Following a regular
anti-aging skin care
routine is the most important thing you
can do to keep you skin looking youthful and to protect it from damage.
See our anti-aging
skincare products page for recommendations for specific
products.
1. Cleanse.
Look for a facial wash that contains
hydroxy acids. These exfoliators speed up cell turnover giving your
skin a smoother, more radiant appearance. They also can help to lighten
age spots.
2. Moisturize.
Apply a moisturizer
morning and night. Look for creams that contain antioxidants such as
vitamins C and E and grapeseed oil, as well as collagen-stimulating
vitamin A (retinol). These will reduce the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles.
3. Eye
Cream. The area surrounding the
eyes is among the most sensitive. Protect it with a specialized
product.
4. Sunscreen.
Don't forget this most
important step. Protect against the signs of photoaging by applying a
high SPF sunscreen
every day.
Causes
of Skin Aging and WrinklesOver
time, the important skin components elastin and collagen start to break
apart and skin begins to lose its elasticity, its underlying structure,
and its ability to spring back into shape. Cell reproduction slows with
age causing fat cells and oil glands to atrophy. As this happens,
production of emulsions designed to keep skin moist slows and skin
starts to become dry. Add in the effects of gravity and soon the jowls,
arms, and eyelids begin to sag. Several
other environmental factors contribute to the onset of skin aging and
wrinkles. Cigarette smoking, air pollution, laughing and frowning, and
unprotected
sun exposure all play a role. What's different about
these environmental factors is that most are within a person's ability
to control. So while there is no way (as of yet) to stop the aging
process entirely, the factors that contribute to its acceleration can
be stopped. One of the most
effective ways skin aging and wrinkling can be slowed is by always
protecting the skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays by
applying a sunscreen
everyday. These
rays can penetrate unprotected layers of skin. They produce radiation
which can seriously and permanently damage the cells that form skin
tissue. UVA rays are believed capable of releasing oxidants, unstable
particles that cause extensive cell damage. Cigarette smoking promotes the release of
oxidants as well. Oxidants slow the production of new collagen and
elastin. Known also as free radicals, the best way to protect against
their negative effects is to consume a diet rich in vitamins, minerals,
and antioxidants. Smoking also restricts the blood flow in the
epidermis so skin doesn't get the quantity of nutrients it needs to
stay healthy. Air pollution
also contributes to wrinkles by depriving the skin of Vitamin E,
another important antioxidant. Aging is an unstoppable
process and unfortunately, so are wrinkles. So protect your skin by
living a healthy lifestyle. Eat right, exercise, don't smoke, and avoid
excess alcohol consumption.
|
