Women are quick to jump on the newest diet fad ( South Beach, anyone?), exercise trends (Pilates…spinning…), and must-have haircut or color (Remember the “Rachel?”).

But no matter how perfect the haircut or how stylish the dress, our skin is the most valuable tool we possess to make or break our entire look and outlast passing fads.

The downside is a woman typically begins to notice signs of aging in her skin by her mid-20s. This is caused by both intrinsic factors, like decreased collagen production and reduced elasticity, and extrinsic factors, like sun exposure or smoking. But there are ways to keep skin from showing its years, so long as you address problem areas and treat them accordingly. Start by tackling the following five skin woes:

Woe #1: Scaly Skin

Keeping skin hydrated can be a challenge, especially in the winter. Avoid hot water when cleansing the skin, as it tends to dry out the skin. Settle on a lukewarm water temperature for maximum moisturizing benefits. As for creams and lotions, women and men alike should use a product that protects the skin while providing subtle moisturization. Look for one containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, essential oils, and lactic acid, while making sure the product is labeled “non-comedogenic” (won’t clog your pores).

Woe #2: Ruts in the Road

Wouldn’t we all love the look of porcelain skin minus the pores? Unfortunately, pore size is something we can thank our parents for. To minimize the appearance of pores at home, skin should be kept clean both a cleanser and toner to reduce oil, as oily pores appear larger. For a more drastic fix, new laser technologies offer tighter, firmer looking pores, and retinol treatments can also be helpful, if your skin is tolerant. Both are available at medical spas or through your dermatologist.

Woe #3: Wrinkles in Time

The number one sign of aging skin, wrinkles cause women to PANIC. They result from years of tanning, frowning (sadly, smiling causes wrinkles, too) and genetics (feel free to blame your parents again). As we age, facial skin takes a beating from environmental pollutants, sun exposure, smoking and drinking alcohol, all of which cause severe breakdown of the skin. To help prevent damage, it is essential to use a sun block offering UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of at least 30. For the correction of existing lines and creases, Botox and other popular dermal fillers have proven effective. Also, laser treatments that plump collagen followed by retinol treatments for continuity work beautifully to treat facial lines and wrinkles.

Woe #4: Seeing Spots

Clinically known as hyper-pigmentation, brown sunspots and uneven skin tone are caused by erratic melanin – as if our lives weren’t erratic enough already – and can cause skin to look splotchy and dark. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that colors our skin, becomes unstable due to sun damage and rises to the surface of the skin. Sun block is essential to keep this damage from occurring. There are available options to repair past damage, including topical pharmaceutical creams, procedures to freeze off damaged spots, or laser treatments. Your dermatologist can recommend the best treatment option for you.

Woe #5: Unhealthy Relationship

Achieving healthy, glowing skin is really quite simple. Think of your skin for what it really is – your body’s largest organ – and treat it accordingly. You’ll look your best if you remember to exfoliate regularly, so you are re-building skin cells faster than normal. For maximum exfoliation benefits, use products containing alpha hydroxy acids, Vitamin C, or retinol. There are also laser treatments available to increase the rate at which your skin produces new cells, leaving you with a fresh, healthy glow.

Every woman may experience these skin woes, but armed with these tips and techniques, you can transform your skin into a perfect accessory that never goes out of style.

About the author: Michelle Dow is an aesthetician with more than 13 years of experience in clinical skin care, Michelle Dow serves as the lead aesthetician at Park Cities-based Neu Medical Aesthetics Center.  At the Center, operated by Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Hunt Neurohr, Dow specializes in skin care consulting, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, acne surgery, therapeutic facials and camouflage make-up.

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