Choosing the
right foundation makeup is often a daunting task, since properly
matching the skin tone can be tricky for many women. However, thanks to
modern cosmetic chemistry, there are solutions for this problem,
and even the most “hard to match” skin tones can be blended into a
smooth, even complexion. But as a woman gets older, there are some
things that need to be addressed to preserve or present a more-youthful
appearance.
It should be noted that the common “problems” of aging skin all work together to make the skin look older, but we need to identify the separate effects as they often require different focus ingredients. The common changes in aging skin present specific problems when it comes to cosmetic choices. Here are some of the common problems, and then we’ll talk about some solutions:
Loss of Moisture
Aging skin often loses its ability to retain moisture. This causes the skin to appear dull and may even include dryness and scaly patches in many cases. This gets aggravated by seasonal changes and environmental conditions. The level of moisture in the skin is important, because it helps the skin act as a protective barrier for the body. Good moisture levels also help maintain a youthful, dewy appearance.
Solution & How To:
Obviously, you want a foundation makeup that will help to provide and
replenish the moisture your aging skin is lacking. Just don’t be seduced
by oil-based foundations. These are great for protecting the skin in
times
when the weather or environment is likely to strip the skin and make it
even drier, but you need a foundation that has hydrating properties to
help restore what age is taking away. If you have a difficult time
finding
something suitable, remember that you can always use a two-stage
approach. Find a great moisturizing cream and use it under your
foundation.
Also, be sure to use a moisturizer even when you aren’t planning to wear foundation (after makeup removal, at night, etc.). Finally, remember water. Good hydration starts from within. Medical professionals recommend that the average person drinks 8 glasses of water each day, if you work out or engage in activities where you perspire a lot, you should drink even more. Here’s an easy way to figure how much water you should aim for: Take your weight in pounds and divide by 2. This is how many ounces of water you should target in a given day. If you are an “active person” who exercises a lot or works in a strenuous profession, you can increase that amount by another 50%. (For example: Paula weighs 120 pounds, and works as a secretary, but rides her bicycle for an hour many evenings. At her weight she should normally drink at least 60 ounces of water each day, and could drink as much 90 ounces of water to compensate on the days she rides her bike.) Given that the average size of a bottle of water is 16.9 ounces, this is equivalent to 3.5 or 5.3 bottles of water each day.
Loss of Resilience
Another thing lost by aging skin is the collagen and elastin that are what gives the skin its ability to “bounce back” when pulled and pushed. As these components of the skin break down, the skin’s texture becomes thinner, and the skin starts to sag in places where it previously appeared taut and plumped. The effects of this are usually first noted in the areas of the face containing concentrations of “soft tissue” – such as under and around the eyes, and belo
Solution & How To:
According to dermatologists, trying to replace collagen and elastin with topical treatments is ineffective. The molecules of collagen and elastin are too large to pass through the epidermis. However, you SHOULD look for foundations and skin care treatments that use ingredients which help to stimulate dermal activity. Among these are Vitamins C & E, Alpha-hydroxy acids, lycopene, green tea, and coenzyme Q10, which help to eliminate free radicals which attack the collagen and elastin, and help increase the skin’s collagen production. Many cosmetic manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of these ingredients and are now including them into their foundation formulas to help women keep the skin healthy and young-looking longer.
Formation of Wrinkles
Another “common problem” of aging skin is one that many women aren’t readily aware of – a breakdown of fat cells in the skin. Below the outer layers of the skin is a layer of fat cells that act as a cushion and moisture/nutrient source for the skin. While the aging process robs the skin of its ability to retain moisture, and of its resiliency, it also results in the breakdown of these fat cells. The three problems act together and reinforce each other in tandem. As the moisture and resilience of the skin begins to decline, and the substance of the skin’s layer grows thinner, fine lines, and even deeper wrinkles begin to form.
Solution & How To:
Here’s where the more aesthetic choices come into play in selecting a
foundation cosmetic. While the ingredients in your foundation can help
to slow and prevent the deterioration of the skin caused by aging, most
women are looking for something that will help them to “look younger”
now. To that end, there are some simple things to look out for, and
chief among them is a matte finish to the look.
You want the foundation to leave the skin looking matte, not glossy or oily. When the skin is shiny, all those little wrinkles and creases in the skin are accentuated by the glinting of lights reflecting off the oily surface. As a result, you can actually look older when you wear certain makeup brands that tout a “dewy” look. When using a liquid, cream or paste foundation, always opt for one with a matte finish, which gives a flat finish and minimizes the look of the lines and wrinkles you may have.
If you should have a need for a foundation that doesn’t offer a matte finish in order to provide for some other need of your skin (extra moisture, or antioxidants for collagen and elastin replenishment) be sure to use a finishing powder and keep it with you to “touch up” your look and control shine throughout the evening.
Extra Note:
One of the most popular cosmetic formulations of the modern age – Mineral Makeup – is actually an ideal choice for aging skin. It offers what some may consider the best of all possible worlds. You can use your moisturizing treatments and antioxidant/enzymatic creams as a base for your skin care, and simply apply your mineral powder makeup over them. The greatest immediate benefit of the mineral makeup for aging skin is that it leaves an “airbrushed” finish. The skin appears soft and smooth and has a youthful glow.
his is largely due to the most common ingredients in mineral cosmetics, which are:
• Titanium Oxide – which is a natural sunscreen
• Zinc Oxide – also a natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory
• Kaolin Clay – which absorbs fat from the skin, refines the pores and prevents
break-outs
• Serecite: which reflects light and reduces the appearance of pores, lines and
wrinkles
Regardless of what you ultimately choose for your foundation use, you can be sure that you are doing your best to combat the signs of aging, and to keep your skin looking as youthful as possible if you pay closer attention to the ingredients in your products.
Don’t forget the other key factor in healthy, youthful skin: your diet. Antioxidants are great additions to your cosmetic regimen, but they work even better in your diet. A well-balanced diet, high in protein and anti-oxidant fruits and vegetables – as well as a vitamin supplement appropriate to your age category – can make a world of difference in how you feel and especially how you look.
It should be noted that the common “problems” of aging skin all work together to make the skin look older, but we need to identify the separate effects as they often require different focus ingredients. The common changes in aging skin present specific problems when it comes to cosmetic choices. Here are some of the common problems, and then we’ll talk about some solutions:
Loss of Moisture
Aging skin often loses its ability to retain moisture. This causes the skin to appear dull and may even include dryness and scaly patches in many cases. This gets aggravated by seasonal changes and environmental conditions. The level of moisture in the skin is important, because it helps the skin act as a protective barrier for the body. Good moisture levels also help maintain a youthful, dewy appearance.
Solution & How To:
Obviously, you want a foundation makeup that will help to provide and
replenish the moisture your aging skin is lacking. Just don’t be seduced
by oil-based foundations. These are great for protecting the skin in
times
when the weather or environment is likely to strip the skin and make it
even drier, but you need a foundation that has hydrating properties to
help restore what age is taking away. If you have a difficult time
finding
something suitable, remember that you can always use a two-stage
approach. Find a great moisturizing cream and use it under your
foundation.Also, be sure to use a moisturizer even when you aren’t planning to wear foundation (after makeup removal, at night, etc.). Finally, remember water. Good hydration starts from within. Medical professionals recommend that the average person drinks 8 glasses of water each day, if you work out or engage in activities where you perspire a lot, you should drink even more. Here’s an easy way to figure how much water you should aim for: Take your weight in pounds and divide by 2. This is how many ounces of water you should target in a given day. If you are an “active person” who exercises a lot or works in a strenuous profession, you can increase that amount by another 50%. (For example: Paula weighs 120 pounds, and works as a secretary, but rides her bicycle for an hour many evenings. At her weight she should normally drink at least 60 ounces of water each day, and could drink as much 90 ounces of water to compensate on the days she rides her bike.) Given that the average size of a bottle of water is 16.9 ounces, this is equivalent to 3.5 or 5.3 bottles of water each day.
Loss of Resilience
Another thing lost by aging skin is the collagen and elastin that are what gives the skin its ability to “bounce back” when pulled and pushed. As these components of the skin break down, the skin’s texture becomes thinner, and the skin starts to sag in places where it previously appeared taut and plumped. The effects of this are usually first noted in the areas of the face containing concentrations of “soft tissue” – such as under and around the eyes, and belo
Solution & How To:
According to dermatologists, trying to replace collagen and elastin with topical treatments is ineffective. The molecules of collagen and elastin are too large to pass through the epidermis. However, you SHOULD look for foundations and skin care treatments that use ingredients which help to stimulate dermal activity. Among these are Vitamins C & E, Alpha-hydroxy acids, lycopene, green tea, and coenzyme Q10, which help to eliminate free radicals which attack the collagen and elastin, and help increase the skin’s collagen production. Many cosmetic manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of these ingredients and are now including them into their foundation formulas to help women keep the skin healthy and young-looking longer.
Formation of Wrinkles
Another “common problem” of aging skin is one that many women aren’t readily aware of – a breakdown of fat cells in the skin. Below the outer layers of the skin is a layer of fat cells that act as a cushion and moisture/nutrient source for the skin. While the aging process robs the skin of its ability to retain moisture, and of its resiliency, it also results in the breakdown of these fat cells. The three problems act together and reinforce each other in tandem. As the moisture and resilience of the skin begins to decline, and the substance of the skin’s layer grows thinner, fine lines, and even deeper wrinkles begin to form.
Solution & How To:
Here’s where the more aesthetic choices come into play in selecting a
foundation cosmetic. While the ingredients in your foundation can help
to slow and prevent the deterioration of the skin caused by aging, most
women are looking for something that will help them to “look younger”
now. To that end, there are some simple things to look out for, and
chief among them is a matte finish to the look.You want the foundation to leave the skin looking matte, not glossy or oily. When the skin is shiny, all those little wrinkles and creases in the skin are accentuated by the glinting of lights reflecting off the oily surface. As a result, you can actually look older when you wear certain makeup brands that tout a “dewy” look. When using a liquid, cream or paste foundation, always opt for one with a matte finish, which gives a flat finish and minimizes the look of the lines and wrinkles you may have.
If you should have a need for a foundation that doesn’t offer a matte finish in order to provide for some other need of your skin (extra moisture, or antioxidants for collagen and elastin replenishment) be sure to use a finishing powder and keep it with you to “touch up” your look and control shine throughout the evening.
Extra Note:
One of the most popular cosmetic formulations of the modern age – Mineral Makeup – is actually an ideal choice for aging skin. It offers what some may consider the best of all possible worlds. You can use your moisturizing treatments and antioxidant/enzymatic creams as a base for your skin care, and simply apply your mineral powder makeup over them. The greatest immediate benefit of the mineral makeup for aging skin is that it leaves an “airbrushed” finish. The skin appears soft and smooth and has a youthful glow.
his is largely due to the most common ingredients in mineral cosmetics, which are:
• Titanium Oxide – which is a natural sunscreen
• Zinc Oxide – also a natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory
• Kaolin Clay – which absorbs fat from the skin, refines the pores and prevents
break-outs
• Serecite: which reflects light and reduces the appearance of pores, lines and
wrinkles
Regardless of what you ultimately choose for your foundation use, you can be sure that you are doing your best to combat the signs of aging, and to keep your skin looking as youthful as possible if you pay closer attention to the ingredients in your products.
Don’t forget the other key factor in healthy, youthful skin: your diet. Antioxidants are great additions to your cosmetic regimen, but they work even better in your diet. A well-balanced diet, high in protein and anti-oxidant fruits and vegetables – as well as a vitamin supplement appropriate to your age category – can make a world of difference in how you feel and especially how you look.
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