Blog Post

Age Perception… More Than Wrinkles

  • By belaray
  • •
  • 17 Nov, 2007
In our teens and twenties… there are times we may want to look older.  Get to your late twenties, thirties, and beyond… and you are wishing you didn’t look so old.   What is it that changes from age 25 to 35?
Wrinkles and fine lines have long been the focus of age, but recent studies suggest that this is only part of the story.  What was not appreciated until recently is the degree to which skin tone affects perception of age, healthiness and youth.   What we have discovered is that skin with even tone is perceived as younger, healthier and more attractive.  In fact, uneven skin tone alone can account for up to 20 years of age perception.  This means two things:
  1. If you want to look younger, your treatment regiment must include strategies to improve color distribution in addition to other features.  We will talk more about tools that are available to accomplish these goals in future posts.
  2. If you are under 25, and you value your looks… you have a golden opportunity to keep those good looks much longer than your friends.
What factors are responsible for uneven skin tone?   The answer, is almost always, UV light.  That means both sun light and tanning beds are going to contribute to uneven skin tone, and are going to add up to 20 years of perceived age! 
What can you do now to keep your skin tone even?   Here are some tips:
  1. Stop tanning!  Please please please stop tanning!  It makes you look older, contributes to uneven skin tone, gives you wrinkles, and puts you at risk for skin cancer.  Spray tanning is a good alternative.
  2. Use your sunscreen… every single morning, as a moisturizer. At least SPF 15.  This needs to become a habit.  Attach it to a habit you already have – like something you do after you brush your teeth.  Why every morning?  It has been shown that one weeks casual sun exposure (like walking to the car, or waiting for the bus) is equivalent to 1 hour at the beach. 
  3. If you are going to be outdoors, use sunscreen with SPF 30.  Apply it at least 1/2 hour before you go outside.
  4. Use sunscreen liberally.  One heaping tablespoon full for the face, and one shot glass full for the body.  Most bottles that you buy are designed for 4 applications.  If your bottle has lasted you all summer… you are not using enough each time.
  5. When you are going to go to the beach or pool, be sure you use a waterproof sunscreen.  We recommend SPF 30.
  6. Use Sun Protective clothing.  There are lots to choose from!  For the beach, the pool, a hike, the golf course, or just hanging out.  All competitive athletes use these, and you should too! 
  7. Buy a hat.  Wear it always.
  8. Seek out shade. 
  9. No shade? Bring your own!  This could be an umbrella, portable cabana, or a good hat.
  10. Most importantly… protect our children!  The sooner you start protecting your skin, the longer you will stay looking young.  Habits started in childhood will be kept for life… and this is an important one
Don’t know what sunscreen to choose?  Or where to find a sun protective hat?  Or sun protective clothing?  We have done the research for you.  Check out our on-line store.
Grammer K, Fink B, Matts P. Visible skin color distribution plays a major role in perception of age, attractiveness and health in the female face. Human Behavior and Evolution Society Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Penn, 2006. Poster # 53.

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