Get Younger-Looking Arms

By Woman's Day Staff


woman with arms in the air

If the strategy for dealing with your upper arms involves equal parts concealment (cardigans in August? Sure!) and diversion ("Don't you love my new shoes?"), you're not alone. "Over time, we all lose muscle tone and produce fewer skin-firming proteins like collagen and elastin," says Jeanine B. Downie, MD, a Montclair, NJ, dermatologist. The good news is that you can stop the sagging with these tips. Photo credit: Corbis

When it comes to beautifying your arms, a great place to start is with sun protection. "If you're wearing short sleeves, smooth on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to ward off UV damage, which can cause collagen to break down," says Dr. Downie. Also use a daily firming lotion and, at night, a vitamin E serum to boost collagen production (click to slide 5 to see our picks). Photo credit: Getty Images
Related: Check out 9 bad habits that are actually good for you.

Invest in two body bronzers, one in a light shade and another in medium, suggests Physicians Formula makeup artist Joanna Schlip. Two to try: Hard Candy Glow All the Way in Glamazon Bronze and Doll Face ($8; at Walmart stores). Rub the medium shade over your entire arm, front and back, blending well. Apply the lighter shade down just the top of your arms from shoulder to wrist to reflect light toward the most toned part of your arm. Photo credit: Getty Images

"You don't need weights or fancy workout equipment to tone and tighten," says Kim Lyons, a certified personal trainer in Los Angeles. Instead, set aside 5 minutes a day to do this simple exercise, which works your triceps for firmer-looking arms. Clasp your hands in front of your chest, just under your chin. While inhaling, bring your elbows up to a 90-degree angle so that they're parallel to the floor. As you exhale slowly, push your palms together as hard as you can, hold for 5 seconds and relax. Repeat up to 15 times. Photo credit: Getty Images
Related: Maximize your workout in 4 easy steps.

Smooth on these age fighters for wow-worthy arms. Photo credit: Getty Images

Vitamin E improves skin elasticity as you lather up. Dove Visible Care Crème Toning Body Wash with Nutrium Moisture, $7; at drugstores.

This lightweight body cream hydrates and tightens loose skin. Nivea Skin Firming Body Lotion with Q10, $9.99; at drugstores.
Related: Find the perfect swimsuit for your shape.

Enriched with vitamins A and E to tone and fight stretch marks, this oil dries fast so it won't leave skin greasy. Bio-Oil, 2 oz, $11.99; at drugstores.

MORE ANTI-AGING ADVICE!Looking for other smart ideas? Check out the new book 7 Years Younger, available only at 7YearsYounger.com/BookWD. With chapters dedicated to youth-boosting diet advice, skincare tips, mind and memory tricks, and fitness (including sag-fighting arm exercises!), the book's comprehensive approach to looking younger promises results in just seven weeks.