Getting under YOUR SKIN!

[peterb]

Sunday, March 16, 2003
Getting under YOUR SKIN
By KYRA HOGGAN, CALGARY SUN

 
 There's good news and bad news out there for 50-plus skin care.

The good news is there are new ways to slow the aging of skin and maintain a youthful, healthy appearance well past the 40s.

The bad news is, the best way to start is with the tried-and-true methods mom told you about -- exercise, good nutrition, and SPF 40.

"Good, healthy measures in life are important," says Dr. Corinna Iampen.

"Drinking water is key -- it helps replenish hydration of skin. Exercise oxygenates the skin and sunblock protects it -- all those basics are important."

That said, she acknowledges there are ways to give nature a helping hand.

"Although each patient is different, our skin care needs change as we age," she says. "Causative factors such as smoking and tanning will make a huge difference, but there are some generalizations we can make."

For skin after age 50, Iampen says, plain bar soap is a big no-no.

"Soap is very drying to the skin," she says. "It's fine when we're in our 20s, but now you should be looking at unscented products, and ones with alphahydroxy."

She says adolescent acne formulas are not likely to help, as they dry out the skin. Adult blemishes are often caused not by excess oil but by pore blockage, making the drying agent ineffective, even damaging, to older skin.

Botox and cosmetic filler products such as Restylane are particularly effective for this age group.

After age 60, the key is to exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.

"I generally recommend alphahydroxy acid peels," Iampen says. "It's an exfoliation technique that helps to clarify the skin and stimulate collagen to tighten the skin."

Iampen says to use a three-step hygiene process that includes cleanser, tonic and moisturizer.

"Personally, I think the products you use will determine how well you are able to care for your skin," she says.

Dryness is a problem after age 70, says Iampen.

"Your skin dries out as you age, so you'll want to change products accordingly, since you won't necessarily get the same results with products you used to use."

She says issues at that age are increased collagen loss and the skin becoming more lax around the nose, on the lips, between the eyes and on the forehead.

"Now's the time to get a bit more proactive as far as exfoliating products, both with a professional and at home," she says. "These issues are accentuated with time."

Your best bet, regardless your age, is to book an appointment with a professional early on and set some guidelines for continued skin health.

"Different skin types require different products, and there are many new techniques, products and options available," she says.

"It's a matter of getting started looking after your skin and slowing the aging process as much as possible."