Skin care at 40 and beyond
Published: Jan 4, 2012 01:16 Updated: Jan 4, 2012 10:39
As we grow older, we start looking different because the protein collagen, which provides the skin with its strength and resilience, begins to break down. As a result, not only does the skin tend to become dry and saggy, but wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging also become more apparent. Doctors and specialists say that women should start taking care of their skin from an early age and once they reach their forties, they should change their skin care regime, their makeup style and cosmetics.
“Forty is a critical age for women’s hair and skin. When they reach this age, they might start noticing the thinning and loss of hair, more wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead,” said Dermatologist Dr. Zainah Khalil. “However, if women follow a good hair and skin care routine, they can enhance their skin and reduce the appearance of aging,” she added.
Regardless of age, women should start taking care of their skin by protecting it from preventable damage, mostly sun damage, by establishing a basic daily routine that matches their skin type. “In the fourth and fifth decade of a woman’s life, their psychology changes dramatically because women go through physical changes inside and outside of their bodies,” said Khalil.
“The rate at which skin renews and repairs itself becomes much slower due to the fluctuating levels of many hormones and growth factors, which leads to cell damage in many tissues, and the skin is most affected,” she added.
Women in their forties start to see the outcome of how they have been taking care of their skin. Those who have used sunscreen on a regular basis will not see drastic changes. However, skin that has been neglected for years will wrinkle and the appearance of fine lines will also be more visible. Even though aging is predictable, women don’t have to accept unwanted changes in their appearance. Some changes can be reversed, while others can be kept under control or slowed down.
“This is the time where women should start using anti-aging skin care products. Such products contain ingredients that help soothe the skin and fight against signs of aging,” said Khalil. “Anti-aging products stimulate collagen production within skin cells and help reduce wrinkles and fine lines.”
Acne is a common skin concern during the forties because of the hormonal fluctuations that the body goes through. “Adult acne is a serious skin concern and that’s why it is very important for women to visit their dermatologist and gynecologist who can help them find special skin care products that will identify the root cause of acne and treat it from there,” said Khalil.
Women should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using water-based moisturizers. The application of a rich moisturizing eye cream every night will soften the areas around the eyes and reduce wrinkles. Makeup for older women should serve two purposes: It should conceal flaws, spots and wrinkles as much as possible and it should add color to faded skin tones.
“I suggest going easy on makeup because women who use heavy makeup to hide their imperfections, tend to use heavy foundation and excessive compact powder creating a cake frosting-like impression, which in turn highlights the wrinkles and fine lines on their faces,” said makeup artist Nawal who warned that such products contain harsh chemicals that seep into the skin and further degrade the internal tissues. Instead, she advises women to use creamy and hydrating skin care products that make the skin appear smooth.
Older women should choose a foundation or colored moisturizer that is yellow-toned. “This tone of foundation is likely to tone down redness or flushed skin very well. If they have brown spots or freckles, they may use bronzer cream or gel to correct that and add a healthy glow to their skin,” said Nawal.
According to Khalil, chemical peels are also a good option since they can improve skin discoloration, sun damage, scars, treat acne and reduce fine lines while exfoliating dead skin cells and leaving a newer, fresher layer of skin.
Comments