Can I See Some ID? Skincare that Makes You Look that Young

Want to fool the bartender the next time you hit the town for a girls’ night out? There’s nothing quite as affirming as having to prove you’re younger than you look. Sure you could have some work done. Sure you could get some injections. But the most overlooked area of anti-aging science and application is the 95% of your body that lies below your chin.

Start simple – work out. No amount of moisturizer or cellulite managing cream can replace the results of a good exercise regimen. You burn calories, build muscle, decrease your waistline and, most importantly, release endorphins into your blood stream. These endorphins are what make you feel good after your workout. And when you feel good, you look good. As you sweat, your body naturally cleanses itself of toxins and let’s face it – active skin has a glow that sedentary skin just can’t touch.

It’s easy to forget that the same principles that apply to taking care of the skin on your face can also be applied to the rest of your body. The skin on your face has collagen and so does the skin on your knees. The skin on your face has elastin and so does the skin on your hands. And these two compounds are just as vital to maintaining a youthful appearance on your hands and legs as they are on your forehead and under your eyes.

Of course this isn’t earth-shattering news. We’ve been slathering every cream known to womankind on our necks for years because nothing says “I’ve had work done” like a taut face and a sagging neck. The good news is that with the right products, you can keep both your face and the rest of your body looking young and healthy without going under the knife.

A variety of manufacturers are entering the anti-aging market with body lotions, creams and other treatments – many of which are largely inspired by the products we’ve been using for decades on our faces. Look for new products with wheat protein and shiitake mushroom complex to help smooth and tighten any previously overlooked areas. Other products approach the preservation of collagen and elastin by assisting your body in fighting off free radicals – those nasty little compounds that sabotage your body’s ability to replace the building blocks of healthy skin as you age. Retinol is another ingredient finding its way into a variety of new products as it migrates from a facial skincare only status into the total body skincare arena.

Of course, the best way to keep your skin looking young – whether it’s on your face or between your shoulder blades is to remember to protect it from the sun. Avoid sun exposure when you can and when you can’t, be sure to use sun block with an SPF of at least 30.