Anti-aging skin care during Menopause - What to do?

“That’s your daughter?! You look young enough to be her sister!”

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Isn’t that the ultimate compliment?

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Women used to believe that only those in their 60s use anti-aging creams. This pattern is rapidly changing, with women in their 30s getting initiated into the world of anti-aging treatment. 

As the name suggests, anti-aging treatment is focused primarily on preventing wrinkles, dark spots, loose skin, and anything else that makes you look old. 

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Two simple products form the foundation of your journey towards younger-looking skin. You probably already have them in your house. It is time to start using them daily!

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Sunscreen:

While we cannot stop time, we can protect ourselves from the sun. Sunrays are responsible for a large portion of the skin changes seen in older women. Using sunscreen might seem tedious at first due to the need for repeated application throughout the day but has immense long-term benefits.

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There are two basic things to check while picking a sunscreen. An SPF of 30 or above is recommended for daily use. Also, check the PA rating. A score of ‘++++’ is ideal. The most important part is ensuring that you apply it correctly. You need about half a spoon of sunscreen to cover your face and neck (don’t forget your nose, the area behind your ears, and the back of the neck!). Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every three to four hours to be effective. If you live in a hot and humid place, more frequent applications may be necessary.

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Moisturiser:

One of the easiest ways to maintain soft and supple skin is that trusty old bottle of moisturiser that is likely lying on your shelf for months. A little moisturiser applied at bedtime hydrates your skin overnight. One beneficial ingredient to look out for here is hyaluronic acid. This acts like a sponge to soak up water and retain it in your skin.

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You might see advertisements promoting a product as the “best anti-aging cream” or claiming to give you “younger-looking skin in X days.” Before you rush to grab it, turn it around and look at the ingredients label. 

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But what if you are unsure if the ingredients mentioned will suit your skin type or not? Grab your phone and just check what it is. Simple, right? NO! Anti-aging treatments tend to dry out the skin, and their incorrect usage can also irritate it. Always consult a dermatologist before you use any products, especially over your face.

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Let’s go over some of the most common names you might see on the list:

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Vitamin C or ascorbic acid

Oranges and lemons are not safe to apply on the skin. But the vitamin C extracted from it when formulated into skin-safe products can make you glow. However, it has to be stored in a specific way, and you have to pick the right strength (5% works well for beginners). 

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Grape seed extract

This ingredient helps to increase the production of collagen. This is the substance present in the skin that helps keep it tight. The levels of collagen reduce with age resulting in wrinkling or saggy skin.

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Green tea extract

Did you know that green tea does more than help in fat burning and boosting your immunity? It also acts as an antioxidant that protects your skin from sun damage. However, leave the tea bags aside for a refreshing cup to drink and only use green tea over the skin only as a cream.

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Things you need to remember before starting any anti-aging treatment-

• Prevention is better than cure. Early treatment helps in delaying the appearance of signs of ageing. There is no best age to start anti-aging treatment. The best time is now!
• Don’t underestimate the power of sunscreen and moisturisers. While it is tempting to buy heavily advertised creams that promise miraculous results, these two products will protect your skin and help you shine.
• While you might have a lot of other ingredients you want to try, please remember that your face is not the right place to experiment. Always do a patch test by applying a small quantity of product on your neck or behind your ear to ensure that it suits your skin.
• Make your dermatologist your best friend. When it comes to anti-aging, your doctor will have a lot more to offer in the form of prescription products and procedures that will ensure you get the best results safely.

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So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

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