how not to accelerate your skin's aging process

I’m really good about “the sunscreen” in the summer.  I use SPF 50 and slather it on so thick that I might as well be wearing a ski mask and sweater. 

 

Then when fall rolls around, the sun's intensity seems to wane, and so too does my zeal for applying sunscreen- even to my face.   I know.  I know.  It’s not intentional.

It’s 50% forgetfulness and 50% rationalizing that I’m just running out for 10 minutes.  (Turns out sun damage is cumulative and all those 10 minutes add up.) 

I know the sun’s rays can cause bad things, like skin cancer, age spots and wrinkles.  But I didn’t know "how" the sun caused wrinkles. I may be the only ignoramus, but I thought it dried skin out, making it less elastic. 

Then I read an article in The New York Times. It said UV rays cause the production of the same enzymes that degrade collagen with age. “This damage is essentially an accelerated version of chronological aging.” 

Accelerated aging?  OMG, as if regular aging wasn’t bad enough. 

Hearing this was like a slap upside the head, so I decided to seek out a good, reasonably priced, daily moisturizer with SPF protection, and pronto.

I think Olay Complete UV Defense Moisture Lotion for Normal Skin, SPF 15 is that sunscreen.  It’s got broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.  It’s lightweight. It never makes my face feel greasy or clogs my pores. Lasts all day and provides just the right amount of moisture to keep skin looking and feeling smooth and hydrated.  

I’m sure there are lots of other, more expensive, moisturizers with UV protection out there, but I don’t see the point in spending more, when this one is so great.

Thanks to Olay, I'm no longer aging in soap opera years.  

Comments

[Archie]

I can't wear traditional sunscreens, as I'm allergic and my skin breaks out in a rash (not acne) when i use them, particularly on my face. Are there any alternatives?

[jenny]

Hey Archie,
Olay also has a sensitive skin version with zinc in it but I didn't really like it because I found the zinc left a slight white film on my face.
There's also a brand called Vanicream that's supposed to be good for people with sensitive skin. Also sunscreens for kids seem to contain less chemicals and are better for sensitive skin. This summer I bought a brand called TruKid Sunny Days (It's all natural. Titanium Dioxide is the active ingredient.) I liked it a lot. It had a fairly light consistency so it wasn't overly thick and greasy. But I'm no expert. You may want to email www.thebeautybrains.com and ask them. They're actual scientists, so I'm sure they'll know the best ones for sure.
thanks!
jenny

[Stephanie]

I was using a similar Olay product for a while but it was pretty heavily scented. It didn't bother me especially, but it took some getting used to. I'm partial to a Neutrogena moisturizer that I *think* is called Healthy Defense.

Yes, it's this one: http://tinyurl.com/5rkmj6

It's lightweight, non-greasy, cheap, all-around good.