Skin care primer

Mature skin can be delicate and requires regular TLC to keep it glowing. There are hundreds of skin care products on the market, ranging in price from a few dollars to several hundred (yes, Creme de la Mer, I’m talking about you!).

While mature skin has its issues, there are some basics that can help you be your best.

1. Wear sunscreen. I wear sunscreen every day, and have done so for a couple of decades now. Sun damage is permanent – and potentially dangerous (there are three kinds of skin cancer). Many daily facial lotions have SPF 15 built right in. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 that offers both UVA and UVB protection. If you plan on being outdoors for a good portion of the day, choose SPF 30 with UVA and UVB protection. And, wear a hat to protect your scalp.

2. Morning and evening, be sure to wash your face with a gentle soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser. Choose a formulation that meets your skin’s needs: dry, oily or combination.

3. Using a moisturizer with retinol can help to firm the skin’s appearance.

4. Pimples and wrinkles at the same time? Arggh! A topical spot treatment with salicylic acid can help to deal with occasional pimples that result from our fluctuating hormones.

Many women aged 50+ start to see the appearance of  fine red veins on their cheeks or nose. This can be a sign of rosacea, a chronic skin condition that affects many people over the age of 30. If this is a concern for you, see a dematologist to determine the best course of action for you.

The best tip for great skin is simply to pay attention to it. Remember that your skin changes as you age so you may need to adjust your regimen to meet your new or emerging skin concerns.

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