The 40s They say life begins at 40, so don’t let your complexion deter you from seeking this kind of vitality. When in your 40s, skin will begin to lose the glow that it has had up until now, prompting you to start manually boosting your radiance. An uneven skin tone may also become apparent, caused by the multiplication of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells found in the epidermis. Making an effort to stay out of direct sunlight will help this issue, or if you find this too hard then amp up the SPF factor you use for additional protection. You can brighten up a dull appearance by cleansing and exfoliating regularly to increase cell turnover and help even out pigmentation. Your face’s circulation will also be boosted, giving you back your glow. The 50s As estrogen levels decline in your 50s, skin becomes thinner and drier meaning that moisture is lost. Your face will feel slightly brittle and crinkly, which can be combated with gentle exfoliation — rejuvenating and bringing the younger skin cells to the surface. Use a concentrated product or serum for an intense restoration effect. If possible, use one that contains hyaluronic acid as it locks in hydration to ensure a healthier and plumper epidermis. Just remember not to use more than advised on the bottle as too much can effectively drown and clog the skin’s surface. The 60s The biggest problem when you’re in your 60s is the sagging of the skin. You will notice that around your neck, eyes and jaw-line the skin will lose its tautness. You need to update your bathroom shelf with products that firm, lift and generally restore volume to keep your skin looking streamlined. Another problem to look out for is patches of irritation; mature skin is more subject to simple irritation as it will have thinned over the years to become more vulnerable. If this occurs, look for products containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as bisabolol, to soothe any problematic areas. The 30s The 30s brings with it the emergence of the dreaded “w” word — wrinkles. After 30 years of exposing your skin to the sun, it will begin to show the effects. The sun’s rays penetrate the skins surface and physically destroy the tissues of the skin, which leads to wrinkling at around this age. So now is the decade to really start focusing on wrinkle prevention, which is easier to do than you might think. The first step is to use suncream all of the time. Change your day moisturiser to one with a built in SPF factor and try to use a retinol-based product during the night. The skin surrounding the eye contour will also begin to cause concern during your 30s and fine lines will become visible. Combat this with a firming eye cream and brightening products. The solution L’Occitane Very Precious Eyes Serum The solution No7 Instant Radiance Beauty Balm The solution Lancôme Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate The solution Clarins Advanced ExtraFirming Neck Cream woman this month | February 2012 | 45
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