As our skin ages we lose elasticity and that young smooth look that we have mistakenly taken for granted. First we notice fine lines that eventually turn into wrinkles, this can start happening as early as our 20’s. I tend to break this into two general categories:

Normal and Abnormal

Normal would include the general aging process and the genetic makeup of each individual.

Your skin is divided into three layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis. The second or middle layer is called the dermis and the third or inner layer is called the subcutaneous. When the aging process starts, the epidermis begins to thin and as I mentioned above this could start happening as early as your 20’s. Blood vessels in the dermis are more susceptible to breaking. Protein’s collagen and elastin found in our connective tissues which enables our skin to remain pliable and elastic starts to break down. As these proteins break down our skin is less elastic and loose skin appears. The epidermis loses its ability to retain moisture causing dry skin.

Abnormal are areas that can be controlled such as diet, personal habits, and sun exposure.

Some of the following things that age your skin quickly are the things you can control.

  • Smoking
  • Sun exposure
  • Stress
  • Lack of exercise
  • Lack of sleep
  • Excess alcohol
  • Poor diet
  • Not removing make up before retiring.

Those of you that have reached these stages compare the skin on your face, arms and hands to skin elsewhere on your body that has not had some of these exposures. You will find the skin that has rarely been exposed to the above elements will be more firm, have more elasticity and be more uniform in color compared to the skin that has been exposed.

Remedies

  • If you smoke, quit the nasty habit, it will harm much more than your skin.
  • Always use sun protection SPF minimum 30.
  • Slow down, smell the roses eliminate your stress.
  • Exercise your body, it will thank you.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Control your alcohol intake.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and drink lots of water.
  • Do not use a straw with your liquids.
  • Cleanse your skin daily and always remove your makeup before retiring.
  • Limit bathing in hot water.
  • Do not over exfoliate.
  • Do not overuse anti-aging treatments.
  • Use a gentle cleanser.
  • Oil based moisturizer works best on mature skin.
  • Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize.

Until next month,
Warmest Regards,
Linda Irwin-Hurley, Founder