Yahoo Lifestyle How To Treat Uneven Skin At Every Age
20s
Unevenness at this age usually means acne "like comedones [black/white heads] and open pores," says Dr Manoharan.
What to do: Dr Manoharan recommends cleansing twice a day with a soap-free wash containing a low concentration of salicylic acid, "using a vitamin A cream a few nights per week, and fortnightly dermatologist-prescribed chemical peels, like a beta hydroxy acid". Cut back on spicy foods and sugar, which can increase oil production, and use sun protection every day, adds Mauvais-Jarvis.
Try: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Deep Cleansing Gel, $29, Brush Head, $29, and Sonic Cleansing Brush, $135; Suntivity SPF50+ Liposomal Lotion Body & Face, $20.95.
30s
"Enlarged pores are still present, and are either a reminder of the combination-to-oily skin you had in your 20s, or a sign of past sun overexposure," explains Mauvais-Jarvis. Melasma is also common, "particularly for those with darker skin, and is due to a combination of hormonal factors and sun exposure", says Dr Manoharan.
What to do: Daily SPF is a must and "avoid hormonal contraception and HRT if possible as these may exacerbate melasma", advises Dr Manoharan. "Utilise fading agents like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acid peels."
Try: Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar, $55; L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Anti-Wrinkle & Anti-Dark Spot Night Peeling Lotion, $44.95.
40s
The natural ageing process can lead to enlarged pores, giving the skin a bumpy appearance; however, "pigmentary unevenness is more frequently seen, in the form of evenly distributed colour irregularity", notes Mauvais-Jarvis. Gravity means that volume loss is more apparent, particularly in the cheeks and lips.
What to do: Look for brightening products that "act intensively on evenness and relaunch luminosity from within the skin", suggests Mauvais-Jarvis. Regular exfoliation will keep pores clear, while pore-refining products help shrink enlarged pores.
Try: Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser, $14.99; UltraCeuticals Even Skintone Serum, $115.
50+
The most common manifestation of unevenness in this age group: seborrheic keratosis or solar lentigines - those pigmented patches also known as age spots.
What to do: SPF is vital, and while vitamin A and alpha hydroxy acid can help exfoliate, fade and slow down their progression, "often there is a large genetic element behind age spots, and while you can change many things, you can't change your parents", notes Dr Manoharan.
Try: Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment, $67.99; Estee Lauder Enlighten Even Skintone Correcting Creme, $80.
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