Have you ever observed a well-put-together woman close to your age at a function, or just out and about, and wondered: "How can I get my skin to glow like that?" Have you ever pressed the skin behind your cheekbone up and away, just to see what you might look like with a face lift?

Time inevitably brings changes to the delicate skin on our faces, and there are now a whole host of beauty treatments and regimens that claim to counteract them -- if you want to spend the money. But do you really need to? No matter what your age, real beauty still comes from within. For most boomers, the best skin treatment is to accept those evolving changes, and find a winning combination of healthy lifestyle, judicious use of appropriate skin care products, and gracious self acceptance. Below are some pointers.

A healthy lifestyle for better skin

You can lead a lifestyle that encourages great facial skin by following a few basic guidelines:


  • Eat a balanced diet. Take in plenty of foods such as salmon and walnuts that are rich in omega fatty acids, and fruits and veggies high in vitamins. Avoid processed foods and manage portions; stay hydrated.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking not only trashes your lungs but also wrinkles your skin. Even if you have crushed the habit, stay out of smoke-filled environments.
  • Wear sunglasses year round. Make sure they offer UVB and UVA protection. The larger the lenses, the better the protection (and the more fashionista points you win).
  • Use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. Throughout the year, apply it every day -- multiple times if you are out in the sun. Choose an SPF of 15 or more.
  • Exercise. This is good for every part of your body, including your skin.

Your skin care routine

Your skin works hard. Not only does it keep your insides from falling out; it is also part of your body's cleaning system, helping you to get rid of toxins through sweat. You need to cleanse the skin on your face properly to keep your pores from getting blocked with dirt.

Here is a simple, three-step skin care regimen that you can follow.

  • Wash your face at least twice a day. Depending on your skin type, you may need either a gentle cleanser or a more aggressive product, such as a scrub or a mask, for more thorough cleansing. If your face becomes too dry, use the scrub or mask only weekly or bi-weekly.
  • Tone your skin. Following a thorough washing of your face and neck, apply a toner. This will close and protect pores that the washing has opened. Experiment to find a comfortable toner for your skin type. If alcohol is too astringent, find a milder alternative, such as witch hazel or rosewater and glycerin.
  • Moisturize. Use a product suited for your skin type. If you have oily skin, do not use a heavy moisturizer. If you can, find a product with a built-in SPF of 15+.

If you have used the same facial care products for years, think about making a switch. Your skin has changed, and so have skin care product choices.. For a long time, anti-aging products were viewed as akin to snake oil. However, some genuinely beneficial compounds are now on the market, and you might want to explore them. (Check out the advice in a recent Eons interview with Dr. Niels Krejci of Boston University Center for Cosmetics & Laser Surgery.)

The really good news is that you don't need to spend top dollar to get great skin care products. Trolling the aisles of your favorite drugstore can offer up some real gems. Be an educated consumer. Before making a purchase, talk with a dermatologist or research what experts say about different ingredients found in creams and cleansers. Some products may give you great results initially but could create problems with overuse. Ask friends what they use. You should be able to find skin care products suited to your stage of life without breaking the bank.

Your attitude

The person looking back at you in the mirror has probably lived long, learned much, and loved well. Never mind those pesky crow's feet and slightly drooping jowls. Your individual life experiences have shaped from within the contours of that face. Let go of grudges. Welcome the dawn each day with a deep breath of gratitude. Laugh often. A relaxed approach to life will establish the best palette to work with (a lovely face) when applying beauty products.

Products to try (available at CVS/pharmacy)

Lumene Premium Beauty: A Beauty Breakthrough for Mature Skin! After menopause the skin's natural production of collagen diminishes by 30% due to general hormonal changes. Lumene's Premium Beauty Rejuvenating skin care line is specially designed for the demanding 50+ skin. The unique combination of Tri-peptidesTM and natural Arctic Sea Buckthorn Berries only found in Lumene Premium Beauty helps to combat wrinkles and dryness, improves skin's circulation, and improves skin's elasticity. Consumer tests showed 81% of women saw fewer wrinkles.

Skin Effects: Skin Effects, a revolutionary line of skin care products. Developed by Dr. Jeffrey Dover, a pioneer in non-invasive cosmetic surgery techniques, Skin Effects is one of the most advanced anti-aging skin care regimens available today.

Boots - No7 Restore & Renew Beauty Serum: Britain's #1 proven anti-aging sensation. Reveal smoother and younger-looking skin with this light, non-greasy and fragrance-free serum. It glides on, instantly softening and smoothing your skin. With regular use, it works to renew your complexion, restoring radiance and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks. With concentrated levels of our unique antioxidant complex and skin-firming pro-retinol complex, Restore & Renew helps to boost and maintain skin's elasticity. Hypo-allergenic, dermatologically tested, and non-poreblocking.

Web sites to visit

www.skincaretalks.com

www.arfamilies.org