We’ve all seen it – MOBs in an exquisite sleeveless (or short-sleeved) dress that would have really looked grand on her 10 or 15 years ago…but no more. You turn to your friend and say “What was she thinking?” Or “I don’t think this was the look she really wanted!”  Neck and hands used to be the tell tale signs of aging (still are for most of us) but thank goodness, there are many products and procedures to help with those areas now. “Then, what are the telltale signs I need to look out for?” you ask? Upper arms and elbows!

Madonna and 1st Lady Michelle Obama have sent the message that toned, taunt upper arms can be within reach for other 40-somethings and older.  That message has been helped along by other celebrities who have passed their 40th birthday, yet remain virtually flab-free. The list includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Barkin, and Mary Tyler Moore. Mrs. Obama, of course, posed in a sleeveless sheath for her official White House photograph.

Celebrities aside, can a determined 50+ year-old woman pump her way to 30-year-old arms?  Probably not. Why? With age, the skin and the connective tissue start to lose elasticity and you have more sagging. There is likely to be more flab underneath a 50-year-old bicep than a 30-year-old one.  And, as active as a 50+, or 60+ can be, it’s a good bet they’re still not as active as 30-somethings who are often running after children in addition to squeezing in formal workout time.

Ok – then there are those of us who should never, ever show any upper arm (women of substance-especially older ones). But, guess what- there are worse things.

This takes the 80s puffy-sleeved bridesmaid dress way too far.    Don’t go overboard hiding those upper arms!.

And then, what about that other problem area? “Old elbows,” she told me.”A woman’s elbows always give her age away.” — Nora Raleigh Baskin (What Every Girl (Except Me) Knows)

Who woulda thought they’d be such tattletales of our age?  Sagging, aging elbows show rings (like a tree!) and can ruin a wonderful put together look. Check out Posh’s!

And she’s nowhere near being a mother of the bride!   Ladies – our elbows show age 1st and are much harder to remember to take care of.   And even if you did – there just comes a time when you can’t hide the aging look unless you have elbow cosmetic surgery.  Hmmm, think I’d rather spend my money somewhere else, wouldn’t you?

Here are a few tips to keep the skin there taut and supple:

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! A good chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid would do the trick.  Unlike the face, the elbows are not sensitive and can stand higher percentage of acid.  (Try biting someone’s elbow, I swear they won’t feel a thing! And no, I DON’T know anyone who will let me bite their elbow ;>) If you lack the resources to buy glycolic acid– cut a lemon in half, rub on to elbows, and leave the juice and rind on there for 5 minutes, rinse.  I don’t recommend physically scrubbing the elbows too hard as you’ll just pull at the skin.

2. Moisturize! Again, people forget to moisturize the elbows.  Use dermatologist recommended Cetaphil!  Eye cream is good too if you can afford to buy box loads of La Mer eye cream to rub on your elbows like Kimora Lee Simmons does.

3. Sunscreen! Yes, the elbows suffer from sun damage everytime you drive, walk outside or play tennis.  We use sunscreen all over our face and body but most of us neglect to protect our elbows!

Ok – what to do if you don’t have time or the inclination to work really hard on those areas? Cover them up! At the pre-parties, the wedding, and the brunch after!

Moms!  This look is perfect for those two pesky problems. Coppery hand-beaded French lace blouse with a web design, worn over an Italian faille strapless mermaid gown, about $2,700, by Stephen Yearick,  is a very glamorous look.

Or this beautiful Cameron Blake creation is lovely –

No matter what your budget, there are a lot of gorgeous outfits out there that will cover those two areas we just don’t think of often enough.

Happy Planning!

Claudia Van Veen