While you can’t prevent yourself from getting older, you can help prevent yourself from looking old. What you do to fight the signs of aging depends in large part on your age. While everyone ages slightly differently, some changes are more likely to happen in certain decades rather than others. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself looking youthful and refreshed, no matter your real age.
In Your 20’s
Anti-aging while you’re in your 20’s is usually focused on prevention. If you haven’t already, now is the time to get serious about sun protection. Exposure to the sun is one of the main causes of non-genetic signs of aging on your face. For best results, choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and that protects against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) forms of ultraviolet light.
Most people in their 20’s don’t have significant signs of aging just yet. But if you are starting to notice wrinkles or drooping in some areas, non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help roll back the clock or keep those wrinkles from getting worse. Many 20-somethings start to consider Botox for the first time to help reduce the earliest signs of wrinkles and to keep those lines from becoming deeply etched into the skin.
In Your 30’s
During your 30’s, you might start to see more significant signs of aging. Crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes might become more visible, along with the frown lines between the eyebrows. Some people also notice that their eyelids are heavier and dark circles are more visible during their 30’s. Depending on how droopy your eyelids are, you might consider an eyelid lift at this age.
In the skincare department, you might switch to a moisturizer or serum that contains retinol, if you haven’t already. A gentle laser treatment, such as Clear + Brilliant, can help improve the texture of your skin, reduce the size of pores, and help your skin “glow.”
In Your 40’s
One of the most significant signs of aging that people notice in their 40s is a loss of volume in the face. Cheeks that were once full suddenly look gaunt. The loss of facial volume can give you a tired appearance overall. Depending on how significant the loss of volume is, you might consider a filler designed to restore volume, such as Juvederm Voluma, which provides instant results and can last for up to two years. Another option is Sculptra, which provides results over the course of several treatment sessions.
Some skin laxity is also common in your 40’s, although many people in this age group won’t be quite ready for surgery. A non-surgical skin tightening treatment, such as Thermage, might be a more appropriate option. The treatment uses radiofrequency energy to encourage the production of collagen, which can help skin become more elastic and firm.
In Your 50’s
Sagging skin usually becomes more noticeable in your 50’s and wrinkles and lines are usually deeper and more visible. Injectable fillers and Botox can continue to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles on a temporary basis. In your 50’s, you might seriously consider certain types of anti-aging plastic surgery.
For example, many women in their 50’s start to consider a facelift for the first time. A facelift can help reduce loose skin and tighten and elevate the underlying tissue, creating a naturally more youthful appearance.
Although lighter laser treatments might have been effective when you were younger, you may find that deeper treatments, such as Fraxel re:store, which is an ablative laser, are more effective as you get older. Ablative Fraxel laser treatments damage the outer layer of skin, providing more dramatic and extensive anti-aging results.
In Your 60’s and Beyond
If you’ve already been getting Botox and injectable fillers, continuing those into your 60’s and beyond will help you maintain a more youthful appearance. You may also want to consider plastic surgery such as a facelift or eyelid lift to reduce sagging and drooping.
Although people often assume that there is an upper age limit when it comes to plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments, that’s not necessarily true. If you’re still in good health, you can be a candidate for surgery or a non-invasive treatment, even well into your 70’s and 80’s.
About Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a board certified plastic surgeon. He performs plastic surgery on patients of all ages at his practice in Manhattan. No matter your age, he can work with you and help you choose the cosmetic treatment that will help you reach your goals. Dr. Rubinstein offers patients a variety of procedures, from fillers to rhinoplasty, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC in Newburgh, New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, call 845-863-1772 today.
