Musings About Life... After Birth

Just because you’re about to hit the big 4-0 (or are already there), doesn’t mean you have to look like a scary ‘ol cougar. Today I’ll be joining almost-40 Broads Molly and Christine of Sirius and XM Radio’s “Broadminded” to explain what goes on with your skin when you’re in your 40s, and what over-the-counter beauty products are best for keeping yourself looking young. Tune in at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. EST on XM 155 or Sirius 102! If you can’t catch the show, here’s what I’ll be discussing:

What’s going on with skin in your 40s:

Uneven skin tone: By your 40s, you skin has endured quite a lot of environmental damage – sun, pollution, smoke (if you were a puffer), etc. By your 40s, sadly, that damage is pretty visible. Your skin may be a bit more red and blotchy or your skin tone may be uneven due to sunspots.

Skin dryness: Skin becomes drier as you age, as your skin naturally decreases its oil production as you get older. As a result, dry skin looks a little flaky, and certainly less “plump” and radiant. Think of a wilted plant versus a freshly-watered one, and you get the picture.

Fine lines and wrinkles: As you age, your body’s natural collagen production mechanisms slow and the collagen that already exists in your body begins breaking down. Collagen, a type of fibrous protein that supports and connects bodily tissue, works with elastin to give strength and firmness to your face, keeping skin firm, flexible, tight and youthful-looking. By your 40s, this decrease in collagen production and retention leads to skin looking less “plump”, which increases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also contributing to the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles: all the environmental damage listed above (you know about sun causing wrinkles!) and dryness, which makes wrinkles appear more pronounced, as skin isn’t as plump as it could be.

Never fear, ladies – there IS help! Here’s what you can do:

Of course, there are all kinds of prescription-strength medicines, cosmetic dermatological procedures and plastic surgery procedures that can correct these age-related issues. Retinol products like Retin-A or Tazorac, Botox, laser treatments, dermal fillers – even facelifts are sure-cures. However, all come with some risks, and they certainly aren’t cheap. If you aren’t quite ready to take the plunge, here are some over-the counter products that will get your 40something skin looking great. I’m a big fan of scary chemical-free organic products, so many of these are all-natural. Sometimes, however, it’s still most effective to go the lab-created route, so pick and choose based on your level of comfort.

Check out my favorites, here:

If your main concern is sun/environmental damage:

1) Patricia Wexler MD Dermatology 2-Step Exfoliating Glyco Peel, $60, bathandbodyworks.com
This month-long supply of maximum strength, at-home glycolic acid peels encourages skin cell turnover by intensifying exfoliation in a safe micro-peel. In two simple steps, you’ll reduce visible skin discolorations, including marks left by acne and uneven skin tone, and contribute to overall skin clarity. Bonus: it’s also great for preventing adult acne. Use it after cleansing your skin, then follow with serum and moisturizer.

2) Suki Targeted Bio-Brightening Face Serum, $75, sukipure.com
This highly concentrated, organic, oil-free serum is specifically designed to brighten & diminish the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, scars, spots & redness for a more overall radiant, even complexion. Use after cleanser and treatment, and before moisturizer.

3) NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex, $110, nia24.com
This is one of my favorite lines – not organic, but all of the products include Niacin (vitamin B3), which helps skin repair itself from sun damage and aging. This night cream has brighteners that help lift signs of discolorations and restore radiance. Use after applying serum.

If your main concern is dryness:

1) La Mer The Hydrating Facial, $250 for 6 applications, saks.com
A thousand times better (and certainly more convenient!) than a facial, this product delivers an intensive dose of hydration to skin. It’s not organic, but has all sorts of nourishing sea-plant derivatives. I know this product is expensive, but again, it’s so much cheaper than six facials, and really - using one of these treatments will yield facial-esque results!

2) CellCeuticals CerActive, $45, cellceuticalsskincare.com
This organic, deep penetrating moisturizer and barrier repair treatment soothes skin and provides long-lasting skin hydration. It was developed by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Garth Fisher - Kim Kardashian is, apparently, a huge fan of this product! Use after

If your main concern is sagging, fine lines and wrinkles:

1) Skin 2 Skin Anti-Sagging Renewal Serum, $75, skin2skincare.com
The components in this age-defying serum promote skin firmness by rehydrating and facilitating healthy new skin cell growth. It is formulated with one of the most innovative anti-aging ingredients on the market today, Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) at a 17% content level, the maximum clinically allowed. Matrixyl significantly decreases the appearance of surface wrinkles on the cheek, under the eye and over the neck areas. Use after cleansing and before moisturizing.

2) Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment, $98, nordstrom.com
This treatment product contains C8 Peptide, a collagen-production stimulator that in lab tests created noticeably younger-looking skin in 28 days. With regular use, you’ll see it greatly reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face. Use this after serum and before moisturizer.

3) Bremenn Upper Eyelid Lifter, $59, bremennresearchlabs.com
From the folks who brought us StriVectin, this product tightens the upper eye area, making your eyes look fresh and awake. It’s not quite an eye job, but it delivers pretty dramatic results! Use after cleansing and applying serum and moisturizer, patting gently on the eye area.