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:
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.
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5 Ways To Prevent Eye Wrinkles
Sun damage is the leading cause of wrinkled skin. In fact, many experts agree that wrinkles are the direct cumulative result of decades of unprotected sun exposure, rather than aging itself. Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin, invading the normally sturdy layers below and eventually destroying collagen and elastin. Collagen makes your skin firm and youthfully plump. Elastin gives skin resiliency and keeps expression lines from forming into creases and wrinkles.
No matter what your age, you can help prevent further sun damage by using a strong sunscreen, that absorbs ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVB, the burning rays, are more prevalent in the summer and strongest at midday. UVA rays reach the earth year-round and in greater amounts. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX is currently one of the most effective sun protection creams on the market because it contains Mexoryl SX, an active sun filter.
To get the most from your sunscreen (see product review for Athelios SX), use the following guidelines:
- Stay away from midday sun. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Put sunscreen on early. Apply a sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go out to allow it to penetrate your skin’s top layer, and 15 minutes before you apply makeup.
- Don’t be stingy. Use an amount about the size of a marble to cover your entire face.
- Hide your eyes. Wear sunglasses that block as much ultraviolet light as possible.
- Go undercover. Stay in shady areas, wear a brimmed hat to protect your scalp and further shield your eyes.
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