There are external and internal factors that lead to aging skin, and since the ultraviolet rays of the sun is a major external factor that negatively affects skin, our melanin (reason for the rich brown/dark color of our skin) helps protect us. As a result, our skin looks more youthful as we age when compared to other races. For the most part, our skin holds up very well into our fifties. When we do start seeing the signs of aging, the changes most common to us are:

1. Roughness – skin loses its smoothness and the texture feels rough
2. Sagging – hollowness shows in the tear- trough area under the eye, cheeks, between the nose and outer corner of mouth (nasolabial folds), jawline, and neck
3. Hyperpigmentation – darkness around the eyes or in patches on face
4. Benign Growths – small brown or black bumps that are often mistaken for moles

Based on survey results, most of you are still on a cleanser with a moisturizer for your skin-care, so before I get into details about each of the issues above in coming weeks, let’s start with elevating your daily skin-care…your skin will need extra care for your decades to come.

Know your skin…In addition to changes in your skin due to your chronological years, skin is affected by nutritional intake, stress, medication, etc., not to mention the weather.  Pay attention to your skin to identify problems areas and what you would like to correct.

Get the “right” products…You don’t have to stick with one brand or use the same type of products all the time…it just depends on what your skin needs. If you pay attention to your skin, you can then search for products to address your issues. You can find good products in every price range, so manage to your budget.

Discipline…Just like other areas of your life, nothing beats good discipline when it comes to skin-care. You have to commit to taking care of your skin.

Daily Regimen:

1. Cleanse (AM and PM)
2. Tone (optional depending on skin type)
3. Treat (AM and PM; different serum for AM and PM)
4. Moisturizer (AM and PM moisturizer; optional depending on your serum)
5. Protect/Sunscreen (AM; may be combined with your AM moisturizer)

On a weekly basis, add to your regimen:

1. An exfoliator (helps keep skin smooth and will better absorb your treatment products)
2. A mask (helps condition and provide additional treatment to your skin)