When it comes to putting your best face forward, let me start by answering the most common questions that both my readers and listeners have asked over the years.
Will my face age like my mom’s?
(Funny, I’ve never received this question from a man about his father’s skin.)
If your mother’s skin didn’t age well, that doesn’t mean yours won’t! Genetics does play a role in how your skin looks from the size of your pores to its texture and color. but banking on aging like your mom or grandmother is a big mistake. Being unhealthy can make more of a difference than what you inherit. Also, the environment, exposing your skin to the sun and availability of skincare products and treatments make any meaningful comparison generation to generation impossible.
Is it okay to drink coffee?
Skin-wise, there are very few, if any, studies that have focused on any damage from, or cosmetic benefits of caffeine consumption specifically. The good news is that a Harvard study reported that caffeine consumption was associated with a reduced risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin. Just remember that caffeine is a diuretic, and as we’ve learned, Dehydration is a major enemy of our skin.
Should I really cleanse my face every night before bed?
Yes, you should! Sleeping with makeup on will leave your skin’s pores clogged and prevent it from breathing.
Is stronger always more effective?
No! Using harsh cleansers will strip away the natural oils that protect your face from dirt, pollution, and other factors that can easily damage your skin. Do your face a favor and use dmild cleansers. Again, mossture is key. Strong cleansers also dry the surace of your skin and strip away the protective layer that retains mosture. This is particularly true of prescription strenth skin peeling products. Use them only with a dermatologist’s, or at least well- qualified cosmotologist’s advice!
Are eye creams important for your beauty regimen, or are they just hype?
The area around your eyes is the most delicate part of yor face where fine lines will appear firest, so having a specialized eye cream, rather than your usual mosturizer, is strongly suggested, normally after age 25.
When it comes to my face, is most always better?
More is almost always worse. In other words, too much washing, too much cream, too much scrub can cause more harm than good. Not to mention too much smoking (wish is any!), too much alcohol, too much sun, and too many fatter foods!
I have the same kinds of complexion programs as my teenager at age 50?
This is not at all uncommon. Adult acne tends to be more concentrated on the lower half of the face, especially around the chin and jawline. It can include whiteheads, blackheads, implies, and deeper cysts and nodules. Hormonal changes related to your period, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can trigger or aggravate acne as well as stress and use of certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, or lithium). It is important to recognize that aging skin is also drier; so in this case, too, less can be more. Over-the-counter creams, gels, or lotions that contain higher percentages of benzoyl peroxide may irritate and dry out your skin. Instead, opt for a prescription treatment containing retinoids, which work by unplugging clogged pores.
What can I do to look younger?
This is probably the question I am asked mores of all. Alas, we are in an age-obsessed country. And it’s truer in America than anywhere else. In Europe, for example, age really doesn’t seem to matter nearly as much. Women are admired for their beauty, sensuality, and intelligence, not their youth. Aside from taking good care of yourself, know that the essence of youth is glow. And it’s the loss of glow that makes us look older at any age. Everyone needs help. The older we get the more we need. You just have to add more glow with makeup and moisturizers. That’s all there is to it. And don’t get too thin, which always makes your face look older. There comes a time in life to choose between your face and hips.
