GOOD HOUSEKEEPING REPORTS: Easy shortcuts to ageless skin

Nourish your skin with GH Seal star Olay Luminous Miracle Boost Concentrate.
Photo credit: Olay.com

A smoother, more radiant complexion awaits you. Here are our Lab-approved secrets.

Stay Committed

Use the same regimen for months, not days or weeks, to see benefits — active ingredients need time to work.

Apply Your Vitamins

Antioxidants are the best defense against free radicals, destructive molecules in your body created by external factors like the sun, smoking and pollution. Free radicals can cause skin cell damage that manifests as age spots, sagging and wrinkles. The good news: Applying skincare products with antioxidants (especially vitamin C, one of the most proven and potent options) can help neutralize their effects and, over time, help repair signs of aging, said Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist in New York City. Smooth on an antioxidant serum every morning after you cleanse for optimal protection. GH Beauty Lab pick: GH Seal star Olay Luminous Miracle Boost Concentrate ($27, drugstores).

Zen Out

Stress can show up on your face: When you’re feeling it, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol. A small amount is normal, but greater levels can increase blood sugar and lead to premature aging and even acne, says Dr. Lauren Eckert Ploch, a dermatologist in Augusta, Georgia. “In the long run, stress can also decrease collagen production,” she explains, which can bring on wrinkles and loss of firmness. De-stressing solutions: Try a quick yoga session, mindful breathing or soaking in an aromatherapy bath (look for bath salts or oils with soothing lavender). “These help relax your body and bring your mind to the present,” says George Slavich, Ph.D, director of the Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research at UCLA. The result? A more peaceful you — and healthier, fresher-looking skin over time.

Personalize your SPF

We know that wearing sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do to keep your skin youthful long-term. UV exposure causes about 80 percent of visible skin aging, a study found. Not only does SPF help prevent aging, but research also reveals that applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to your face daily improves crow’s feet and skin tone even if you don’t use other anti-aging treatments. Dermatologists agree that the most effective SPF is one you’re committed to applying (and reapplying) daily.

Sleep Away Wrinkles

“Beauty sleep” is real: Important natural repair processes in skin occur as you doze, and when you get adequate shut-eye (seven to nine hours per night), your levels of the stress hormone cortisol have time to lower and your natural moisture barrier isn’t compromised. Without sufficient sleep, “the body ends up in a state of ‘go, go, go,’ which is not ideal for our health, especially for skin,” said Dr. Daniel A. Barone, assistant attending neurologist at New York-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine and author of “Let’s Talk About Sleep.” More reason to squeeze in extra zzz’s: A study showed that women who didn’t get enough quality sleep had more signs of skin aging (lines, spots) and slower sun damage recovery than those with good habits. Sleep-easy tricks: If you can’t fall asleep or wake up in the middle of the night, focus on your breathing, keep your eyes closed and avoid looking at the clock, which can increase stress.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Moisturizing is crucial for anti-aging, even if you don’t have dry skin. “It protects the skin barrier,” Dr. Engelman explains. The healthier your barrier, the better your skin’s defense against inflammation and damage, which can lead to dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Pro tip: Massage your moisturizer in as you apply it. “This will increase its absorption and effectiveness, and improve circulation,” Dr. Engelman advises. GH Beauty Lab pick: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream ($76, caudalie.com), which raised skin’s hydration an impressive 43 percent over six hours in the Lab’s test.

ON ANOTHER MATTER …

Ask Dr. Oz

Our resident medical expert, Dr. Oz, answers your pressing health questions.

Q: Is vaping bad for you?

A: It’s not good. E-cigarettes may contain toxins, and one study found that the coils in vaping pens may expose people to dangerous levels of heavy metals such as lead. And of course e-cigs contain nicotine, which is addictive and can be a gateway to traditional cigarettes for young people. That said, a review from the National Academies of Sciences found that e-cig vapor appeared to expose users to fewer toxins than tobacco smoke, and it seems that people who switch to vaping show reduced adverse health outcomes in several organ systems.

Bottom line: If you’re not a smoker or vaper, don’t start. But if you can’t quit smoking, vaping seems like a somewhat safer bet.

Recalls Alert

The following products and vehicles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unless otherwise indicated, discontinue use of the products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or CPSC’s toll-free hotline, 800-638-2772. Only some cars or trucks recalled are affected. Contact a dealer for your model to see if it is included in the recall. The dealer will tell you what to do.

PRODUCT/VEHICLE PROBLEM

GE Cool White Universal T8/T12 LED tube lamps, sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores nationwide and Lowes.com from approximately November 2017 through April 2018 for about $15.

The pins on one end of the lamp can be energized during installation/removal, posing electric shock and electrocution hazards. Consumers should immediately contact GE Lighting to receive instructions on safely removing the LED tube lamps, and to receive a refund in the form of a $17 gift card. Consumers should make sure the light switch is “off” before attempting to change LED tube lamps. Consumers can contact GE Lighting at 800-338-4999 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, email at lightingconcerns@ge.com or online at www.gelighting.com. Click on “Product Safety Information” for more information.

2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander

2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma

2017 Lexus RX350

During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined, possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist. A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump for free. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 800-255-3987. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are J0K and JLD.

© Hearst Communications Inc.; Distributed by King Features Syndicate

 

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING REPORTS: Easy shortcuts to ageless skin–