tips from the pros

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I recently bought the best book ever. Confessions of a Beauty Editor is written by Linda Wells, the founding editor in chief of Allure. Great tips and the best part? No hidden agenda. Meaning Ms. Wells does not try and hawk products for the reader to buy.

Curious? Intrigued? Well, here is something to wet your palette:
(Adapted from Confessions of a Beauty Editor, page 23)

Anti-aging tips:

20s: Prevention
To prevent premature aging, start using sunscreen and antioxidants. If you have had a lot of sun exposure, you may want to try using an over-the-counter retinol cream at night.

30s: Exfoliation
As you age, the skin starts to thin. Not only should you be using sunscreen and antioxidants but you should also use a night cream that contains retinoids and alpha hydrox acids. Also, once a month do a glycolic peel or at-home microdermabrasion at least once a month.

40s: Stimulation
Turning 40 usually means fine lines and sagginess. MDs can offer stronger prescription retinoids and skin lightening formulas (to remove age spots). Home peels and/or microdermabrasion should be applied on a weekly basis.

50+: Firming
Sagging and wrinkles are now a fact of life. Dermatologists recommend applying a copper peptide cream, which can help the slow the "fall" of skin every night. Retinoids are probably becoming drying; moisturizers with petrolatum and hyaluronic acid will help. Treatments such a microdermabrasion are usually best left up the the pros.

And now for my tip:
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SUNSCREEN. EVERYDAY. NO MATTER CLOUDY IT IS.