Editor’s Tip: Hands are particularly prone to showing signs of skin ageing, so treat them with Augustinus Bader’s hand treatment, which contains TFC8 to improve skin softness and elasticity, and Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant against free radicals.
Main Ingredients: TFC8, Bisabolol, Shea Butter | Fragrance Free: yes
Most affordable body lotion: Nivea Nourishing Skin Firming Body Lotion
Why it’s worth it: If you’re on a budget, Dr. Shirazi recommends picking up a bottle of Nivea’s Nourishing Skin Firming Body Lotion. “This nourishing body cream is infused with coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, and argan oil, which is rich in omega fatty acids,” says Dr. Shirazi. Dr. Shirazi also loves the fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula, which leaves skin feeling incredibly soft.
Editor’s Tip: It’s highly moisturizing to soften the driest areas, yet its lotion-like texture dries quickly without leaving a greasy film on skin.
Main Ingredients: CoQ10, Vitamin C, Argan Oil | Fragrance Free: no
Best Unscented Body Lotion: Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion
Why it’s worth it: Versed’s Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion is a lightweight gel-cream formula that Dr. Shirazi loves, but that’s not the only reason Dr. Shirazi endorses this lotion: “It’s formulated with microencapsulated retinol for better penetration and reduced irritation,” Dr. Shirazi says. To further reduce retinol irritation, this body cream also contains a soothing, hydrating blend of cocoa butter, squalane, and vitamin E.
Editor’s Tip: The formula contains a very small amount of retinol (0.01%) and is fragrance-free, so it won’t irritate even those with sensitive skin, but just to be safe, you should always do a patch test before applying.
Main Ingredients: Retinol (0.01%), Squalane, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E | Fragrance Free: yes
FAQ
How do signs of skin aging appear on the body?
As we all know, aging is a wonderful, natural process that affects every part of our body, including our largest organ: the skin. But before we get to treatment, it’s important to understand what’s going on inside your body.
Wrinkles and sagging skin
As we age, our skin’s once-supple texture sags due to a decline in collagen, says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California. Collagen is the main protein that acts as a scaffold for the body’s connective tissues, including the skin, and as we age, our body’s natural supply depletes. This depletion leads to wrinkles, frizz, and loose skin. “Wrinkles and loose skin, especially around the abdomen, upper arms, backs of the hands, and thighs, known as lax skin, become more noticeable as we age,” Dr. Shirazi explains. She also notes that a decline in collagen, especially around blood vessels in areas with a lot of movement, like the backs of the hands, can lead to increased bruising without leaving any memorable trauma to the skin. “This is commonly seen on the hands and backs of the arms, and is known as actinic purpura,” she adds.
