YOUR CONCERNS

As we age, skin cells divide more slowly, and the inner skin (or dermis), starts to thin. Fat cells beneath the dermis begin to atrophy, and the underlying network of elastin and collagen fibers loosen and unravel. Fat cells provide “scaffolding” for the surface layers, skin begins to visibly lose its elasticity. When pressed, it no longer springs back.
The skin’s ability to retain moisture also decreases as the sweat and oil-secreting glands become less productive. Skin becomes drier and is slower in repairing itself.

Facial expressions–or dynamic motion–also cause permanent creases over time. Frown lines (those between the eyebrows) and crow’s feet (lines that radiate from the corners of the eyes) develop because of repeated small muscle contractions and habitual facial expressions form characteristic lines.

The degree of wrinkling depends on your genetic makeup, but smoking, dry skin and sun exposure (especially sunburns) make it worse. In fact, exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. And most of the photoaging effects occur by age 20, even though it may take years to see it.

• Cover up: Apply sun protection every time you go outside, all year long. Use a broad spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 and make sure it contains a physical sun block like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Remember to apply sunblock to the scalp (for thinning hair), ears, lips, neck, décolleté and hands.
• Stay hydrated inside and out: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and apply moisturiser immediately after bathing.
• Make antioxidants a part of your daily routine: Green tea, polyphenols, Vitamin E and Vitamin C all work to prevent cellular damage caused by the environment.
• Use products with cell-communicating ingredients: like retinoids, peptides and niacinamide. They inhibit collagen breakdown and instruct cells to behave more “youthfully”.
• Exfoliate: Using lactic and salicylic acids helps shed surface skin cells and help smooth skin texture.

• Smoking: As if you needed another reason to quit, smoking robs your skin of moisture and causes premature wrinkles, especially around the mouth.
• Tanning beds: The UV light is just as damaging as the sun.
• Mishandling the skin: Repeated rubbing and tugging can damage skin, especially around the sensitive eye area. Always treat skin gently, with a light touch.
• Sleeping on your stomach: Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night for years and years causes “sleep lines” to be etched on the surface of your skin.