Wear SPF
“My number one tip for aging gracefully is SPF,” says Aaron Barry, celebrity makeup and hair artist. “No matter your age, gender, race or skin type, sun damage accelerates the aging process.” More importantly, it increases risk of skin cancer.
“You can now even prep your skin for makeup with SPF primers,” Barry adds. “I like to use the Thrive Causemetics Sunproof 3-in-1 Priming Sunscreen with SPF 37 at the beginning of my makeup application. Not only does it create the perfect base for foundations but it’s hydrating, controls oil, and most importantly, protects the skin from harmful UV rays.”
If you’d rather have a regular ‘ole sunscreen, check out our best sunscreen round-up.
Visit Your OB-GYN Annually
Women over 50 should see their OB-GYN annually, says JoAnn Pinkerton, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Midlife Health Center at the University of Virginia Health System. And they should make sure to see one who is knowledgable about perimenopause and the menopausal transition.
In addition, Pinkerton recommends getting mammograms every one to two years, making sure your pap smear is up to date, getting a colon cancer screening, and regularly getting your blood pressure and lipid levels tested. With your doctor, review significant family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, or colon cancer, she adds, as well as heart disease, stroke, or blood clotting. All of these practices and protocols will help you remain healthy and ideally, prevent or catch chronic illness if it ever occurs.
