Skin & Age Decades
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Skin & Age Decades |
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Click here for information on how to treat your skin through the decades. The twenty-something years
are a time when you're most likely in skin heaven. If you're lucky, you've
survived your bouts with acne -- your skin is clear, your pores are
invisible, and your complexion is rosy, even and taut. However, if your
skin is still prone to persistent blemishes or flare-ups, consider seeing
a Dermatologist to get your acne under control with some of the many
effective medications available. A well-balanced diet,
plenty of water and exercise, and sensible skin care can keep your skin
looking healthy through your twenties. Many women will not require a
moisturizer, although the addition of a light moisturizer and perhaps some
gentle exfoliating treatments may be appropriate for you. One of the most
important things you can do for your skin during your twenties is good sun
protection to prevent discoloration and premature wrinkles. Eighty-five
percent of what we think of as aging is actually caused by exposure to the
sun. For
maximum sun protection, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends: ·
Use a
broad-spectrum sun block with a minimum SPF15 and SPF30 for more sensitive
or fair skin and those at higher risk for skin cancer. ·
Wear a hat with
a brim at least 4 inches wide. ·
Apply your
sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going into the sun to give the active
ingredients time to soak into your skin. ·
Stay out of the
sun when its rays are their strongest, between 10 AM and 4 PM. During your 30's, you
should see fewer breakouts, but you will begin to see the first signs of
aging. Small changes begin to take place - the skin under your eyes begins
to thin; those all-nighters you pulled during your teens and 20's may now
bring about puffy dark circles under your eyes, caused by increased fat
and sluggish After 30, the skin's
natural process of exfoliation slows down and collagen and elastin fibers
decrease. More water is lost which leads to drying and decreases the
skin's natural protection barrier. If you're starting to notice fine
lines, wrinkles and discoloration, it's time to take a good look at how
you're caring for your skin. After passing the
threshold of 30, consider boosting your skin care regimen, upgrading your
makeup routine, and paying more attention to the finer details of your
face. Looking good in your thirties takes more time and effort than it did
at age 25, and requires a systematic program of maintenance. Make sure to keep your
skin well hydrated, especially in a dry climate or during winter months
when skin is driest. You may need to use a heavier moisturizer in the
evenings if your skin still feels dry. And don't forget the sunscreen.
Many moisturizers now offer sun protection too. The 30's are a good time
to consult a Dermatologist for solid advice on medical and cosmetic skin
maintenance and ask questions about what to expect in the years ahead.
Dermatologists have access to a vast array of treatments to help reduce or
eliminate the signs of aging and improve the overall appearance of the
skin. During your forties, you
will see noticeable changes in your skin's tone and texture. Your skin is
no longer as tight as it used to be. Your facial tone is duller and pores
may appear larger. In this decade, you can
expect signs of photodamage to become more visible: blotches, freckles,
age spots, discoloration, and changes in skin color. Your Dermatologist
may suggest adding products that lighten dark spots to your daily regimen
to reduce the appearance of brown spots and make your complexion appear
more even. Dry skin is the root of
many of these problems, so moisturizing is an important part of your 40's
skin care regimen. Your maturing skin may require more aggressive care, so
make sure to explore the vast array of anti-aging products available.
Products with essential ingredients that can visibly decrease the
look and feel of aging skin like retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha
hydroxy acids, are an absolute must. You can
reinvigorate tired, slack skin with firming treatments that visibly
improve skin firmness and texture. By your fifth decade, the
aging process is in high gear. The loss of volume and fullness continues
giving way to increased loose skin and sagging, pigmentary changes
continue, and the collagen breakdown becomes more noticeable. The thinning
skin loses its natural protective barrier and becomes drier and more
sensitive to the environment, weather changes, and becomes susceptible to
bruising. As hormone production
levels change, they also have dramatic effects on the skin. As a woman
ages and the reproductive cycle and hormones diminish, so does the
estrogen level. The primary function of estrogen in the skin is to keep it
soft, supple, and hydrated. The absence of estrogen causes loss of
elasticity and color, and contributes to sagging and dryness in the skin.
Additional changes that appear with the onset of menopause are the
overproduction of oil, enlarged pores, and facial hair growth due to the
presence of testosterone. Regular facials with massage can help increase
the skin's circulation. Firming masks and hydrating treatments with mild
exfoliation will also help to rejuvenate the skin's appearance. Sun
avoidance is critical, and consistent use of moisturizers and products
containing anti-aging staples like retinoids, AHA's, antioxidants, and
humectants will help to reduce the signs of aging skin on the face and
neck, and the ravages of hormone loss. There are many nonsurgical
techniques that your Dermatologist can recommend. It's an ongoing process. You can't cure fine lines and wrinkles, but
you can control them. Maintenance is the most important part. The changes in the skin
you experience in your fifties continue through the sixties, seventies and
beyond. By now, your skin tone is becoming increasingly lax and jowls and
excess folds of skin are the norm. Skin takes on a lighter color due to
decreased circulation, and the results of cumulative sun exposure are most
apparent. These changes are all part of the normal aging process, and
genetics as well as lifestyle factors play an important role in
determining how well you will age. After menopause, when estrogen is no longer produced, added moisturization is critical. Fading age spots that have developed over years of sun exposure becomes even more critical. The better care you take of your skin in your thirties, forties, and fifties, the better your skin will look in the sixties and beyond. No discussion of an anti-aging regimen would be complete without some mention about the daily use of broad-spectrum sun protection year round. Sunscreens are not the only answer, but they are one vital part of a multi-pronged approach. |
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only. This information is offered to you with the understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice. All medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care provider.
Age Decades
Masks &
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