You cannot stop the clock, but you can reduce the impact of time on your skin. It is important to develop an awareness of the primary issues that tend to occur as we age. These include:
- Photodamage: This is the damage caused by exposure of UV light (sunlight) on the skin.
- Pigmentation: The natural pigmentation (or colour) of the skin can alter over time. There are multiple causes for this including medications, photodamage and medical issues.
- Wrinkles (rhytides): These are the most noticeable signs of ageing skin. Rhytides are most obvious on the face, neck and hands and are caused by a number of environmental and genetic factors.
There are several reasons why the skin on the face and body will age. The main reason is exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. The UVB or shorter ultraviolet wavelengths damage the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), while the UVA or longer ultraviolet wavelengths can damage the middle and lower layers (the dermis and subcutaneous fat). The UV radiation damages the cells of the skin through a process known as oxidative stress; one of the reasons that antioxidants appear in skin creams and special skin care products. Your genetic make-up also has an important role to play. Large fluctuations in weight, particularly significant weight loss, can age a person rapidly by causing excess skin on the face and body.
Caring for Aging Skin
In order to care for your aging face and skin, keep in mind that it is never too late. Sunlight and other lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, failing to cleanse and moisturise properly and a poor diet can also have negative impacts on your skin.
Always use sun p
It is also important to begin cleansing and moisturising the skin according to your skin type.
There are good ways to improve your aging skin and many options for giving it the most appropriate care. A dermatologist can also suggest treatments to improve the condition of the skin. There are products available that can improve facial pigmentation, reduce wrinkles and lines and improve the texture of aging skin. These treatments will keep you looking and feeling your very best for years to come.
If you have any questions or concerns about the aging face, wrinkle treatments or prevention, you are welcome to contact us today.