Younger, Clearer, Fresher Skin: 10 Insider Secrets – Part 2

Well today I thought I would finish with the next 5 steps to a younger, clearer and fresher skin. It sure isn’t easy growing older. I don’t know about you, but I am going to keep up the good fight….

6. Heal cystic acne.

Although sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid can work wonders on superficial acne, big, red bumps buried deep in the skin are immune to their powers. “A warm compress is the best solution for underground pimples,” says Dr. Bank. “This stimulates blood flow, which will either bring the zit to a head, allowing it to open, or speed the body’s ability to heal it and reabsorb it.”

7. Take skin supplements.

“I like to call beta-carotene the everyman’s Accutane, since both are high in vitamin A, a super exfoliator and antioxidant that turns skin cells over rapidly,” says Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas. She often prescribes 6-milligram supplements of beta-carotene to her patients who either have mild acne or who have opted out of Accutane. (Accutane isn’t prescribed for women who are planning to get pregnant, or who are pregnant, because it can cause birth defects.)

8. Say goodbye to scars.

When zits finally do clear, red, irritated skin and brown spots can take their place. Apply a cream that contains nonfermented soy (such as Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 30, $14, at drugstores or Lancome Absolue Premium Bx Lotion, SPF 15, $108, lancome-usa.com). “The ingredient rapidly reduces redness,” says Dr. Graf. If spots are stubborn, the VBeam laser, which targets broken capillaries, is a fast and more effective way to get the red out. At least three treatments (at about $400 each) are needed.

9. Fade freckles.

The best way to diminish brown spots, say experts, is with an ultra-gentle combination of botanical-based ingredients. Bearberry, kojic acid, licorice, and soy all have studies supporting their brightening abilities, says Dr. Bank, and they won’t irritate your skin. These products work by inhibiting a pigment-producing enzyme called tyrosinase and are gentler than those containing hydroquinone, explains Dr. Graf. Try DDF Intensive Holistic Lightener, $50, sephora.com or Peter Thomas Roth Potent Botanical Skin Brightening Gel Complex, $50, beauty.com.

10. Banish little red bumps.

Treat keratosis pilaris, those ugly little red bumps on the backs of arms and thighs, with a moisturizer that contains 15 percent glycolic acid, says Dr. Bank. For the best results, choose a formula such as Glycolix Elite 15% Body Lotion, $19, dermstore.com. If you have seriously dry skin, try an emollient formula like Skin 911 Intense Body Cream, $30, skin911.com.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, August 2007.

I hope that this article is helpful to you. As I search and find articles to post I find it fascinating all the information I come across. As a woman I try to soak up all that I can. I want to grow old gracefully..

Happy Labor Day….

A Fab Woman

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