Anti-Aging by the Decade
Age may be just a number, but it's undeniable that changes in your skin and hair occur with each passing birthday. Make these moves in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s to look your best, no matter the number of candles on the cake
30s
SKIN Daily sunscreen is a must to ward off discoloration, such as melasma, often caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and then exacerabated by the sun, says NYC dermatologist Eric Schweiger, M.D. Try L'Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Liquid Silk Sunshield for Face SPF 50+ ($11, lorealparis.com now, in drugstores next month) for broad-spectrum protection.
HAIR "Preventing heat-induced damage in your 30s will ensure that hair looks and feels healthier - and younger - in your 40s and beyond," says Redken haircolor consultant David Stanko. Avoid daily use and lower the heat on tools to half the maximum temperature while using a heat-protecting product, like Matrix Design Pulse Iron In Thermal Styling Mist ($14, salons).
Related: Test Your Stay-Young Smarts
40s
SKIN Add OTC retinol or prescription retinoic acid to your skin-care routine to minimize the look of lines and spots all in one go. As the anti-ager may be irritating, apply once per week to start and work up to daily use as your skin becomes more tolerant. Our pick: La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] Intensive Anti-Aging Corrective Treatment ($55, CVS).
HAIR "Hair can start to lose its luster and look dull and ashy now," says Stanko. An in-salon glaze (a clear demi-permanent) can restore shine for up to four weeks. Or for a bargain, try a do-it-yourself version, like John Frieda Clear Shine Luminous Glaze ($10, drugstores); you apply it like a conditioner, and it lasts till the next shampoo.
Related: 5 Ways to Fade Age Spots
50s
SKIN Try layering an antioxidant serum under sunscreen and moisturizer with SPF. "This will help treat existing fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, while also offering protection from future sun damage," says Dr. Schweiger. We like Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum ($65, Sephora).
HAIR If forehead wrinkles have you hiding from mirrors, bangs are an easy way to cover up. The anti-aging secret: Opt for a round-shaped bang-shortest in the center between brows and gradually longer toward the temples. This style looks less severe than a straight-across bang, says Rebecca Friedman, co-owner of Goodform Salon in Los Angeles.
Related: Look Great on Zero Sleep
60s
SKIN Hydration is key. "Skin's moisture levels decrease with age, so opt for heavier, ointment-based night creams to remedy dryness," says Dr. Schweiger. Try the rich Avène Sérénage Nutri-Redensifying Night Cream ($49, drugstore.com). Sloughing can help, too. Use a cleansing brush two to three times per week to gently exfoliate and rejuvenate dry skin.
HAIR An alert to those proudly sporting silver strands: "Gray hair absorbs chemicals and pollution from air, water, and product, making it look dingy," says Friedman. "A clarifying shampoo keeps the color fresh and pure." Try Suave Naturals Daily Clarifying Shampoo ($1, drugstores) once a week - and since clarifiers remove hair's natural oils, pair with a deep conditioner.
Next: Write Off Aging
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