Firm Skin, Fast
Firm Skin, Fast
Sun exposure, smoking and the plain old passage of time contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the fibers that keep your skin firm and supple, explains New York City-based dermatologist Lisa Airan, M.D. You can't turn back the clock, but you can take action: Apply sunscreen daily, quit smoking, and read on for tips on the best way to care for your skin decade by decade.
From the best treatments in the doctor's office to new beauty products formulated to give your face a quick, if temporary, "lift" -- there's a skin-saving strategy for you:
| 20s | 30s | 40s | 50s and beyond | |
| Symptoms | Practically none. Your skin is as firm as it is ever going to get! | You will see the beginnings of fine lines, wrinkles and crow's-feet. | Nasal labial folds may start to form; drooping neck skin. | Wrinkles and folds deepen; sagging skin all over. |
| Doctor's Rx | Prevention. Apply an SPF 30 sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection, to prevent damage later in life. | Apply Retin-A, a topical prescription cream, to treat sun damage and stimulate collagen production. | Injections of fillers such as collagen in folds, and Botox to tighten neck muscles. | Many women may begin to investigate plastic surgery procedures. |
| Beauty solution | Under moisturizer, use a serum with antioxidants, such as Biotherm Age Fitness Superactivated Revitalizing Essence ($40; to order, call 888-246-8437). | Lubriderm Skin Renewal Anti-Wrinkle Day/Night Cream ($10.99) hydrates to help skin feel tighter while nonirritating poly hydroxy acid helps even out skin tone. | Chanel Precision Ultra Correction Anti-Wrinkle Restructuring Cream SPF 10 ($65) helps stimulate collagen production and boost skin's own protection against free radicals. | Lancome Absolue Absolute Replenishing Cream SPF 15 ($90) uses wild yam, sea algae and soy extract to hydrate and firm mature skin. |
Photo by James T. Pemberton.
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