Looking good - at any age!

It is every woman’s dream to look her best at any age! Like most things in life, it requires work. There is no miracle or fountain of youth here. The sooner we realize that looking good is no easy task, the faster we will look better.

The first step to looking good is accepting the features that you have and learning to feel good about them. In her book, Bobbi Brown Beauty, makeup artist, Bobbi Brown, who has her own makeup and skin care line, defines perfect beauty as "unique and individual." No one is flawless or immune from bad beauty days.

But before you know what works best for you, you must first know your skin type. Once you know how your skin is behaving, treat it accordingly.

There are so many products in the market now which cater to specific needs. Now, there is no longer an excuse to have bad skin. Learn to read labels and be knowledgeable about new ingredients. The only way to know if a product works is to try it out. Then the next step is to be consistent with a beauty routine. Keep it simple, approachable and realistic. But remember, good skin is not just about what you put on your face, but also how you conduct your life. Adequate sleep, lots of water, regular exercise and eating well are essential to maintaining healthy skin. Cleansing is one of the most essential steps to basic skin care. Never go to bed without removing your make up, this can lead to breakouts. Always be gentle, cleansing too vigorously overdries skin. At any age, the best thing you can do to your skin is to protect it from the harsh sun. It is the single most important practice in skin care. Never ever leave home without sun protection. A good sun protection product should either have titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Both provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection by physically blocking the sun’s rays. Apply sunblock at least half an hour before going out to allow the product to absorb in your skin. After a year, sunscreen products should be discarded since their active ingredients will begin to lose their protective powers. Up to 80 percent of premature aging is attributed to sun exposure. So, protect yourself!

Learn to face the facts and consider your age. Remember that our skin’s needs change as we age. What you used to do in your 20s will not work in your later years. If Pond’s Cold Cream worked as a cleanser and moisturizer in your earlier years, don’t even think of continuing this routine! What you do to your skin will show itself through the course of time. Start young, don’t wait until it’s too late.

Protection is the most important in your teens and 20s. Products containing antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, coenzyme Q10 and green tea are vital to prevent damage from environmental aggressors like pollution, smoke, stress and the sun.

In your 30s, the first signs of aging will appear. What you did or didn’t do in your 20s will start to show. Aside from maintenance, it is time to establish your anti-aging routine. Retinoids, a pure derivative of vitamin A, help diminish fine lines and uneven pigment. It works better when used together with a bleaching cream. Over-the-counter formulations are good but prescription creams such as tretinoin are more effective since they have more of the anti-aging chemicals.

Alpha-hydroxy Acids are another option. AHAs renew skin, brighten complexion, lighten dark spots and reduce the appearance of fine lines. I have sensitive skin so I use a mixture of AHA and Retinoic Acid only twice a week. My dermatologist also lowered the percentage of the two especially for me. For those who have normal skin, it is best to use it every day. But remember that you develop more sensitivity to the sun. It is highly recommended to avoid it and to protect yourself.

Everything is more obvious in your 40s – from wrinkles to age spots. Now more than ever, be consistent with your anti-aging routine. Despite the many new discoveries in ingredients, Retinoic Acid and Alpha-hydroxy Acids are still the most effective creams. Combine this routine with a bleaching cream to lighten dark spots. It is a must to hydrate the skin daily with a moisturizer. With menopause, the ovaries slow their production of estrogen, causing the skin to produce less collagen. Collagen is a protein in connective tissues. It retains water to make skin supple. An intensive moisturizer that encourages cell renewal and helps restore elasticity should be part of your daily routine during your 50s and beyond.

Who says it is easy to look good? It takes time and effort. Once you have settled into a routine, it’s all a breeze. It’s like brushing your teeth. Skin is so personal. The only one who knows it best is you. Be aware of what works and what you are sensitive to. With this consciousness, you will achieve great results.

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