FACE FORWARD Avoid wrinkling triggers and learn to pamper and hydrate your face properly

Getting older and dehydrated skin brings about many physical and emotional changes. Wrinkles are one such physical change that is widely associated with aging. Where conditions like dry, dehydrated skin may make wrinkles appear worse. Treating dehydration and dryness may reduce wrinkles and refresh dry skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.

Some people begin fighting wrinkling long before their first wrinkle even appears. A poll of 2,000 women conducted by DermStore found that around 30 percent of women under 35 regularly use anti-wrinkle products. The average millennial user starts at age 26 compared to the average currently 55-year-old woman, who began using wrinkle-reduction products at around age 47.

As skin ages, its natural tendency is to become less elastic. However, other factors also contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Understanding the main culprits behind wrinkles can help people combat them more effectively.

The contaminants in cigarette smoke can damage the skin, promoting wrinkles, states the skincare company Nivea. Also, dragging on a cigarette purses the lips and can form deep wrinkles around this area of the face.

The Mayo Clinic says that ultraviolet radiation speeds up the natural aging process and is the primary cause of early wrinkling. UV from the sun can break down the supportive connective tissue in the skin, which includes collagen and elastin fibers. Using sunscreen and staying out of the sun as much as possible can help.

Pollution can cause free radical damage that contributes to wrinkling, advises Maral Skelsey, M.D., director of the Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington. Other data indicates those who live in urban settings have more wrinkles and age spots than those who live in rural areas. Washing off skin contaminants from the air each day may be beneficial.

Stress and eating unhealthy foods, such as a diet high in sugar, may contribute to premature aging of the skin. According to Kristina Goldenberg, MD, board-certified dermatologist of Goldenberg Dermatology, after sugar is ingested it goes through a process called glycation, which involves binding to different proteins in the body. These proteins include collagen and elastin. By binding to these building blocks of the skin, sugar weakens collagen and elastin

and will lead to an appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Stress can increase cortisol levels that affect the skin’s ability to stay hydrated and elastic.

Those who want to treat dry, dehydrated skin must understand the difference between hydration and moisturizing as it applies to skincare. Hydrating skin means increasing its water content by increasing the amount of water contained in skin cells. This can result in a healthy, plump complexion. Skin that is properly hydrated will keep fine lines and wrinkles from being overly apparent.

Moisturizing skin involves applying a lubricant that mimics naturally produced lipids and oils in the skin that will protect and soothe.

Hydration and moisturizing often work handin-hand. In addition to drinking plenty of water to hydrate the skin from the inside out, individuals can use products that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate. These are known as humectants. In addition, the National Center of Biotechnology Information says that aloe can improve water content in the skin. Once water is bound to the skin, a moisturizer will prevent the water from leaving it. Look for moisturizers with natural oils and butters to help retain moisture, like cocoa butter.

Once you understand the wrinkling triggers, it’s always a good call to give your skin a chance to breath.

Facials can bring about the best in your skin and help treat various conditions.

Few things beat the pampering of a professional facial spa treatment — a luxury that many men and women afford themselves when possible. However, lately people have had to look elsewhere for popular beauty services.

Data from the Simmons National Consumer Survey for the cosmetic and personal care industry revealed roughly three million Americans received facials four times or more in 2019. Many aestheticians recommend facials every month.

Though they’re wildly popular, facials have fallen victim to social distancing guidelines that shuttered many salons. While not a carbon copy of the in-depth

Professional facials typically feature a series of steps. These include cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, extraction, specialized spot treatment, toning, and moisturizing. Aestheticians use products they endorse or those required by the spa. But you can use any products on hand to achieve similar results, which means you can shop around for the price point that works for you.

Understanding your skin is the key to targeting and addressing issues. Just because a particular moisturizer worked on your sister who has dry skin doesn’t mean it would work the same way on your skin. Consider allergies as well. If you tend to break out when sipping orange juice, a citrus-based toner may not be your best bet.

You likely have all you need at home to give yourself a good facial. A steamy shower or a pot of boiling water satisfies the steam requirement. A nubby, cotton washcloth can help with the cleansing and exfoliation of skin. Chances are you already have a toner, cleanser and moisturizer in your bathroom cabinet that can be utilized.

If you want to invest in any specialized tools, aestheticians like Kerry Benjamin from the Los Angeles-based StackedSkincare recommend micro-needling, which is achieved with a dermaroller. This device causes tiny injuries to the skin to increase collagen production and help thicken the skin. A dermaroller can help with issues like dark circles under the eyes and fill in lines.

Spot-test all products and be gentle when handling skin. In addition, remember to follow up any facial treatment with good skincare at other times, which includes wearing sunscreen at all times to protect against UV rays.

check out the editor’s DIY FACE MASK on the next page >>>

Use a humidifier indoors to amp up the moisture level in the air. Avoid too many alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are diuretics that can cause the body to lose water, advises WebMD.

Work out to improve blood flow and oxygenation in the skin. Enjoy waterrich foods, like watermelon, cucumber, grapes, and other succulent fruits and vegetables. Drink the recommended amount of water per day, and limit your consumption of caffeinated and sugary beverages. Take warm showers, as hot water can strip the natural lipids from skin and cause dryness.

WRITER: MEGAN PURAZRANG

While coffee is an essential part of most morning routines in a mug, the caffeine beans can provide a beauty service at any time of the day. Try this Do It Yourself with items found around the kitchen. WHAT YOU NEED: • ½ cup of coffee (pre-ground or whole beans for grinding) • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 1 tbsp coconut oil • 1 tsp honey • 1 tsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp plain yogurt (optional) • 1 small bowl or container • Applicant brush (optional)

DIRECTIONS: • Place coffee in a small bowl – if using whole beans grind to powder form before placing ground coffee into bowl. • Add tumeric powder, coconut oil, lemon juice and honey into bowl. For a thicker mask, add one tablespoon of plain yogurt. • Mix ingredients fully until all powders are one dark chocolate colored consistency. • Using fingertips or an application brush, spread the facemask on skin and leave on for 10 to 30 minutes. Wash mask off of skin with warm water and a washcloth as needed. • Enjoy immediate glowing and moisturized skin!