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In our twenties
skin is firm and glowing, thanks to an abundance of collagen and
elastin. That’s the good news. The bad news is that at twenty and
up, many of us don’t appreciate what we’ve got.
For some, that’s
because adult acne and clogged pores are also in the picture. For
others, not being comfortable in our own skin makes appreciating
just how amazing that skin is challenging.
But now is the
time to “stop the clock.” Barbie Winterbottom Roy, a Medical Esthetician,
Licensed Laser Technician, and one of the owners of SpaTampa
in South Tampa, says that the biggest skin care mistake women in
their twenties and thirties make is not using sunscreen. According
to Roy, “Women need to use sunscreen everyday as part of their daily
routine, like brushing your teeth. Additionally, it is imperative
that we use the appropriate sunscreen, with ingredients that protect
from UVA short and long rays and UVB rays."
Opt for a sunscreen
with an SPF 15 or greater and one that includes UVA/UVB protection
with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone. One to try is
DHC’s White sunscreen; a broad-spectrum SPF 25 facial sunscreen;
$23, available online at www.dhccare.com.
DHC’s White sunscreen includes 5% titanium dioxide and 10% zinc
oxide; both are chemical-free physical blockers that protect skin
from sun damage. Roy recommends SkinCeuticals® Ultimate UV Defense
with an SPF of 30 and Remergent® High Intensity with an SPF of 30.
Treat hands
to Boscia’s Daily Hand Revival Therapy SPF 15; $15, available online
at www.boscia.net.
This intensive hand treatment features titanium dioxide, 3% avobenzone,
and Mulberry extract to lighten spots caused by previous UV damage.
Protect your eyes with DDF Protective Eye Cream SPF 15 Plus CoQ-10.
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective sunscreen,
Protective Eye Cream not only contains zinc oxide but also other
key ingredients such as Green Tea, Echinacea, and Ginkgo Biloba;
$46, available online at www.ddfskincare.com.
Wearing sunglasses
can also be hugely helpful in preventing aging of the sensitive
undereye skin. For optimal coverage, choose sunglasses that provide
at least 98% protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
As for those
pesky blemishes, a solid skin care routine will help with the battle
of the zit. Never sleep with your makeup on. Really… never. And
use products religiously that can kill bacteria, and exfoliate and
unclog pores without over-drying skin. Cleanse and moisturize on
a daily basis and exfoliate twice a week to promote cell renewal.
Complacency
is every twirty-somethings worst enemy since now is the time to
stop the clock. (Turning back the clock is much more challenging.)
Topical retinoids derived from vitamin A can minimize the appearance
of fine lines and wrinkles.
One such product
is the FDA- approved Renova®, a doctor-prescribed topical form of
vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself and has also been used
in the treatment of acne.
And while you
can certainly have your pick of products from cheap to pricey along
with a bevy of effective Med Spa treatments designed to maintain
that youthful glow, some of the best things you can do for your
skin are free. Stop smoking. Drink lots of water. Drink less alcohol.
And take a deep breath. Staying stress free will not only help you
live longer… you’ll look better doing it. |