How Early Should I Begin Anti-Aging Products?

This is a common question asked by most everyone woman I talk to. I honestly do not believe that it is ever TOO early to start preventative measures when it comes to our skin. Once we are born, our skin is exposed to the environment with all the beauty it has to offer as well as the toxins we must protect ourselves from. Think about the sun and our brand new skin. SPF is the beginning of using anti-aging products.

SPF and the Facts

SPF refers to blockage of UVB rays only. UVB rays are responsible for a sunburn. Did you know UVA rays are estimated to be the cause of 90% of skin changes associated with aging (Source: Environmental Protection Agency).

First, we know you want a with broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVB and UVA rays. SPF 15 or higher is recommended in preventing the sunburn caused by the UVB rays. Dr. David J. Leffell, MD, professor of dermatology and surgery at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., says, "There is no rating to tell you how good a sunscreen is at blocking UVA rays. What does this mean? Look for the following ingredients: a sunscreen that contains at least one of the following: ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide. For babies and children's sensitive skin, avoid sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzephenones like dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone.

Important things to remember about sunscreens are the expiration date since it can lose it's effectiveness. Also it is important to wear sunscreen whenever you are out. It doesn't matter if there are gray skies or not. UV rays make their way through all kinds of weather.

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It's also a good idea to take other precautions besides a cosmetic product.

Stay in the shade when possible.
Wear sunglasses.
Stay inside when UV radiation levels are highest, usually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the U.S.
Wear a broad-brimmed hat.
Wear sun-protective clothing.

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As we reach our 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's, our skin changes which calls for changes in skin care regimens. But we must remember, although our skin may appear healthy we must continue to be preventative. This includes our diet. Healthy lifestyle habits beginning at an early age can make a huge difference in our skin health and appearance later in our life.

Cleansing, exfoliation and hydration are always a good place to start and incorporate on a daily basis. Whether that is a gentle over the counter cleanser such as Cetaphil or the gentle Soothe regimen by Rodan + Fields dermatologists, it is important to remove dirt and buildup. And remember to ALWAYS remove makeup at night. Dr. Erin Gilbert, an NYC-based dermatologist, breaks down exactly what happens when you decide to skip this important step. "During the day you accumulate a lot of oxidative stress. When you sleep in your makeup you are not giving your skin a chance to recover from those insults, which can lead to premature aging."

Basically, skin restores itself overnight while you sleep. So if you leave the goop of the day on it, you will pay for it later.

Every evening, before going to bed, wash everything off with a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, use an oil free eye make up remover for your eye area and lips, apply a hydrating moisturizer preferably with antioxidents and sleep. You will start noticing a difference in the appearance of your skin no time. With daily practice, this will become routine and you will reap the benefits.

Are you absolutely too pooped to remove your makeup? Don't forego the crucial step of removing eye makeup and atleast removing products on the surface. Try Rodan + Fields Eye Cloths. REDEFINE Eye Cloths serve a dual purpose, removing makeup without tugging and depositing cosmetic ingredients which help with aging. They contain peptides, that help minimize the appearance of lines, wrinkles and under-eye puffiness while dissolving stubborn eye makeup, even mascara. While you may spend a little more on these MUST HAVES, other towelettes lack the anti-aging ingredients. Your skin will thank you!

Eye Cream

Starting an eye cream in your late teens and 20's is important especially if you have dry skin. Eye creams can help slow down the aging process. Think preventative!!! According to Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a New Jersey-based dermatologist, "Eye creams keep the skin moist and that makes people look younger. When wrinkles get dry, they look deeper and worse. As a good and gentle moisturize, eye creams help by keeping the skin moist so fine lines don't show up as much.

What ingredients should you look out for in an eye cream?

1. Caffeine (helps constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness)

2. Peptides (promotes collagen)

3. Antioxidants (prevents collagen damage)

4. Brighteners (improves color of dark under-eyes)

A personal favorite of mine and coveted by MANY others (as it sells out often!) is Rodan + Fields Multi-Function Eye Cream. This cream combines peptides that help minimize the appearance of crow’s-feet, reduce the appearance of both puffiness and dark under eye circles while containing special optical diffusers that brighten the eye area. Grab a few and keep in the fridge! They are a perfect pick me up in the morning!

Retinols

Retinol products are powerful antioxidants clinically proven to prevent UV damage and stimulate healthy skin renewal. "From acne to wrinkles, antioxidants such as retinol should be an integral part in the skin care of people of all ages from teens and up", according to Dr. Benjamin Bassichis, a Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon.

When considering a retinol, remember that various strengths have a greater risk of irritation. It may take some time to actually figure out what works with your skin. There are prescription as well as over-the-counter forms. Both are effective.

I like the Rodan + Fields Dermatologists Amp MD Roller and along with the REDEFINE Night-Renewing Serum. You can begin this in your 20's through your 80's! The Amp MD Roller is a non-invasive tool that utilizes micro-exfoliation roller technology which firms the skin. The roller creates small channels in the skin, which facilitate the passage and absorption of your skin care product. Ultimately, the roller is stimulating blood flow, massaging the skin and stimulating collagen re-growth.

REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum capsules contain a potent blend of peptides and retinol. The patented time-release technology increases skin’s receptivity throughout the night while reducing potential irritancy. This serum is recognized by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine as an Editors' Choice. Used along with the Amp MD Roller, you can expect to achieve firmer skin, less noticeable fine lines and more luminous and refined skin.