spots. The facial is best for those over 30 and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Peptides and Stem Cells
The Perfect Lift Facial at the Elysian Spa at Waldorf Astoria Chicago uses peptides and stem cells along with microcurrents to combat premature aging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The painless electric current relaxes overly-tightened muscles, and the spa claims that the end result is a smoother, lifted face.
As a former clothing designer and makeup artist, Jenny loves sharing her fashion and beauty tips with readers. Learn more about Jenny at her blog MuzzHaves or read her latest Make It Better article: Beauty Tools Worth Investing In.
