What’s the Secret to Aging Gracefully?
Everyone wants to put their “best face forward,” and that means paying attention to anti-aging skin care. However, there is a dizzying amount of information and an array of products out there aimed at fighting the signs of aging on your skin, so it can be a daunting task to figure out where to start. Test your knowledge of some common practices for keeping your skin looking healthy.
1. Which of the following do dermatologists agree are the two most-effective anti-aging products you should use?
A. Retinoids and retinols
B. Face masks and chemical peels
C. Sunscreens and moisturizers
D. Face scrubs and exfoliants
2. What should you look for on your sunscreen label?
A. Broad spectrum
B. SPF 30 (or higher)
C. Water resistance
D. All of the above
3. True or false? The product label “clinically proven” means that the product was given to consumers to try. It does NOT mean the product underwent clinical trials and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
4. True or false? Dermatologists recommend trying one anti-aging product at a time because using several products at once can irritate your skin, and irritated skin makes aging signs more noticeable.
5. True or false? Dermatologists recommend testing a new anti-aging skin product by applying a small amount of the product on your inner forearm twice a day for four to five days. If you do not have a reaction, it is likely safe for you to apply to your face.
6. Which of the following are signs that your anti-aging product is irritating your skin?
A. It causes skin redness.
B. It stings, burns, or tingles.
C. Your skin gets very dry.
D. All of the above
7. True or false? Most products take at least six weeks to work, and sometimes it can take up to three months.
8. What are retinoids?
A. Vitamin A-based products used on skin, such as to treat acne
B. Anti-aging components in your skin
C. Signs of sun damage in your skin
D. Supplements that fight skin aging
9. What is retinol?
A. An anti-aging component found in both prescription and over-the-counter skin products
B. A type of retinoid that’s routinely used to improve uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and texture
C. A good option for someone with mild acne, mild pigmentation irregularities, or mild fine lines and wrinkles
D. All of the above
10. Which of the following do dermatologists NOT recommend when it comes to using retinols?
A. Those with skin allergies or dryness are probably not good candidates for using retinols.
B. There is no need to talk with a dermatologist to determine whether retinoids are right for you.
C. Start by using the least-intense retinoid formula you can find, and use it every other night to start.
D. Use it only at night, because retinols can make skin more sensitive to the sun, and always use sun protection during the day.
11. Who should see a dermatologist before using retinoids?
A. Those who have moderate or severe acne scarring
B. Those whose acne is associated with their menstrual periods or other hormonal changes
C. Those who have a lot of redness or inflammation in their skin
D. Those with darker skin prone to skin irritation
E. All of the above
12. What are treatment options beyond moisturizers and retinol?
A. Chemical peels, where a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove damaged cells
B. Non-invasive options like laser resurfacing, ultrasound, and radiofrequency for tightening sagging skin
C. Invasive procedures like fillers and facelifts
D. All of the above
13. Which of the following is the best resource for helping you to fight the signs of skin aging, especially when it comes to procedures?
A. Friends and family
B. Beauty magazines
C. The internet
D. A board-certified dermatologist
compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Information provided by the American Academy of Dermatology Association
ANSWERS:
C. Sunscreens and moisturizers.
D. All of the above
True
True
True
D. All of the above
True
A. Vitamin A-based products used on skin, such as to treat acne.
D. All of the above
B. There is no need to talk with a dermatologist to determine whether retinols are right for you. You SHOULD speak with a dermatologist.
E. All of the above
D. All of the above
D. A board-certified dermatologist