As part of our feature on healthy breasts at any age, we asked dermatologists about their clients' leading concerns, and what steps we can take to avoid them. This advice from the pros will keep your decolletage dazzling.
[Care Breast]
[Care Breast]30s
[Care Breast]You'll start to notice brown spots and uneven pigmentation, says Debra Jaliman, MD, professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
[Care Breast][Care Breast]Beat back the clock: Try an over-the-counter product like Nia 24 Sun Damage Repair for Decolletage and Hands ($44; www.amazon.com), which contains nicotinic acid, a substance proven to reduce age spots and discoloration, Jaliman says.
[Care Breast][Care Breast]40s
[Care Breast]Your concern: vertical wrinkles up and down your chest.
Beat back the clock: Talk to your derm about collagen-stimulating lasers. Recently developed ones like the Genesis or Medlite actually stimulate skin to make new collagen, which makes the chest appear more plumped up. Most women need three to six treatments, costing about $400 each (results usually last three to five years).
50s
Years of sun exposure can leave your skin with a crepe-y look.
Beat back the clock: At-home or in-office glycolic peels will stimulate collagen production. A Photosome-based treatment will repair damage; try Remergent DNA Repair Formula ($125; available through dermatologists). And OTC products with hyaluronic acid, which retains moisture, will improve your skin's appearance temporarily.
