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Healthy Skin at Any Age

Debra Scarlett, MD, Dermatologist, Columbia St. Mary's

Posted: May 1, 2009

Adopting a basic skin care routine that includes a gentle cleanser, minimal makeup and sunscreen will go a long way in keeping your skin youthful-looking as you age.

Protecting your skin from the sun is by far the best way to keep it healthy and youthful looking. Make sunscreen part of your morning routine and plan to reapply it if you’ll be out in the sun for extended periods. When shopping for sunscreen, choose a product with an SPF of 30 or higher. Also look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label to ensure you are protected against both UVA and UVB rays.

Most daily moisturizers today contain SPF, which makes incorporating sunscreen into your beauty regimen even easier. These products tend to be non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. To protect sensitive areas like eyes and lips, wear sunglasses and apply a lip balm with SPF.

In addition to sunscreen, it’s best to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. If you have to be out in the sun, cover up with loose, lightweight clothing. And opt for sunless tanning products over tanning beds which use ultraviolet light that can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.

Another environmental factor that can have a detrimental impact on your skin is smoking. Smoking prohibits oxygen from penetrating the skin resulting in premature aging affects like fine lines around your mouth. Alcohol also robs your skin of vital nutrients and should be consumed in moderation.

Like smoking and alcohol, stress can adversely affect on your skin. Stress compromises your immune system and exacerbates existing skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.

If you really want to keep your youthful look, work up a sweat. Physical exercise can play a role in how healthy your skin looks and feels. Exercise increases circulation, improving the delivery of nutrients to your skin and removing potentially damaging toxins.

Eating right can also improve the look of your skin. For a glowing complexion, try a diet packed with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins A, E and C. Vitamin A found in leafy green and red vegetables helps regulate cell production and turnover for smooth skin. In addition to antioxidant-loaded fruits and vegetables, you should also consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish and nuts. Omega-3s fight inflammation, resulting in fewer wrinkles.

Although there is no shortage of skin care products that claim to fight the affects of aging, few live up to those promises. But one product proven to rejuvenate skin is Retinol. A form of vitamin A, Retinol helps regulate skin cell turnover and prevents fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol also has been show to help build collagen, which can improve the appearance of your skin.

Women also need to modify their skin care routine as they age. What worked for you in your 20s and 30s, likely won’t work for you in your 40s and 50s. For example, hormonal changes brought on by perimenopause and menopause often makes women more prone to dry skin. As you grow older, opt for gentle cleansers over products with harsh chemicals. And supplement your daily moisturizer by applying a heavier night cream to help restore elasticity. You can also quench your dry skin with water. Aim to drink at least six glasses per day.

Debra Scarlett, MD, Dermatologist

Columbia St. Mary’s
414-326-1745

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