Did you know that, even if you have oily skin, you need to hydrate? Hydration is about water, not oil.
Our skin plays a vital role in protecting our body, so although we cannot change the natural aging process, we need to do everything we can to protect our skin. Your skin changes as you age. You might notice wrinkles, age spots, and dryness. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and loses fat, making it less plump and smooth. It may also take longer to heal. When we are young our body uses free radicals for numerous critical functions including the health and development of muscle, bones and the nervous system. As we age, our body loses its ability to rid itself of excess free radicals, and internal free radical damage begins.
Your skin does many things:
- Contains nerve receptors that allow you to feel touch, pain, and pressure
- Helps control fluid and electrolyte balance
- Helps control your body temperature
- Protects you from the environment
Although skin has many layers, it can generally be divided into three main parts:
- The outer part (epidermis) contains skin cells, pigment, and proteins. The epidermis is a miraculous self-renewing entity that continuously renews itself by a process known as differentiation.
- The middle part (dermis) contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and oil glands. The dermis provides nutrients to the epidermis.
- The inner layer under the dermis (the subcutaneous layer) contains sweat glands, some hair follicles, blood vessels, and fat. This layer helps keep the body’s temperature stable.
Both internal and external factors influence the aging process. By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects of aging has on our skin caused by environment and lifestyle choices.
- The sun plays a major role in prematurely aging our skin, so protect your skin from the sun every day.
- Smoking speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Findings from a few studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging.
- Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and over time, damages the skin. This can make us look older.
- Exercise most days of the week. Studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more youthful appearance.
- Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin.
- Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
It’s never too late. Even people who already have signs of premature skin aging can benefit from making lifestyle changes. The objective is first, to keep the skin as youthful and healthy as long as you can. Second, promote healthy cell renewal, hydrate, nourish and protect. With simple and sensible health and skin care strategies, you can look good at any age. The sooner you begin to care for the skin, the better.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Educate . Empower . Encourage
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
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