Anti-Aging Moves That Really Work3

The Lifestyle Fix
Skin that seems to glow from within (without age spots or areas of redness) is another hallmark of youth, and, once again, a nutrient-rich diet plays a big role in maintaining this look. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true: The worse your diet, the more sallow your complexion will be. "There's evidence that people who eat diets high in refined sugars get a dull, yellow cast to their skin," Dr. Dayan explains.

So, what's on the grocery list for a glowing complexion? Lots of leafy, green vegetables (they're loaded with minerals like calcium and iron) and foods rich in essential fatty acids (avocado, nuts, seeds, etc.). "Essential fatty acids help to regulate cellular function and have anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate skin redness," Dr. Dayan says. Antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries may also help even out your complexion by reducing hyperpigmentation (brown spots usually caused by sun damage to the skin's DNA). Outside of the kitchen, exercise also revitalizes and adds radiance to your complexion. "It increases oxygen flow to skin cells, which results in better tissue health," Dr. Dayan points out.

Results: Loading up on the healthy foods suggested above and exercising at least three times a week may get you looking two to four years younger—though it will take at least a month to see those results.

The Over-the-Beauty-Counter Fix
Exfoliating is key to getting radiant skin, and products containing glycolic acid gently slough away dead skin. Brazilian Peel ($78; sephora.com), with 30 percent glycolic acid, is one of the strongest peels available outside of a doctor's office; one 10-minute treatment a week evens out your skin tone in about a month.

Dr. Moy suggests treating specific areas of hyperpigmentation with pigment-inhibiting ingredients like hydroquinone or azaleic or kojic acids. Try Dermelect Beautone Enlightening Spot Treatment (shown at right, $49; dermelect.com). And don't forget the daily SPF to prevent new spots. We like Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage Lotion with SPF 28 ($13; drugstore.com), because it contains pine essence to help break apart pigment clusters below the skin's surface, and Dermalogica Pure Light SPF 30 ($60; dermalogica.com), which has brightening vitamin C to prevent spots.

Results: Using an at-home peel, a spot treatment, and a moisturizer with SPF, it takes about a month to see changes. The results are worth the wait: You can look up to three years younger.

The In-Office Fix
One of the best ways to achieve a radiant, even-toned complexion is a derm-administered glycolic peel. "Glycolic acid, which can be delivered at strengths of up to 70 percent in an office, gives a very deep exfoliation, revealing brighter skin and even removing some dark spots," Dr. Moy says. Depending on the strength of the peel, results can last up to six months, and costs range from $100 to $250.

Dr. Dayan also recommends intense pulse light (IPL) treatments, which use light energy to correct pigment issues, treat broken capillaries, and reduce redness. Treatments are generally done in a series, and sessions start at $150. Unfortunately, IPL treatments don't work well on darker skin tones. But you can see similar spot-reducing results from a non-light-based treatment, such as Ematrix, a device that emits bipolar fractional radio frequency (sessions cost $300 and up).

Results: Chemical peels may make you look two to four years younger, and IPL or bipolar fractional radio frequency may shave up to five years off your looks because the treatments have the added benefit of boosting collagen production for a firmer face.