ebook

Anti-Aging Skincare Handbook

Table of Contents

Table of Contents I ndrotuciton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Aging is Inevitable

C hapter One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Skin Aging Process

C hapter Two. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Changes throughout the Ages

C hapter Three. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Skin’s Worst Enemies

C hapter Four . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 Anti-Aging Make Up Tricks

C hapter Five . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15 Skin Care by the Seasons

C hapter Six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Common Beauty Myths

C onclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

introduction

Aging is inevitable. Aging is inevitable. Looking your age doesn’t have to be! By picking up this book, you’ve taken the first step to turning back the clock and protecting your skin from future damage and aging. Whether you’ve already seen the major signs of skin aging (like crow’s feet, agespots, dulled complexion, fine lines and wrinkles) or you’re eager to delay them as long as possible, you’ll find great anti- aging tips and tricks here that you can put to work today!

Today, the battle against aging means that women are fighting against much more than just wrinkles. This handbook will take you step-by-step through the various challenges your skin faces: everything from stress to pollution to weather to proper nutrition, presenting advice and solutions at every step along the way. You’ll also get a deeper understanding of how your skin is changing at each stage in your life.

Biological changes may happen like clockwork, but by understanding the changes, you can best target their root causes so the results never show up on your face! It’s time to look as young as you feel. Your age can remain your little secret!

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Combining scientific research with practical tips that anyone can follow, The Anti-Aging Handbook is your new source for everything anti-aging. The mystical fountain of youth hasn’t been found just yet, but the advice and information you’ll find in this book is the next best thing!

Chapter one

The Skin Aging Process Our skin changes constantly throughout our lives. These changes are as not only relentless, but also diverse. With impacts ranging from wrinkling to discoloration, sagging, redness, age spots, and more, the sooner you can begin your battle against all of the visible signs of aging, the better! Luckily, these changes to our skin don’t happen all at once or suddenly appear one morning when we look in the mirror! Instead, they are more gradual. Importantly, certain changes are more likely to show up at particular times in our lives because of the specific ways that skin aging occurs during the lifespan. Recognizing when each change will begin occurring or escalate in intensity can help you to begin taking the necessary preventive and corrective measures when your skin needs them most.

The skin ages in three major ways

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The first is chronological aging. The rate of chronological aging your skin will undergo is influenced by several factors including your genes, hormones, and time. The next section of your handbook will focus on the specific changes over time in the chronological aging process.

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The second major way that the skin ages is through photo aging. Photo- aging is influenced by repeated exposure to UVA and UVB rays, typically from direct, unprotected sun or tanning bed exposure. Preventing and correcting the impact of photo aging is critical for skin and total body health and will be covered in later chapters

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The third category consists of miscellaneous “lifestyle” factors that can speed up the appearance of aging on your skin. These lifestyle factors include smoking; sleep deprivation, stress, pollution exposure, and more.

In the next section. . In the next section, we will discuss the specific ways that our skin changes as we move into new decades in our lives: from the 20s to the 30s to the 40s to the 50s and beyond! Then, you’ll learn the appropriate preventive measures and skincare routines that correspond to preventing and correcting these changes at each stage. Armed with this information, you’ll be in the best position to maintain consistently healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking skin, no matter which stage you’re currently at!

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Chapter two

Changes throughout the ages Want to know what’s happened to your skin and what the future holds? The below decade-by- decade guide will give you the information you need to understand changes past, present, and future. In the next section, we will also identify and detail the appropriate skincare routine that best meets the demands of these changes, at each stage, to keep your skin looking its best!

But first here are some anti aging tips Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and protects against wrinkles, any food with lots of vitamin C, like kiwi, oranges, and grapefruit, is a big skin saver.

Greens like spinach and arugula are packed with naturally occurring antioxidants, for a radiant and blemish-free complexion, add a side salad to your lunch or dinner.

Use honey for taking care for dry, cracked lips. It helps to heal and hydrate, plus the anti-viral properties make it good for healing cold sores, too.

Not getting enough Zs can cause stress, which leads to breakouts and a dull complexion.

Yakking away on your cell phone for hours can lead to breakouts and rashes along your jaw line and cheek. Keep antibacterial wipes handy to swipe your phone clean.

A Mediterranean diet full of fish, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and tea provides the skin with the good omega fatty acids.

Your skin needs more water than you drink, Look for products with sodium hyaluronate, which helps balance your skin and brings it to a normal pH level.

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A brighter complexion is on everyones wishlist, but the trick to getting one is easier than you might think. Rub a lemon on your face!

Changes throughout the ages

Energizing Skincare Regimen for your 20s! Our skin looks and feels different as we progress through different stages of our life. Your body goes through physiological age-related changes, and those changes are often reflected on the skin’s surface. Skin care in your 20s is incredibly important because what you do—or don’t do—now can affect how your skin looks in the future. Skin care in your 20s has a lot to do with maintaining skin health, because right now, your skin is probably in its healthiest state. You’ve passed the hormonal teenage years and your skin cells are generating at an optimal rate. Your collagen and elastin fibers are more than sufficient, so your skin looks firm, hydrated, and radiant. Even still, you’re not off the hook from taking up anti-aging skin care in your 20s. Not all women come off scot-free. Common concerns for skin care in your 20s might include breakouts, acne, clogged pores, and oily skin. This could be the result of hormones that are still fluctuating, or because you aren’t using the right skin care products for your skin type. For instance, if the routine for skin care in your 20s includes exfoliating twice a day but you have normal skin, you may be drying it out too much, forcing your oil glands to overcompensate—hence the pimples. If you tend to ignore skin care in your 20s because you think you’re too young to be worrying about it, you’re not alone—a lot of women feel the same way. But anti-aging skin care in your 20s is about prevention, not repair. By adapting a pro-active regimen for anti-aging skin care in your 20s, you won’t have to worry about trying to fix a load of skin problems when you’re in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. You’re never too young to start looking after your skin, so there’s no time like the present to incorporate a routine that covers all of the bases for anti-aging skin care in your 20s. Doing this now will ensure you have younger looking skin for the years ahead.

Mastering Skin Care in Your 20s Just because you don’t see sun-damaged skin now, it doesn’t mean it’s not happening—you’ll see the damage later in life. One of the most important habits for skin care in your 20s is sunscreen. If you know you’re not going to actually apply it everyday, make sure your moisturizer has at least SPF 30. Like sunscreen, it still needs to be reapplied every two hours. Sun protection is a huge part of skin care in your 20s. For skin care in your 20s, it’s important to use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil that builds over the day. Don’t use anything too harsh or abrasive. Facials cleansers that are free of fragrance, alcohol, and oil are always better. It’s also important to match your skin type. Your eyes often show the first signs of aging: fine lines, crow’s feet, dark circles, and bags under the eyes. For skin care in your 20s, it’s worth investing in a good eye cream with caffeine to reduce puffiness. For skin care in your 20s, you should also always remove your makeup before going to bed. Sleeping with it on can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Your skin repairs itself while you snooze so make sure it’s clean before calling it a night. Exfoliate twice a week. Facial masks are also good for skin care in your 20s—do it right after you exfoliate for best results.

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Changes throughout the ages

Refreshing Skincare Regimen for your 30s! As you grow out of your 20s, so does your skin. Anti-aging skin care in your 30s has a different focus than it did in your 20s. This is because of both internal changes in your body, and external changes in your lifestyle. Before establishing the perfect routine for skin care in your 30s, let’s start by dissecting what your skin is going through in this stage of life.

The Importance of Skin Care in Your 30s To get a handle on skin care in your 30s, it helps to know what’s going on beneath the surface. At this age, your growth hormones are starting to slow down, which means that your skin doesn’t repair itself as fast as it did when you were in your 20s. You may start to notice that your skin feels drier, and that the healthy glow you once had is starting to fade. This is because the production rate of new cells is decreasing.

The Focus of Anti-Aging Skin Care in Your 30s Anti-aging skin care in your 30s will have a bigger focus on fine lines and wrinkles, which may begin to surface in delicate areas such as around the eyes and the corners of your mouth. Anti-aging skin care in your 30s will also focus on hydrating dry skin, another common problem at this stage. Because the surface of your skin gets thinner with age, it tends to get dry and flaky. You may also notice discoloration and other changes in your overall complexion.

The Strategy for Anti-Aging Skin Care in Your 30s There are a few different strategies for anti-aging skin care in your 30s. What you’re putting in your body is just as important as what you’re putting on it. Several studies have shown that nutrition can affect the visible appearance of skin. People whose diets are rich in fresh fruit (especially berries), vegetables, beans, olive oil, fatty fish, and green tea tend to have healthier-looking skin. Another important strategy for skin care in your 30s is to ensure that you’re drinking plenty of water, which is one of the best ways to keep skin hydrated. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses every day.

The Routine for Skin Care in Your 30s Clean your skin every morning using a facial cleanser that’s pH balanced. If you have normal or dry skin, use a cream cleanser. If you have oily skin, a gel or foaming cleanser works better. If you have not yet invested in an eye cream, do it now. Skin care in your 30s is the perfect time to pay more attention to fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet around the eyes. To help protect your skin, invest in an antioxidant serum or cream, and get in the habit of wearing sunscreen—sun protection is key for skin care in your 30s. Or at least wear a daily moisturizer that has at least SPF 30 built in, and remember to reapply every two hours.

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To improve dry skin, use a moisturizing shower gel, and apply moisturizer right after your shower—the product traps some of the moisture from your shower, which hydrates skin better.

Changes throughout the ages

Invigorating Skincare Regimen for your 40s! Anti-aging skin care in your 40s is especially important because these are the years of perimenopause—the period leading up to menopause—when the levels of estrogen in your body begin to decline. The hormonal shift often causes skin to thin out and lose elasticity, which is why you may notice more pronounced sagging of the skin around the neck and chest. Anti-aging skin care in your 40s also addresses the fact that over time, your skin tends to retain less moisture. As a result, it can look dull and uneven in tone. You may also notice that your skin feels drier than before—all the more reason to pay better attention to anti-aging skin care in your 40s. If you’ve been lucky enough to not see any wrinkles, now’s the time you’ll probably spot the first one. Think of everything your skin has been through over the past 40 years: cumulative sun damage, poor diet, health conditions, poor lifestyle habits, and an array of skin care products to name just a few. A proactive approach to anti-aging skin care in your 40s can help to remedy some of the damage that’s already been done.

Here’s everything you need to know to master anti-aging skin care in your 40s. Hydrate

For anti-aging skin care in your 40s, a good way to hydrate your skin is to use a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that attracts water. Facial masks are also useful for providing extra hydration for anti-aging skin care in your 40s—use them after exfoliating, which is when skin is more penetrable. There are other skin care ingredients in the marketplace that help stimulate the functions of hyaluronic acid, such as Matrixyl synthe ’6.

Brighten

If done properly, anti-aging skin care in your 40s can improve dull looking skin, which is common because the cell turnover in your body slows down with age. Start by ensuring that you always remove your makeup before bed so that your pores can breathe and your skin can repair itself overnight. This is step one in any skin care routine, but it’s especially critical for anti-aging skin care in your 40s. Next, use a cleanser and toner with glycolic acid as part of a daily routine for anti-aging skin care in your 40s to help remove dead skin cells for a healthier, more youthful glow. A chemical peel is also an option. It removes the top layer of skin on your face to even out your complexion and smooth fine lines.

Zap Pimples

Acne is a common concern for anti-aging skin care in your 40s, especially around the mouth and jaw line. Once again, you can thank your changing hormones. Rather than swap all of your products, use a spot treatment on the trouble areas. It’s cheaper and much more effective for anti-aging skin care in your 40s.

Protect

At this age, visible damage to your skin really begins to show, and a lot of that damage is from sun exposure. That’s why such a big part of anti-aging skin care in your 40s is about protection—your skin is thinner now, and therefore much more susceptible to serious damage than it was in your 20s.

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Many skin care products now contain SPF; however, you should still make a habit of wearing sunscreen (with at least SPF 30) everyday and all year round. The smartest trick for anti-aging skin care in your 40s is to reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re in direct sunlight.

Changes throughout the ages

Rejuvenating Skincare Regimen for your 50s! Anti-aging skin care in your 50s is especially important because this is when sun-damaged skin really starts to show. Anti-aging skin care in your 50s targets pigmented age spots on your face, hands, and arms, as well as the appearance of spider veins—these are usually signs of sun-damaged skin that has gone untreated over the years. There are several other reasons why anti-aging skin care in your 50s is so important. Many people will start to notice that their pores have become much more pronounced—this is because the skin has loosened. By the time you reach your 50s, the collagen and elastin proteins in your body have become too weak and are not adequately supporting the skin cells. This is all the more reason to start paying more attention to anti-aging skin care in your 50s if you aren’t already doing so—it can help to rebuild your collagen and elastin levels, which can improve the visible appearance of your skin. Anti-aging skin care in your 50s can also help to treat dry skin, which tends to become very common during this decade. Most people will find that their skin becomes very dehydrated and, because of this, it becomes dry, flaky, irritated, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re a woman in your 50s, you’re likely going through menopause, which means your hormones are shifting. A decrease in estrogen levels slows down our sebum production—sebum is the natural oil our body produces that is responsible for keeping skin hydrated. The right routine for anti-aging skin care in your 50s can help to restore some of that lost moisture. A great area of opportunity for anti-aging skin care in your 50s is to make sure you’re using the right tools. Make sure you’re using the right products for your skin type—keep in mind that your skin and your body are different during this decade, so you may need to change the products you’ve been using over the past few years. For example, if you have dry skin, but never used to, your old cleanser might be too harsh now. Part of anti-aging skin care in your 50s is tweaking your routine to suit your current skin condition.

Here are the key steps to help you develop the best routine for anti-aging skin care in your 50s: Start your routine for anti-aging skin care in your 50s by using a gentle cream cleanser every morning and night, followed by moisturizer. Moisturizing is a must for anti-aging skin care in your 50s, especially if your skin is starting to feel drier than usual. Don’t forget areas like around the eyes and under your jaw. Choose anti-aging skin care products that contain vitamin C, peptides, and antioxidants. Don’t be fooled—it’s never too late to protect against sun-damaged skin. Sunscreen should still be a part of anti-aging skin care in your 50s. Remember to reapply every two hours, regardless of the SPF level and whether or not it’s waterproof. For anti-aging skin care in your 50s, it’s more important now than ever to always cleanse your face and remove your makeup before bed. Your pores have likely enlarged significantly by this age, so makeup can really clog them. To start seeing immediate results with anti-aging skin care in your 50s, exfoliate at least two to three times a week to help remove dead cells and rejuvenate the skin underneath. For extra hydration, use a facial mask after exfoliating, as it will be better able to penetrate the skin.

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The final step for anti-aging skin care in your 50s is to reapply your eye cream, serum, and moisturizer before bed, because, as you sleep, your skin is going into overdrive to repair and regenerate itself.

Chapter three

Skin’s Worst Enemies Internal and external, personal and social, a range of factors affects how your skin ages. But many of these factors are lifestyle choices and in at least some of the cases you can take control:

Just a few of the enemies The Sun

It can't be said too often, the sun is one of the greatest enemies of unprotected skin. The effects? Loss of elasticity, irregular texture, wrinkles, blemishes, discoloration, dullness... Remember that most of this is avoidable by simply using sun cream.

Poor Diet

This is another basic lifestyle factor that is clearly reflected in our skin. The consumption of too much animal fat or an unbalanced or irregular diet causes an increase in free radicals and disturbs microcirculation.

Stress

There is no doubt that a period of stress can affect the skin. The eyes may be a window into the soul, but skin and hair are good indicators of general physical and emotional health and well-being.

Dehydration

Again, it can't be said too often: your body needs water. You should aim to drink at least a liter and a half daily. Your skin will appreciate it and you should find it reflects in your general health, too.

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Tobacco

Smokers are much more likely to have skin that tends to become dehydrated and suffers a chronic deficiency of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C. As capillary blood flow is lower, the skin appears dull and lifeless.

Pollution

Car exhaust fumes and other air pollution can accelerate the production of free radicals, one of the main causes of aging. What's more, they also slow down cell renewal and can produce skin irritation.

Too Little Sleep

Whatever the reason, whether it's stress, overwork, or too hectic a social life, if you aren't getting enough sleep, it's going to be reflected in the condition of your skin. While you're sleeping your body has a chance to eliminate or neutralize the free radicals produced during the day.

Alcohol

A little wine with meals or an occasional drink won't damage your skin, but regular alcohol intake can lead to dehydration and will have a negative effect on the skin's elastin and collagen.

Chapter four

Anti-Aging Make Up Tricks

Skin is very dynamic and undergoes drastic changes as we age. This includes our skin’s expression lines, pigmentation, elasticity, and texture. Luckily, topical skincare products, healthy skin habits, and the careful use of makeup can help us turn back the clock on the appearance of aging! In this section, we will focus on anti-aging makeup tips and tricks. We began by stating that our skin is ever changing. By this point in the book, you know this! However, have you been changing your makeup and makeup techniques as you’ve aged? Using the same cosmetics in the same way as you did in your 20s may be making your look older than you truly are a decade later!

Moisturize

Choose Liquid Concealer

Buy a Yellowish Foundation

Use a Sponge

Skip Tinted Face Powder

Keep Piling on the Moisture

Apply Eye-Shadow Base

Wear Brown Eyeliner

This is so obvious we have trouble even telling you, but it bears repeating because all other steps are worthless if you don't do this one. Before you even think of applying makeup—as in while your skin is still damp from cleansing—slather on a moisturizer. OK, you are now free to unzip your makeup bag!

Not Big Bird yellow, just yellowish. Yellow warms up the skin and the warmer your skin looks, the Not Big Bird yellow, just yellowish. Yellow warms up the skin and the warmer your skin looks, the younger it looks. End of story. You want a product that hides redness and circles without getting cakey, and that means you want a liquid cover-up in a click pen.

Covering your skin in powder can mean the difference between Miss America and Miss Havisham. In other words, skip it. If you feel naked without powder, use translucent, light-diffusing powder, nothing tinted, to set your base and apply it in sunlight so you know what it actually looks like.

Apply Eye-Shadow Base Patting the tiniest dab of eye-shadow base or primer on the lids before your shadow will keep it in place.

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Choose Liquid Concealer It's a cruel irony: As you age, you have more to conceal, but concealer can draw attention to lines and creepiness. You want a product that hides redness and circles without getting cakey, and that means

Use A Sponge You may be tempted to cover up every imperfection with foundation. Don't, a damp sponge is your new best friend. Quickly wet your sponge under the faucet, squeeze out the water, and put a dab of foundation on the back of your hand. Pick up the foundation you need with the tip and apply it in dabbing motions on your face. Between the sponge absorbing some of the foundation and the water thinning the rest, you will get the optimal sheer coverage. You may need to blend it with your fingers, but the point is that it won't look cakey or opaque.

Nothing, nothing, nothing makes you look older than heavy powder formulas. Makeup artists recommend stocking your bag with creams, gels, liquids, and products that generally don't require the use of a brush. The more hydrated your skin, the younger it looks!

You have been using black eyeliner since college, you wear it every day, and you could apply it with your eyes closed (and probably do). It's time to end that relationship. Deep brown has the impact of black, but looks less jarring.

Chapter four

More Anti-Aging Make Up Tricks

Skin is very dynamic and undergoes drastic changes as we age. This includes our skin’s expression lines, pigmentation, elasticity, and texture. Luckily, topical skincare products, healthy skin habits, and the careful use of makeup can help us turn back the clock on the appearance of aging! In this section, we will focus on anti-aging makeup tips and tricks. We began by stating that our skin is ever changing. By this point in the book, you know this! However, have you been changing your makeup and makeup techniques as you’ve aged? Using the same cosmetics in the same way as you did in your 20s may be making your look older than you truly are a decade later!

Show Off Your Bone Structure

Curl Your Lashes

Tweeze, But Only If You Must

Don’t Shy Away From Shimmer

Choose a Lengthening Mascara

Keep Piling on the Moisture

Switch to Nude Lips

Try a Highlighter

After years of smiling into a mirror to isolate the apples of your cheeks, you can now give it a rest. Women lose fat in their face as they age, take advantage of that! Rub your blush in along the highest points of your cheekbones—it makes your bone structure stand out.

As you age, your face becomes more asymmetrical, but it's a big mistake to try to correct it by reshaping your brows, tweezing a lot won't reshape anything—it'll just make your brows thinner. If you tweeze at all, just clean up the most obvious errant hairs. If you need more shaping than that, go to a pro.

Lashes get thinner as you age, so conventional wisdom says you need a thickening mascara to bulk them up, but common wisdom is wrong. Your lashes can't support the extra weight and heavy formulas flatten the lashes. Instead, use lengthening mascara.

The best approach is to stick to shades that enhance your natural lip tone, rather than bringing attention to the area.

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Unearth your eyelash curler. It's not that you don't have one, and it's not that you don't know how it works. It's that it sits unused in your makeup bag.

A bit of soft shimmer is flattering as you get older because it brings light to the face, a woman's skin starts to lose its inherent radiance when she hits her 30s. We recommends a creamy neutral shadow, like champagne, pewter, or rose gold.

Nothing, nothing, nothing makes you look older than heavy powder formulas. Makeup artists recommend stocking your bag with creams, gels, liquids, and products that generally don't require the use of a brush. The more hydrated your skin, the younger it looks!

If that shiny-old-lady look creeps you out, you're not alone—it creeps us out, too. But there is a way to use highlighter to your advantage. Dab a very sheer formula just on the cheekbones, not on the brow bones, the apples of the cheeks, or the lips.

Chapter five

Skin Care by the Seasons Some people are lucky enough to live in areas with year-round pleasant temperatures. The rest of us, unfortunately, have to deal with skin changes caused by seasonal weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures. What works for your skin during the summer could wreak havoc during the winter. Do you know how to take care of your skin in all seasons?

Overview Summer

A a time when the beach beckons and you spend all day by the pool. With all this summer fun comes the harsh sun beaming down on your skin, meaning you must prepare for the heat, sweat and the skin problems that accompany it. Your skin is your body’s most prominent organ, making it essential to take care of in the summertime, when UV levels can wreak the most havoc. As you prepare to show more skin, here’s the best ways to achieve

Fall

It happens every year; summer winds down and the cool weather slowly makes its way in. As hard as it can be to pack away those shorts and summer dresses, it feels good to drag out the sweaters and the jeans. Don't forget though, just because your jeans and sweaters cover your skin doesn't mean that you can take a break on your skin care regimen. Proper care can mean the difference between healthy skin and dry flaky skin.

Winter

It’s winter; the snow is on the ground and you’ve shelved that SPF for now. The hot dangerous sun and high temperatures from the summer seems like a distant memory. Winter means you can cut down on caring for your skin. Right? Wrong! Just because you aren’t out in the sun as much doesn’t mean that your skin isn’t getting damaged from the winter weather and the sun. You need to care for and pay as much attention to your skin in the winter as you would any other season.

Spring

As winter winds down, it's easy to feel discouraged about the way you look. After all, we've been living through months of constant indoor heat on top of bitter cold weather leaving our skin flaky, dry and looking aged.

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With spring comes sunshine, humidity, and time spent outdoors. And since spring is a time of rejuvenation and growth, it's the perfect occasion to pamper your skin. And if you’re on a tight budget, you’re in luck. There are a number of ways to improve your skin health without expensive facial scrubs, moisturizers, or wrinkle serums.

Chapter five

Summer Months The summer can be the most brutal season for our skin. There’s intense heat, the sun’s rays, salty ocean water and air, chlorine, bug repellents, and poison ivy to consider. Also, we’re constantly moving between the air-conditioned cool inside and the hot, humid temperatures outside. All of these factors can really do a number on our skin! Here are some of the best tips to keep your skin glowing, beautiful, and protected all summer long.

permanently.

The most important word to remember during the summer is sunscreen! Even if you’re not planning to sit out in the sun and even if you’re wearing a hat, you still need to apply your SPF daily. Be generous with your sunscreen as well. Most people do not apply enough and you’ve probably experienced the painful burns (and embarrassing tan lines) that results from missing a spot. Choose an SPF of at least 30 and buy new sunscreens every year. If you are fair skinned, you’ll likely need an even stronger sunblock, especially for the skin on your face. Your sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB rays and you should apply it 15-20 minutes prior to going outside (not once you’ve actually reached the beach)! Reapply sunblock every two hours or immediately after you’ve been swimming or sweating heavily. Take extra care to apply sunscreen to any scars on your body. The sun’s rays can darken unprotected scars

If’ you do get a sunburn, take measures to reduce the inflammation and calm the redness. Try taking an aspirin and apply a cloth that has been soaked in cold skim milk to the burned area for 5-10 minutes. Later, apply a hydrocortisone cream. Take special care to keep burned areas out of the sun as much as possible and do not neglect using a strong SPF there for the rest of the season. Get your feet ready for sandals by giving yourself an at-home pedicure and foot scrub. Increased activity levels and strappy sandals can put extra stress on our feet in the summertime. Keep your foot scrub in your shower and use it a few times each week to keep the skin on your feet soft and pampered all summer long. Often the high temperatures and humidity of the summer can make skin oilier than usual. The heat and humidity can also cause pores to appear more obvious. Combat excess oils, potential breakouts, and visible pores by washing skin daily with a facial cleanser and using a gentle facial scrub twice a week. Take special care to cleanse skin thoroughly after it has been sprayed with bug sprays. Finally, all that sweating in the summer heat means your body is losing water! Your skin is your body’s largest organ and relies on a healthy supply of H2O to maintain peak health and performance. Remember to keep your body and your skin healthy and hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily, especially if you are outside in the summer heat.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Summer Do

use sunscreen daily: No matter what skin type you have or how your body reacts to the sun, you should always wear sunscreen containing at least SPF 30. About one ounce (a shot glass full for your entire body) of sunscreen should be reapplied two or three times a day. People don’t realize they can still get burned in cooler climates or when they’re not in direct sunlight or even on cloudy days.

Don’t

expose yourself to sunlight if there is a dramatic change to the skin: Skin discoloration, a changing mole and a rough red patch are all early signs of skin cancer.

Do

wear protective clothing: In addition to wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, a growing body of research shows that a variety of everyday apparel, such as unbleached cotton or tightly woven T-shirts or shorts offer excellent sun protection.

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Don’t

think that a burn ends with aloe vera: Aloe vera is only a temporary relief for sunburn and does not decrease your chance of skin damage. Skin cancer develops slowly over time.

Chapter five

Fall Months With falling leaves and falling temperatures, autumn is the right time to both repair the damage obtained during summer and prepare your skin for the brisk breezes that are just around the corner. First, make a point to treat your skin to an all-over exfoliation. Many of the damaging effects of the summer (from the sun, salty ocean air, chlorine, heat, bug repellent) can leave the skin dry, flaky, and irritated. After Labor Day weekend passes, try a full body exfoliation with a gentle scrub to remove the top layer of damaged, dead skin cells. Start by steaming the skin lightly by running the hot water in your bath- room’s shower/tub. Moisten skin and then apply a sugar scrub all over your body. Use a gentle facial scrub on the skin on your face and neck. Rinse off, pat dry, and immediately follow up with a moisturizing cream. Removing the top layer of your skin cells in this way helps your moisturizers, serums, and treatment creams to penetrate deeper into your skin for the best hydration and healing possible. Next, although fall is one of the most temperate seasons, you should still con- sider re-evaluating your skincare routine. As the days become colder, you may find your skin becoming dryer. It may be time to switch moisturizers or to add a serum to your daily skincare routine. Get more information on cold-weather skin protection in the “winter” section of this guide.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Fall Do

introduce moisturizing products into your autumn skincare regimen. While you may have been able to get away with an easy-breezy daily routine over the summer, your skin is going to need a bit more protection and moisture when the weather cools – and that tinted moisturizer probably isn’t hydrating enough. Pair a lightweight daytime moisturizer with a richer nighttime formula to keep your skin comfortable when temperatures drop, or combine your everyday lotion with a moisturizing serum

Don’t

retire your sunscreen. One common – and dangerous – assumption is that your skin isn’t as susceptible to UV damage during the fall and winter seasons. Although you likely won’t be spending as much time outdoors, and you’ll be covered in more layers of clothing, UV rays can still damage the skin and cause premature aging.

Do

take some time to consider your skin’s specific needs before shopping for new products. Rather than starting over with a brand new regimen, introduce one new formula at a time and see how your skin reacts. Try adding a more hydrating nighttime lotion first, and if your skin still feels dry, move on to replacing your cleanser and day cream as well. However, if you’ve been using warm-weather products like astringent toners and mattifying moisturizers, you’ll likely have to retire them until spring.

Don’t

forgo moisturizing products because your skin is naturally on the oily side. Even oily and acne-prone skin gets drier in the winter. In fact, if your skin doesn’t get the moisture it needs, or your products are too drying, your skin might actually start to overproduce oil to make up for it. For combination skin, you can just use a moisturizer on the areas where your skin gets dry, like the cheeks.

Do

invest in products you can use year-round. A moisturizer or serum with antioxidants is one item you’ll use every season, to protect skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, so it’s a worthwhile splurge – and a great way to nurture sun-damaged skin after summer is over

Don’t

let your skincare changes stop at facial skincare. The rest of your body – especially rough areas like the feet, elbows and knees – can become parched and dry as well. Lather up with a moisturizing and exfoliating body wash, and be sure to use a moisturizer just as you step out of the shower, when your skin is still damp.

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Chapter five

Winter Months Does even the mere thought of winter make your skin feel tight and itchy? Learning how your skin reacts to the winter chill and adjusting your skin care will help you keep Jack Frost from nipping at your nose -- and the rest of your skin, too.

Whether you’re spending the holidays skiing down the snowy slopes or treating yourself to a tropical getaway, you’ll need to pack your sunscreen! Many people fail to apply sunscreen in the winter. However, the sun can be very strong despite the chilly temperatures, especially when it is reflected off of the bright, white snow. Protect any exposed skin (especially on your face) by applying an SPF of 30+ about 30 minutes before you go outside. Remember to reapply later in the day, especially if you are spending a long day outside on the slopes (or shoveling). Finally, don’t forget to wear a hat. It will not only protect your scalp from sunburn and keep you warmer, but it can also help your skin hold in moisture to prevent itchy, dry scalp in the winter. Often, the skin on our hands suffers the most during winter. This is partly because the skin on our hands is among the thinnest on our bodies. To combat cracked, dry hands, apply moisturizer frequently throughout the day, especially after hand washing, and always wear gloves when you go outside. Avoid wearing wet gloves as much as possible (keep a spare pair in your car or office for emergencies) as they can irritate and further dry out the skin on your hands. Next, as tempting as they may be after a cold day outside, you should skip the steamy, hot showers! Extremely hot water can break capillaries in your skin and may also damage the skin’s lipid barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture. Instead, wash in warm water and switch to an oil- based scrub/body wash for your body. Oil-based products help to create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than water-based products. Immediately follow-up your wintertime washing with the application of a hydrating moisturizer to your whole body. Winter is also the right season to turn on the humidifier in your bedroom and/or office. Your heating system may be keeping you nice and toasty, but it can also be drying out your skin (and your sinuses)! By adding extra moisture to the air, a humidifier can help your skin stay hydrated for longer. Avoid facial peels, masks, and astringents during the winter months. These can be harsh on skin and strip it of its vital oils when it needs them most. Instead, use a mild cleanser to clean skin daily and apply your moisturizer to your face immediately after cleansing. If you are still suffering from dry skin, you may want to add a hydrating serum to your routine before you moisturize. Serums are highly concentrated and can deliver hydrating ingredients more deeply to your skin. Finally, switch to a cream foundation on top of your moisturizer. These can form an extra protective barrier for your skin and will sit more smoothly on the skin’s surface during the dry winter months.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Winter Do

moisturize: Moisturizer helps protects against the harsh elements. It’s best to apply moisturizer directly after a bath or shower to help seal in and replenish the skin with the necessary water and oils.

Don’t

forget the sunscreen: Since the snow reflects sunlight, the ultraviolet rays of the sun during the winter are still strong. Participating in winter recreational activities without applying sunscreen may result in severe burns.

Do

pamper the hands: Wearing gloves is a simple, easy way to help protect hands from the cold temperatures and dry air that trigger eczema. Nails also can become brittle; gloves also help eliminate cracked and splitting cuticles and nails.

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Don’t

ake long hot showers: While everyone enjoys basking a long hot shower, the hot water can strip the skin of its natural elements – contributing to dry skin. Instead, use lukewarm water for a shorter period of time.

Chapter five

Spring Months Does even the mere thought of winter make your skin feel tight and itchy? Learning how your skin reacts to the winter chill and adjusting your skin care will help you keep Jack Frost from nipping at your nose -- and the rest of your skin, too.

The warmer temperatures and humid air that accompany springtime rains signal that it’s time to put away the intensely hydrating body washes for the season! Instead, try shower gels during the warmer months when your skin needs less hydration. The change of season from winter into spring is also another good time to schedule a full body exfoliation to remove the dry, chapped skin of winter. Pay special attention to the skin on your hands and feet and target them with more hydrating scrubs and lotions. Further, try a scalp treatment if you suffered from wintertime dry scalp or dandruff. Scalp treatments act like little facials for your hairline – they remove dead skin cells while leaving a newly moisturized layer of skin behind. A lighter, less moisturizing shampoo may also be in order for the warmer, more humid weather. Choose one that nourishes your scalp, yet doesn’t weigh down your hair with excess oil by the end of the day. The change of seasons into spring is also the right time to reassess the level of hydration of your skin care routine. If you find your skin is oilier than you would like during these months, you may need products with lower levels of hydration. Skin will still need a moisturizer after every cleansing, but you may want to switch to a water- based or less hydrating formula for the spring and summer. Although you might be tempted to hit the tanning beds in spring to prepare a “base tan” for the impending summer, you should resist! The UV rays of tanning beds can damage the DNA of your skin cells, increasing your risk for skin cancer dramatically. Also, repeated unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to photoaging in the form of wrinkles, sagging skin, and sunspots! Instead, try out a sunless tanner in late spring. Prep your skin for even absorption of the tanner by doing a full body exfoliation prior to the application. Do a small test patch of skin before applying it everywhere to determine if it’s the right shade for your skin tone. Then apply the lotion beginning with your feet and moving up your body, rubbing less on joints (knees, elbows) that often absorb too much and can appear darker. Even though you’re tanned and ready for summer now, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen each and every day!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Spring Do

Lighten up. Since your skin is drier during the winter months, you’re probably using heavy moisturizer. For the spring, switch from a cream to a lotion and avoid ingredients like mineral oil and petrolatum. They can lead to rashes. Instead, look for products with hyaluronic acids and ceramides, which deliver effective moisturization without clogging.

Don’t

forget the sunscreen: Even though the temperatures are just warming up, children and adults should continue to apply sunscreen before heading to outdoor activities. About one ounce (a shot glass full for your entire body) of sunscreen should be applied before heading outdoors.

Do

Brighten up. Spots are adorable on Dalmatians, not on your face. Treat them before they even start. “Don’t wait for brown spots to appear,” she says. “Use multitasking moisturizers that contain lightening ingredients at the beginning of the season.”

Don’t

Exfoliate too much. The combination of heavy moisturizers and the dry indoor heat can leave skin patchy and dull. Slough off dead skin cells with scrubs. For the body, a manual scrub with microbeads or a loofah both do the trick. Plus, a little exfoliating will help your spray tan go on more evenly.

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Chapter six

Common Beauty Myths

Persistent and timeless, passed down from generation to generation, beauty myths dictate lots of our daily beauty routines. We’ve all heard them, we’ve all come to believe they’re true, but… are they? We took a closer look at five common beauty myths.

Water is the foundation of youth

Fact: Unless you are suffering from severe dehydration,

water will not prevent wrinkles. Wrinkles and aging are mainly caused by sun, age and, most notably, genetics. Aside from choosing your parents wisely, the best way to prevent wrinkles is to use a sunscreen at all times. Retinoids are still the gold standard for anti-aging. If your skin can tolerate them, these are excellent products to help prevent wrinkles as well.

You don't need sunscreen on a cloudy day.

Fact: Once you've gotten the results you want — to look younger and reduce wrinkles — you may think you can ditch your products and just enjoy that glow. But you may need to continue using your anti-aging skin care products after you see results in order to maintain them.

If a product is made with all-natural ingredients, you don't have to worry about any adverse effects.

Fact: You need sunscreen all day, everyday, rain or shine. The ultraviolet rays that reach the earth are UVA and UVB. On a cloudy day, some of the UVB rays are filtered out so you may not burn as easily, but UVA rays penetrate right through the clouds and deep into your skin and can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Fact: You can just as easily have an adverse effect to natural ingredients, such as aloe or vitamin E, as you can to chemical or man-made ones. Mother nature is not always kind.

Acne is caused by dirt.

Chocolate makes you break out-

Fact: The causes of acne are multi-factorial. Most people who believe their acne is caused by dirt have scrubbed their faces so hard that they have actually worsened their acne by irritating their skin. Acne is mainly under hormonal control, and it is the sensitivity of one's oil glands and hair follicles to one's own normal hormones that creates the problems. You just need to get on an appropriate skin-care regimen that works for you, which your dermatologist can help you do.

Wrinkle creams don’t work

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You See Improvement, You Can Stop Using Anti-Aging Products

Fact: We're a cynical old lot according to recent studies that found that over 71% of women don’t believe in anti-wrinkle creams. Whilst this may have been true of the cold creams and basic moisturizers our grannies used to slather on, fast-forward a few decades and add in a couple of technology breakthroughs, and the holy grail of beauty really is within reach

Fact: While chocolate won’t cause a breakout, it is true that a poor diet can irritate your skin and cause breakouts and dullness. So feel free to have that piece of chocolate, but make sure to get your fruits and vegetables too!

Use steam to open pores

Fact: Pores are enigmatic things and many of us are rather confused as to their exact purpose apart from a hazy recollection that they can be mysteriously opened and closed and a vague fear that they might be getting bigger. So let’s be clear on one thing, whatever beauty therapists might have us believe, as they do not have muscles or hinges no amount of steam or cold water will open and close them - steam simply helps to loosen the dirt inside.

Conclusion

Conclusion From our 20’s until way beyond our 60’s

We are inundated with promises, products, and services that guarantee younger- looking skin. Whether they come from new surgeries, expensive injections, diets, creams, serums, lasers, or so something else, it’s very hard to tell what will work and what’s a waste of time, money, and energy! We understand and we hope this book has helped you to learn more about your skin, how it’s changing, and what you can do daily to keep it as young and beautiful as possible.

Choosing healthful habits and skincare products

Choosing healthful habits and skincare products that are not only safe for you, but appropriate for your skin’s needs at its current biological state are the most important things you can do. Having the knowledge to make the right decisions will go a long way in not only improving the quality of products you choose, but also guide you towards simple lifestyle changes that can make an unbelievable impact on your aging process. We hope you continue to keep this book as a reference for the future – whether for the healthy recipes, seasonal skincare advice, to try out a new facial mask, or

It’s never too late. . . .

It’s never too late to start taking the best care of your skin. Looking great is hard work, but it can be fun too. Best of all, the results make it all worthwhile! Now that you’re armed with the information to improve your skin and protect against future aging, you’re ready to become one of those women who looks better and better

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