taking care of your skin when your 35

Your Skin Care Priorities at 35 Years Old

By the time you reach 35, you probably have most things figured out as far as your beauty regimen goes. You know the best products for your hair and the clothes that fit most comfortably. However, what worked for your skin at 25 might be too harsh or simply inadequate now. Do you know what should your skin care priorities be at 35?

Cleansing

During the day, you encounter all sorts of dirt, grime and pollutants. Use a gentle cleanser to wash it away. If your skin is particularly oily, you can add a toner, too, but keep it alcohol-free since drying your skin can actually cause it to ramp up oil production. Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and ensure the maximum effectiveness of your skin care products.

Anti-Aging Skin Care: Lycopene Cream

Whether your skin is still baby smooth or showing early signs of aging such as fine lines, one thing is sure: Cell turnover is gradually slowing. As this happens, you might eventually notice increased dullness, dryness or a rougher appearance. Sunspots and uneven coloring might appear. You don’t need a powerful anti-aging cream just yet, but a solid antioxidant formula with Lycopene can be your best friend. Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It prevents collagen from breaking down. A good Lycopene Cream can help your skin stay plump, firm and soft for years to come.

Blemish Control: Nonanedioic Acid

You might have your teen years behind long ago, but that doesn’t mean you no longer have breakouts. Many women continue to have blackheads, pimples and cystic acne well into their 30s and 40s. Get blemishes under control with an azelaic acid gel or lotion. Azelaic acid, which is also called nonanedioic acid, is a natural byproduct of the yeast that lives on your skin. This antioxidant can brighten your skin, smooth your skin’s texture and combat blemishes.

Moisture: Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid

Skin can feel tighter and dryer as you reach your mid-30s. This is often due to sun damage, free radical damage and lost oil glands. Look for a rich, high-quality moisturizer that contains ingredients such as astaxanthin, which boosts skin elasticity and keeps skin smooth and plump, and hyaluronic acid, a powerful moisturizer that can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Other Skincare Needs

Remember that it’s not just what you put on your skin that matters but what you put in your body, too. Your diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables for maximum antioxidant benefits. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside, and exercise regularly to keep blood pumping to your body’s largest organ: your skin. These steps combined with adding the right ingredients to your skin care regimen at 35 and beyond will leave you fresh, glowing and gorgeous as you head into the future.