Three Age Defying Solutions To Manage Wrinkles

I. Upgrade Your Sunscreen

Use sunscreen with a sun screen protection factor (SPF) of 30. While SPF is a measure of protection against UVB, the rays that cause sunburn, higher SPF sunscreens usually offer greater protection against UVA, the rays most responsible for fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes. Your sunscreen should also contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E. Recent research shows that sunscreen with built in antioxidants offers even more insurance against UVA exposure. Antioxidants are your ally because no sunscreen protects you 100%.

• What to do: Check labels for UVA blockers such as avobenzone (Parcel 1789), mexoryl and helioplex (found in some Neutrogena sunscreens). Apply at least 1 ounce, the amount that fits in a shot glass, to all exposed areas.

II. Use Serious Skin Care

When it comes to minimizing wrinkles and smoothing texture, there are no more proven anti-aging ingredients than retinoids. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids have been shown in over 30 years of study to rev up collagen production and normalize cell renewal - a process that slows with age. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 30 should be on some form of retinoid if they want to look younger.

A good starting point: An over-the-counter product containing retinol, the less potent chemical cousin to prescription retinoids like Renova. While it may take longer to see results with a nonprescription product, you’ll forgo a lot of dryness and peeling that can accompany those often-irritating ingredients.

• What to do: After cleansing skin at night, use a retinol-containing cream to diminish fine lines and increase cell turnover. To allow your skin to adapt, you may need to use every other night to start.

For added benefit, choose one that also contains peptides, small chains of amino acids that have been shown to signal cells to stimulate collagen. Two products that contain both ingredients are:

• Philosophy Save Me

• Neova Dual Action Lotion

III. Get Better Sleep

Sleep is an essential need for your skin. While you sleep, physiological important things are happening to your skin, including an increase in cellular renewal. Unfortunately, a recent University of Chicago study shows that we are not only getting less shut eye than we need (six hours, instead of the recommended seven to nine), we are getting less efficient sleep. Even after getting into bed, we spend as much as an hour and a half awake - sharply diminishing the time skin has to repair itself.

• What to do: For deeper, more restorative sleep, help your body and mind wind down before going to bed. Begin by dimming the lights an hour before bedtime; light suppresses melatonin, disrupting the natural sleep cycle. Soaking in a hot bath can also help you nod off faster. Listening to soft music before turning in improves sleep quality too – the sedative sounds may decrease levels of hormones that keep you awake.

Thank you for visiting! If you have found the information and resources here useful, subscribe to my RSS feed to receive automatic site updates. You can also follow me on Twitter.

Athelios SX

Product: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX
Manufacturer: L’Oreal
Price: $29

Product Description: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX is a daily moisturizing cream made to prevent sunburn and protect against ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Is has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. Anthelios SX is one of the most effective sunscreens on the market and has garnered a favorable following because it contains a key active ingredient, Mexoryl SX (ecamsule). In fact, Anthelios SX received a 2007 CEW Award for Best Sun Care Product.

Although used in Canada and Europe since 1993, was not approved for use in products by the FDA in the US until July 2006. Mexoryl SX protects against short UVA rays (the cause of deep connective tissue damage). UVA light is the culprit for premature aging and cell-level damage. Anthelios SX also contains Parsol 1789 (avobenzone), which helps protect against long UVA rays, and Octocrylene, which helps protect against UVB rays (the cause of surface sunburn).

Because Mexoryl SX fills a gap in sun protection previously unavailable in the US, Anthelios SX is a good choice to ward off the damaging effects of UVA light and ultimately, reduce the occurrence of eye wrinkles.

Usage: Anthelios SX should be applied liberaly to the face, neck, hands and other exposed areas of the body on a daily basis and at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. It should be reapplied as needed or after towel drying, swimming or perspiring.

Pros:

• Moisturizer for daily protection

• Light, oil-free texture

• Non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic

• 24 hour hydration

• Fragance-free

• Dermatologist and allergy tested

• Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Although rare and mild, side effects may include acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, abnormal redness, itching, skin discomfort and sunburn.

Where to buy: The Skin Store

[eminimall products="sunscreen"]

Other Recommended Products: Active C Eyes, an anti-wrinkle dermatological treatment for the eye area.

Give your opinion: (No Ratings Yet)
 Loading ...

As of 11.27.07