For firmness, you’ll want to enhance your natural collagen production, which you can do with collagen peptide supplements. The research 1shows that these collagen peptides are able to support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density1.* How? Well hydrolyzed collagen peptides have been shown to help promote your body’s natural production of collagen2 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin.* Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you’re ingesting vitamin C and E, as they are vital parts of the collagen synthesis process.* Wrinkles and age spots, look for antioxidants with skin healthy benefits—a favorite of ours is the highly potent astaxanthin. In one study, astaxanthin supplementation significantly improved skin elasticity, smoothness, and hydration in just 12 weeks.* Another study found astaxanthin improved skin wrinkles, age spot size, and skin texture3.* And in a recent double-blind clinical, subjects reported significant improvement in moisture levels (especially around the eyes), overall improved elasticity, and appearance of tone.* Another recent double-blind clinical found that it can even help skin’s water-retention capacity and suppress barrier damage.* For hydration concerns—phytoceramides can help support the lipid layer.* In one study, participants with clinically dry skin who took a phytoceramide-rich wheat extract oil for three months saw up to a 35% improvement in skin hydration4.* “Stress comes in many forms, from physiological to emotional, from environmental exposures, blood sugar instability, hormone imbalances or the feelings of anxiety and overwhelm,” says Barr. Exercise, breathwork, meditation, and journaling can help. “Wear gloves while doing housework, gardening, and even while driving to protect your skin from harsh irritants and sunlight,” Feldman notes, a good reminder that being gentle to your skin includes your whole body, not just your face. We’ve already talked about a thick facial moisturizer, but don’t forget the body lotion: No matter how fastidious they are with their facial skin care habits, decade after decade, many women tend to skip body lotion after showering. Now is the time to commit to moisturizing from head to toe. According to Gabriel, skipping this step puts you at risk for dermatitis, which is often seen as itchy rough patches. During bath time, “use a soft washcloth and apply a fragrance-free body moisturizer to the body within three minutes of bathing,” says Feldman.
