Saving face
Aging is an equal-opportunity offender; it doesn’t discriminate between the sexes. So even if your mom might be more open about her daily anti-aging routine, that doesn’t mean your dad should be left to gather wrinkles in the sun.
He might look more distinguished with graying temples, but for sure if he has to grow old at all, he’d rather age like George Clooney than Robert Redford.
Dads appreciate power tools of any kind, so here are the most powerful tools versus aging you can find over the counter today.
They may boast different ingredients and methods of action, but two things are for sure: they’re all skincare breakthroughs and — in case your dad’s too shy to betray his bathroom-counter secrets for looking so young — he can always claim they’re your mom’s.
Efficiency expert
Consumer Reports consistently votes Olay one of the most effective skincare brands out there — more effective, even, than much pricier luxury brands. The Total Effects range, in particular, gives you the most bang for your buck. Why spend money on costly facials that deliver temporary fixes when you can get seven long-term results from just one product? Olay’s cocktail of vitamins and antioxidants 1) minimizes fine lines, 2) nourishes skin, 3) evens skin tone, 4) gently exfoliates, 5) refines the appearance of pores, 6) protects the skin’s moisture barrier, and 7) hydrates to provide a subtle lift. My favorite is Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Cream with SPF 15 because you get an eighth benefit — protection from further sun damage — plus the blush-colored cream is fragrance-free, absorbs quickly and is a pleasure to apply.
Olay’s Total Effects 7-in-1 range is available at supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.
Firming in a bottle
It’s already the stuff of legend that one of dermatologist Dr. Nicholas V. Perricone’s patients asked him for a miracle product that could transform her appearance in mere hours, and he gave her the now-classic Face Firming Activator. Now from the father of the inflammation theory of aging comes another line based on concept of the “instant face-lift in a bottle,” Olive Oil Polyphenols. These antioxidants derived from plants are extremely efficient but much gentler, so the line is perfect for those with skin too sensitive for the very potent Activator. If you have delicate skin that has visible lines and wrinkles and is losing firmness, try these three partner products: the Gentle Cleanser with DMAE protects and firms skin while cleansing; the Nutrient Face Fortifier has Hydroxytyrosol to smooth and add radiance while DMAE firms and cumulatively increases tone; lastly, for those with dry skin, the Face Hydrator contains the same firming complex plus a moisture-balancing formula to calm and hydrate.
NV Perricone Cosmeceuticals are available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Quick fixes
A lot of younger men suffer from oily, acne-prone skin, which breaks out at the drop of a hat. The Face Shop’s solution? Quick & Clean, a comprehensive skincare line with antibacterial tea tree oil and chamomile extract to address every oily-skin problem. The Mild Foam
The Quick & Clean range is available at The Face Shop.
Targeted action
Who doesn’t want to immortalize their youthful looks? For centuries, people who lived along the Mediterranean coast relied on a secret white flower to look younger. This flower never wilted, even after being picked, hence its name: Immortelle. Today L’Occitane extracts immortelle’s very precious essential oil — which they found boosts collagen synthesis, stimulates microcirculation and enhances cell renewal — and uses it as the star ingredient in its Very Precious skincare line. One of the latest additions is the Very Precious Mask, a box of six sheet masks saturated with serum and a targeted-action gel, both concentrated in organic immortelle essential oil and a vitamin C-derived ingredient. Leave it on for five to 15 minutes and feel your stress melt away. Then take it off and see immediate improvement. Your skin is softer and plumper, wrinkles are smoother, pigmentation marks lighter and complexion brighter. is available at Rustan’s Essenses.
L’Occitane is available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Iron out the wrinkles
Dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad is a results-oriented guy. His products all undergo clinical studies, and Murad has no qualms about emblazoning their impressive results on his packaging. His Intensive Wrinkle Reducer is possibly one of his most impressive — its bioengineered GlycoNutrient Complex was clinically proven to improve skin smoothness by 33 percent in two weeks, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 55 percent in 12 weeks. But perhaps the testimonials by Murad’s clients are the most convincing of all: “Intensive Wrinkle Reducer performed beyond my expectations,” raved one happy customer. “The lessening of wrinkles around my eyes and elsewhere was visible in two weeks. My pores are smaller, my skin is more radiant and has a smoother texture. I love you, Dr. Murad!”
Murad is available at Rustan’s Essenses and the Murad Medi-Spa on the 5th level of Rustan’s
