Aging Backwards Tuesday Tips #14: A Happy Face

As we age, our skin naturally becomes more dry and the hormonal changes that accompany aging can accentuate this. Mature skin loses elasticity, can become rough and wrinkled and can take on a dull appearance. This is due to a decrease in intercellular lipids and sebum secretion, as well as a reduction in water content in the uppermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, all of which are needed to keep skin soft, supple and smooth.

In addition to hormonal changes, damage caused by external factors, such as exposure to UV radiation or cigarette smoke can age our faces. According to research done by Olay, there are seven main signs of aging: lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, uneven tone, a dull appearance, age spots and blotches, visible pores and an overall increase in dryness.

The good new is that there are ways to combat the effects of aging and the environment to help keep your skin glowing and healthy.

Beautiful Skin Tips:

1) Proper face washing habits can make a difference. Many people mistakenly think the more they wash their face, the cleaner it will be, but over-washing can strip your skin of natural oils, exacerbating the natural dryness of aging skin. Experts recommend washing only two or three times a day at most.

2) Do not use harsh cleansers or soaps. Two of my favorite products for removing makeup and cleansing my face are DHC Deep Cleansing Oil for makeup removal and Olay Definity Illuminating Cream Cleanser for washing. DHC is a Japanese company with natural, olive oil-based products rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

3) Stay away from cigarette smoke. Research has shown that exposure to cigarette smoke is as damaging to skin as exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Indy Rihal, of the British Skin Foundation, said: "In addition to UV light from the sun and sun beds, cigarette smoke is a main environmental factor that causes changes in the skin often associated with 'looking old' such as coarse wrinkling and a sallow, leathery texture. In addition the constriction of tiny blood vessels in the skin caused by smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the skin, negatively affecting skin health and appearance in general." Read the entire article here.

4) Use a hydrating moisture cream. Good Housekeeping Magazine has their own lab where they conduct independent tests on products so they can report back to us consumers. In the September 2007 issue, they tested face creams, including those that sell for $150.00 or even $300.00! Their first choice? Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream, available at just about any drugstore for $24.99. Another Olay product that came out on top at Good Housekeeping is Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream, which was the highest-scoring day cream in their tests. ($28 at drugstores).

5) Use a natural UVA/UVB sunscreen on face, neck, chest and hands. I like Aubrey Organics Natural Sun SPF 25 Green Tea Protective Sunscreen (UVA/UVB). Our bodies need Vitamin D and the best way to get it is from the sun. Experts recommend 10 to 20 minutes a day of sun exposure on at least 40 percent of the body. That's where my "formula" comes in. I cover my face, neck, chest and hands with sunscreen and then get a healthy glow on the rest of my body, making sure to avoid sunburn.

6) Do not exfoliate too often or too harshly. Your skin can look less dull when you remove dead skin cells, but overdoing it can cause irritation, redness, dryness and flakiness.

7) Use a natural mineral foundation like Sheer Cover, Bare Minerals or Physician's Formula. I like Physician's Formula because you can get it at most drugstores for $9.95 (or even lower when it's on sale) and they have the very light colors.

Using all or some of these tips may help you "put on a happy (and youthful) face."