When my mother gently took me aside, handed me a bottle of anti-wrinkle cream and whispered the encouraging words, “Darling, I really think you need to start using this,” I was devastated. Was I really THAT old? I’d noticed a few lines ... some annoying wrinkles HAD magically appeared out of nowhere, but, come on! REALLY? Fact is, mother knows best, setting me on a preventative skin care path that many don’t even think about until later in life.  

Vichy Laboratories surveyed 686 women over the age of 50 and found that 82 percent reported changes in the appearance of their skin, including increased dryness, increased wrinkles and a sagging neck once they entered menopause. To get the skinny (literally), I called an independent source, Aline Hebert, head of education at Clarins. Clarins, among other things, specializes in innovating outstanding skin care products as well as spa practices and techniques, so Hebert knows a thing or three about how our skin ages.

“Even very mature skin that hasn’t been taken care of can be improved upon, just by applying moisture and the right creams,” she says, “doing this brings blood circulation to the dermis, which promotes plump, healthier looking skin - It’s never too late to make a difference and start a good skin care regimen.”  

Why does our skin decline as we age?

There are two factors known as intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging can’t be prevented (boo), it’s a result of getting older genetically and occurs because of our skin type and menopause, (a lack of natural moisture); our natural collagen decreases and we lose elasticity in aging skin.

However, extrinsic aging can be prevented (phew) and is due to exposure to the environment and lifestyle choices: sun and harsh elements speed up the aging process; drinking, smoking, eating unhealthily, and stress can also effect how our skin ages. 

Obvious signs of aging: pigment changes, like dark areas and freckles known as age spots. Mature skin sags (especially around the jawline, neck and eyes) it becomes dry and loses moisture, in part due to menopause. Lines and wrinkles appear, particularly around the eyes, mouth and forehead. We might even see some broken capillaries and spider veins due to sun exposure. But before you lock yourself in the basement…read on. 

What to do for aging skin?

If you don’t want to go under the knife and treatments like Botox are not your cup of tea, there are other solutions.

• Exposure to the sun is “the number one cause of aging, so avoid it” says Hebert of spending lots of time in the sun, though she adds that “sun is also very instrumental in giving our skin valuable vitamin D which helps thicken it, so don’t avoid the sun entirely.”  Always wear SPF protection when exposed to sunlight and limit exposure.

• Try to eat more healthfully, drink and smoke in moderation, drink plenty of water and MOST importantly, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! 

• Begin a preventative skin care regimen early - 21 is the perfect age, because according to Hebert, “preventative treatments do work,” she say, but she adds, “If you do nothing else ... moisturize.”

• After about 30-35 years of age, you should step up your skin care routine to take care of aging skin with firming and restorative products.

• If you have age spots, or skin discoloration there are products on the market that “really do work,” Says Hebert. Try Clarins’ Bright Plus HP Sea Lily Enriched, or Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel. 

• “Be sure to apply all skin care products with a professional application method,” advises Hebert, “Never push or pull at the skin, use light pressing motions, instead of rolling around the face. Never use anything but 100% pure cotton on the skin. Warm any product in the flat of your hands before application, because the heat helps with absorption.”

It’s never too early or too late to take care of your aging skin.