Your Top Skin Concerns Solved

TRUTH: We believe that aging skin is beautiful. We also believe that a woman has a right to tackle the signs of aging if she chooses. For many women, that means finding ways to soften things like the fine lines, brown spots, and undereye circles that tend to pop up as we mature. If you’re in that camp, we’re here to help with dermatologist-approved at-home remedies; we’ve also got the lowdown on the most effective in-office treatments.

- Heather Muir Maffei

Concern:

FOREHEAD WRINKLES

Genetics, sun exposure, pollution, sugar consumption, and facial expressions like smiling, squinting, and frowning are all responsible for those furrowed lines. They start as dynamic wrinkles, only noticeable when your muscles contract, and, over time, turn into static wrinkles, which show up even when your face is at rest. Being diligent about wearing sunscreen and applying moisturizer can help prevent them from getting worse, but there are easy ways to smooth them, too.

At-Home Solution:

“A topical retinoid like retinol stimulates collagen and elastin to strengthen the skin foundation and fight off wrinkles,” advises Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Go further with a one-two punch of products. “I like pairing a retinol with a lactic acid so you’re getting a stimulant plus an exfoliant to help smooth,” says Dr. Shereene Idriss, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Try Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream ($110; skinbetter.com), which has both gold-star ingredients. “Every other night, use a pea-size drop all over your face, followed by a lightweight moisturizer until you build up a tolerance and can use more frequently,” says Dr. Zeichner. Oh, and don’t skip SPF—retinols make your skin more sun-sensitive.

In-Office Fix: