Ageing
As you age, the skin begins to sag due to the depleting collagen and elastin tissue. You also look less plump, because you lose subcutaneous fat from areas like your cheeks. The skin becomes thinner from the age of 50 and creases form around the eyes and forehead due to cumulative facial movement throughout the years. There are factors, however, that can make the skin look older than it is which include UV radiation, smoking and exposure to chemicals.
The sun
It is a well-known fact that the main reason for premature ageing of the skin is the sun. And not only does the sun’s harmful rays age the skin, exposing yourself to the sun will increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Protecting yourself from the sun is probably the most important step to take if you are worried about ageing of your skin.
The most important tip to combat premature skin ageing is covering up in the sun with loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat (to cover up the face and neck), staying in the shade (particularly between the hours of 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its most intense) and applying sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or above (the lighter the colour of your skin and hair, the higher the SPF you should be using) that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays to protect yourself from the sun. Reapply every 1 to 2 hours during the day and apply at least 20 minutes before going out into the sun.
Outdoor activities
Older people, particularly those who have retired, tend to spend time doing outdoor activities, like gardening and walking. If you find yourself spending more time outdoors, ensure that you are protected from the sun every time you are outside, by simply covering up and applying sunscreen to exposed areas of the skin.
Smoking
Strong evidence links smoking to ageing of the skin and is known as one of the main environmental factors in premature skin ageing. Smoking causes wrinkles and a leathery complexion, which makes the skin look old before its time because the habit causes the skin’s enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-1 to be enhanced and break down collagen and reduce collagen production. This causes inelasticity of the skin. Also, smoking causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to constrict, which reduces the supply of oxygen to the skin. So, if you are still smoking, the best advice is to just quit!
Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is essential to skins health. Ensure your diet includes foods is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like oily fish, and anti-oxidants, like fresh fruit and vegetables. If your diet is healthy and well-balanced, your general health will be good, which will reflect on your skin, leaving it looking healthy and vibrant.
Alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin, which can leave the skin looking older and tired. Drink plenty of water to avoid drying out your skin and dehydration.
Moisturise
As you get older, your skin can become drier, which can be helped by using a moisturiser. Moisturising is important because it protects your skin from the elements as well as preventing your skin from drying up and looking dull. If you suffer from dry skin, try not to use harsh, alcohol-based products. If you suffer from oily skin, avoid oil-based products and go for water-based. Don’t judge the efficacy of the moisturiser on the price. All moistriusers to the same job and more expensive ones are no different.
Your skin in the winter season
Winter weather can have negative affects on the skin. Harsh winds, and drops in temperature can strip away the moisture in your skin, which can become chapped. The best way to combat this is to moisturise the skin on your body.
The skin on your face is affected by the winter weather in the same way the skin on body is. The only difference is that the face will be more exposed to the weather conditions and will need more care. Wrapping up your body with warm clothing, etc, will protect the skin from harsh winds and cold spells, but the face is not so easy to keep covered up and will be more susceptible to becoming dry and chapped. Ensure that you use moisturiser daily to protect the skin on the face from the elements and use a lip salve.
If you already suffer from dry skin or skin conditions like rosacea, it can be exacerbated by the winter months.
Sleep
If you are deprived of sleep, this will make your skin look older and tired, due to sagging eyelids and bags under your eyes. Further more, lack of sleep can cause anxiety, irritation and depression, which can cause more lack of sleep and the cycle continues. Make sure you get enough sleep to keep your skin looking healthy.
Products
Skin care products aimed at mature consumers tend to focus on anti-ageing, whereas products for young skin tend to focus on combating spots. Many anti-ageing products are simply sophisticated moisturisers, but can make the skin appear smoother. No skin care regime can reverse ageing of the skin, although creams containing retinoid (a derivative of vitamin A) may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots, but can also irritate the skin.
Problem skin
If you are worried about your skin’s health, for example, your skin is very dry, you have acne, you see a change in your mole, etc., ask to be referred to a dermatologist, who, as skin specialists, will diagnose and treat appropriately. Check you skin for changes frequently, especially if you have exposed your skin to the sun in the past.
Stress
Stress normally plays havoc with your sleeping patterns, which will play havoc with your skin. See above.
Exercise
Regular exercise leads to good skin oxygenation and is a great outlet for stress. This leaves the skin looking and feeling vibrant.
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