How do I reduce lines under my eyes?

How do I reduce the fine lines on my face?

• I'm an overwhelmed mom of two, I work part-time, go to college part-time, found out my husband was having an affair with a co-worker so now we're getting divorced. I'm 32 years old and my fine lines around my mouth and under my eyes are really starting to show (stress!!) I'm not expecting to look like a supermodel, but what can I use to help reduce my fine lines? With all this stress, I would just like something to make me look a little better and feel a little better when I see my face in the mirror. Please help!

• Answer:

  First of all, it's extremely important that you are wearing a broad spectrum sun screen every day. No matter what. One of my favorite products is Aveeno Positively Radiant. The reason why I love this so much is because it's a moisturizer AND UVA/UVB protection in one. Protecting your skin from the harmful UVA (aging) rays is your first line of defense. The best product out there for fine lines and wrinkles is Retinol. Retinol is a topical Vitamin A. This product speeds up your cell metabolism and will improve fine lines and wrinkles, smooth the texture of your skin, assists with hyperpigmentation and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (redness left over after injury or acne). Use this product only at night and start out with 0.5 working up to 1.0. My favorite product is SkinCeuticals Retinol. Retinol may cause slight peeling and drying of the skin and this is normal. Just make sure that you are moisturizing at night after you apply. You want to wait approximately 20 minutes after applying the Retinol before applying your moisturizer. Another suggestion is making sure that you are using an antioxidant every day as well that contains the highest and best form of Vitamin C which is L-Ascorbic Acid. My favorite product is Phloretin CF by SkinCeuticals. Use this product only in the morning after you wash, then follow with your sunscreen/moisturizer. One other suggestion I have is to purchase a Clarisonic cleansing brush. This brush cleanses your skin 6 times better than just using your hands, or wash cloth. My most favorite part about this brush is that after using it, your products that you apply afterwards (such as the Phloretin CF). are absorbed much better, therefore you will have better results. You will LOVE this brush. It's worth the investment. Believe me, I know divorces are tough and your stress is high. Most importantly before anything else, take care of yourself from the inside out. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and take time for you. Love yourself through this tough time. Some days it may feel impossible, but it's not.