It is important to understand our skin, what type it is and how to care for it. This post will help you do just that and is also full of tips to younger looking skin.
Lets get to know our skin
1. FIGHT FREE RADICALS
What are they? Small unstable oxygen molecules which attach to other cells of your body,& break them down. Our skin protein collagen is particularly susceptible to free radicals. They cause the collagen molecules to break down and re link up a different way…making them less mobile & stiff.
Using skin products that contain antioxidants & eating foods rich in antioxidants is a good start in helping reducing free radicals
2 KEEP HYDRATED
As you age your cells stop regenerating at the rate they did & in the same efficient way. Cells change shape become abnormal. This makes your skin texture appear different & prevents the skin from retaining water. As a result , the skins texture & water-retaining is diminished.
2.2 litres (75 fl oz ) a day for women 3 litres (100 fl oz ) for men is the recommended daily intake of water.
3 SKIN CHANGES
Environmental factors like pollution & weather can cause the skin texture to alter frequently. So your skin products should be altered accordingly. To examine your skin use a magnifying mirror & view your cleansed face in bright daylight.. Look for identifying clues.
4 IDENTIFY YOUR SKIN TYPE
To use correct products you need to know your skin type. Your skin tone is usually uneven if you have dry skin.visible capillaries & flakiness is also a sign of dry skin.. Oily skin is more prone to visible pores, breakouts & areas of pigmentation.
5 STOP THE CAUSES OF SKIN AGEING
To help you prevent your skin ageing, knowing the possible causes can help you take preventative actions. The main culprits are free radical damage to our cells from exposure to the sun, cigarettes, toxins & pollution.
6 FAT LOSS MAKES YOU LOOK OLDER
The underlying supportive fat tissues decrease as you age. Facial muscles become more slack & bone deteriorates. This weakens the structure on which the skin sits. There are more fat cells in younger people & larger people, hence older larger people have fewer wrinkles/
7 SPOT YOUR TYPE OF SKIN AGEING
Chronologically aged skin is a result of natural internal factors & manifests as thinner & less elastic skin that is otherwise smooth & unblemished. Photo-aged skin, however, is marked by wrinkles, age spots,uneven pigmentation & a more leathery appearance.
8 SPOIL YOURSELF
Indulging yourself with regular facials, its important as you get older. Do not neglect your skin as when your skin feels beautiful you feel beautiful all over.
9 SLEEP AWAY WRINKLES
Keep your neck stretched upwards by sleeping on a high density contour foam pillow that conforms to your shape & provides max support. This will help prevent sleep wrinkles from forming on your neck & face.
10 PILLOW PRESSURE
Burying your face in a pillow puts pressure on your skin which reduces circulation. This wear n tear over time will cause breakdown collagen which will cause lines & wrinkles. Switch to satin silk or high thread count cotton to minimize the friction on your skin.
11 STOP SMOKING
Smoking anything changes the skins DNA repair process. Again leading to breakdown of collagen & elastin fibres resulting in premature wrinkles & fine lines. It also starves the skin of oxygen & essential nutrients plus severely dehydrates it. Again causing premature ageing.
12 AVOID SMOKY AREAS
Some researchers believe that exposure to smoke in confined areas is as bad for your skin as ultraviolet rays. Smoke has a drying effect on the skins surface & restricts blood vessels, so reducing blood flow & oxygen. Even passive smoking will deplete vitamin c, which is a key ingredient for keeping skin moist n plump.
13 PERFECT SLEEPING POSTURE
Sleeping in the foetus position, will create lines, creases, wrinkles on the side of your face where the skin is thinnest. It is best to sleep on your back if you want to wake up to a crease-free smooth face.
14 BREAK BAD HABITS
Repetitive movements ie chewing gum, frowning , sucking as you smoke will develop fine lines. This in time will lead to micro-tears appearing in the skin resulting in collagen damaging inflammation. Most smokers squint which will exaggerate wrinkles around the eyes. Pursing your lips each time you inhale will produce small lines around you mouth which will get bigger each cigarette.
15 KEEP ON DRINKING
Drinking 6 glasses of water a day will keep your body & skin fully hydrated. It will also help suppress appetite metabolize fat. Plain water is better than herbal teas, fruit juices , & diet drinks
Lets get to know our skin
1. FIGHT FREE RADICALS
What are they? Small unstable oxygen molecules which attach to other cells of your body,& break them down. Our skin protein collagen is particularly susceptible to free radicals. They cause the collagen molecules to break down and re link up a different way…making them less mobile & stiff.
Using skin products that contain antioxidants & eating foods rich in antioxidants is a good start in helping reducing free radicals
2 KEEP HYDRATED
As you age your cells stop regenerating at the rate they did & in the same efficient way. Cells change shape become abnormal. This makes your skin texture appear different & prevents the skin from retaining water. As a result , the skins texture & water-retaining is diminished.
2.2 litres (75 fl oz ) a day for women 3 litres (100 fl oz ) for men is the recommended daily intake of water.
3 SKIN CHANGES
Environmental factors like pollution & weather can cause the skin texture to alter frequently. So your skin products should be altered accordingly. To examine your skin use a magnifying mirror & view your cleansed face in bright daylight.. Look for identifying clues.
4 IDENTIFY YOUR SKIN TYPE
To use correct products you need to know your skin type. Your skin tone is usually uneven if you have dry skin.visible capillaries & flakiness is also a sign of dry skin.. Oily skin is more prone to visible pores, breakouts & areas of pigmentation.
5 STOP THE CAUSES OF SKIN AGEING
To help you prevent your skin ageing, knowing the possible causes can help you take preventative actions. The main culprits are free radical damage to our cells from exposure to the sun, cigarettes, toxins & pollution.
6 FAT LOSS MAKES YOU LOOK OLDER
The underlying supportive fat tissues decrease as you age. Facial muscles become more slack & bone deteriorates. This weakens the structure on which the skin sits. There are more fat cells in younger people & larger people, hence older larger people have fewer wrinkles/
7 SPOT YOUR TYPE OF SKIN AGEING
Chronologically aged skin is a result of natural internal factors & manifests as thinner & less elastic skin that is otherwise smooth & unblemished. Photo-aged skin, however, is marked by wrinkles, age spots,uneven pigmentation & a more leathery appearance.
8 SPOIL YOURSELF
Indulging yourself with regular facials, its important as you get older. Do not neglect your skin as when your skin feels beautiful you feel beautiful all over.
9 SLEEP AWAY WRINKLES
Keep your neck stretched upwards by sleeping on a high density contour foam pillow that conforms to your shape & provides max support. This will help prevent sleep wrinkles from forming on your neck & face.
10 PILLOW PRESSURE
Burying your face in a pillow puts pressure on your skin which reduces circulation. This wear n tear over time will cause breakdown collagen which will cause lines & wrinkles. Switch to satin silk or high thread count cotton to minimize the friction on your skin.
11 STOP SMOKING
Smoking anything changes the skins DNA repair process. Again leading to breakdown of collagen & elastin fibres resulting in premature wrinkles & fine lines. It also starves the skin of oxygen & essential nutrients plus severely dehydrates it. Again causing premature ageing.
12 AVOID SMOKY AREAS
Some researchers believe that exposure to smoke in confined areas is as bad for your skin as ultraviolet rays. Smoke has a drying effect on the skins surface & restricts blood vessels, so reducing blood flow & oxygen. Even passive smoking will deplete vitamin c, which is a key ingredient for keeping skin moist n plump.
13 PERFECT SLEEPING POSTURE
Sleeping in the foetus position, will create lines, creases, wrinkles on the side of your face where the skin is thinnest. It is best to sleep on your back if you want to wake up to a crease-free smooth face.
14 BREAK BAD HABITS
Repetitive movements ie chewing gum, frowning , sucking as you smoke will develop fine lines. This in time will lead to micro-tears appearing in the skin resulting in collagen damaging inflammation. Most smokers squint which will exaggerate wrinkles around the eyes. Pursing your lips each time you inhale will produce small lines around you mouth which will get bigger each cigarette.
15 KEEP ON DRINKING
Drinking 6 glasses of water a day will keep your body & skin fully hydrated. It will also help suppress appetite metabolize fat. Plain water is better than herbal teas, fruit juices , & diet drinks
CLEANSING
16 CLEANSE ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE
All dermatologists advise you to use the correct products for different skin types. You should use a thick milky cleanser for dry skin to avoid taking off the skins protective film. Oil based products are needed for oily skin as they dissolve sebum effectively. Normal skin needs anything gentle water bases.
17 FRESH FACED GLOW
A tiny blob of exfoliating cream mixed with your nightly cleanser will give you a fabulous fresh face glowing & smooth the next morning, as it draws the impurities out.
18 SHORT SHOWERS
Washing with hot soapy water will dissolve the skins natural moisture balance. Taking a short warm shower will help to avoid dry skin.
19 QUICK N EASY CLEANSING
Wipes designed for sensitive skin are always best as others can be quite chemical & harsh.
20 HANDS OFF
Try to resist the urge to poke n prod blackheads n spots, as they may flare up. Use a small blob of calendula cream so they will dry up over night.
21 CLEAN UP B4 BEDTIME
Older skin needs more tlc. Always remove your make up. It clogs your pores stops your skin from breathing & that can cause blemishes & spots. Try to make this a nightly habit.. it will save time in the morning.
CREAMS SERUMS & MOISTURISERS
22 WATER WORKS WONDERS
Applying any products to damp skin will help. Water will make them start working immediately & they will also penetrate the outer layer of skin more easily.
23 REPLACE OLD PRODUCTS
Remember crams have a shelf life, check yours once a month. Only use creams for your age & skin type.
24 SAFE GUARD SENIOR SKIN
Older skin is thinner & drier. It needs extra moisturising & protection. Avoid harsh toners, & replenish lost hydration with firming face creams.
25 IS IT WORKING
Try just one wrinkle cream as well as your day & night moisture's to see the results. Its harder to see if they are working using too many at once.
26 BUMPY SKIN
Overloading products can lead to congested pores & ting rough bumps. To keep skin hydrated & smooth reduce the number of lotions & creams you are using. Instead just use a resurfacing treatment once a week along with a good quality SPF daily moisturiser.
27 PRODUCT PLACEMENT
Using lots of products again can overload your skin . Just choose one at a tome to avoid irritation.
28 NIGHT REPAIR WORK
Between 1am & 3am the skin repairs itself most effectively. So products aimed at eruptions & blemishes will be more effective overnight. Use an acid based night cream after cleansing to exfoliate the outer layers of skin & hydrate deeper layers.
29 BREATH DEEP
Just by taking 5 deep breaths whilst applying your night cream will boost oxygen to the skin.
30 SERUM COMES 1ST
You only need a few ting drops of serum, so buy wisely. Its usually applied before moisturiser. As skin ages it produces less sebum so applying serum & moisturiser daily helps.
31 FIGHT POLLUTION
Pollution plays havoc with your skin. Smog, dust & dirt clog up pores making your skin choke. There are daily moisturisers available formulated to act as a barrier against pollution. Good cleansing also helps after a day in the city.
32 LOOKING FOR RADIANT SKIN
Facial brighteners target cells in the epidermis that have become hardened & lost their ability to reflect pink tones of light. Brighteners amplify full scale reflectivity & bring a fresh luminescence to the skin.
33 SERIOUS ABOUT SERUMS
Serums benefit older skin as they help lift & tone. Serums penetrate the epidermis in a deeper way as they have a smaller molecular structure than moisturiser.
34 FIRM UP WISELY
Firming face creams temporarily tightens & moisturises saggy skin that has lost its natural elasticity. They usually contain hyaluronic acid to help re build collagen & create firmer foundation.
35 SOFTEN STRETCHMARKS & WRINKLES
Strivectin was originally used to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Although no cream can relax wrinkles away there's some evidence that strive tin may help prevent new lines forming , stretch marks & reduce the deepness of existing wrinkles.
36 MOISTURISE BEFORE MAKE-UP
Moisturise before you apply make up because it will give your skin a healthy plumped look.
37 ANTI INFLAMMATORY AID
New anti ageing products are packed full of ingredients that are used as anti inflammatory. Deep set lines n wrinkles are being treated like wounds with new healing creams.
38 PREVENTATIVE SKINCARE
Dermatologists recommend the following antioxidants in your daily moisture's .. Idebenone, ferulic acid, vitamins c & e, coenzyme Q10 & lycopene.
39 SEARCH OUT ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
By law the 1st listed ingredient listed on the label should have the highest concentration in the formula. Active means an ingredient that works beneath the skin surface to produce visible changes.. However it has to be protected from the air & light used regularly to work.
40 C IS FOR COLLAGEN
Vitamin C is essential in both creams & diet as it formates collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives the skin its elasticity & strength. As an antioxidant it destroys harmful free radicals in the body caused by pollution, stress & poor diet. These can attack the skin leading to premature ageing.
41 CHOOSE KIWI FOR THE SKIN
As well as vitamins C & E potassium & magnesium, kiwi fruit contains high concentrations of alpha linolenic acid which helps retain moisture in the skin & hair. Kiwi seed oil contains more than 60% of ALAs, making it ideal for skin products.
42 MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Fermented extract of the Kampuchea mushroom is a new treatment for the face which promises to multiply the production of collagen in skin cells. This will plump up the skin & improve general appearance.
43 LOOK FOR PRO PEPTIDES
Peptides are one thought to help reduce fine lines & wrinkles as well as treating damaged skin. They can help stimulate the production of collagen & hyaluronic acid in the skins upper layers, which is vital in the support structure of the skin which breaks down with age.
44 FRANKINCENSE IS A WISE CHOICE
This is found in organic skincare products. It’s famous for its purifying properties. It also sooths, tones, & repairs aged skin.
45 WONDER VITAMINS
Vitamin A can help dull & lifeless skin. Found in retinol, tretinoin, tazarotene & palimate. It increases skin elasticity & dermal thickening.
46 MIRACLES IN A JAR
Alpha acid is a potent antioxidant that helps repair skin damage & protect against more. As its soluble in both oil & water that permits its entrance to all parts of the cells. It gives a healthy glow & helps diminish fine lines.
47 THE A LIST
Retinoids are the synthetic version of vit A (retin A) They increase the turnover of cell growth & regenerate new skin. Helping wonders with wrinkles & spots.
48 TRY TAZAROTINE
Only available on prescription at mo. British scientists think tazarotine & tretinion can effectively reduce visible wrinkles.
49 SKIN SAVING ANTIOXIDANT
EVit E is one of the most powerful antioxidants which can prevent free radical damage. It is in most creams but you can also eat leafy green veg & olive oil.
50 CREAMY COPPER PEPTIDES
This combined with other enzymes in the body promote collagen & elastin. This helps reverse ageing by thickening the skin.
51 SOOTH IT WITH OILS
Lavender is the most versatile, helping general fatigue, tension, & easing skin irritations. Neroli oil distilled from leaves of bitter orange trees can help balance both oily & dry skin. Sandalwood can also balance skin & helps soothe irritations.
52 WRINKLE FIGHT WITH MALACHITE
The exquisite green mineral increases cellular water retention. This gives your complexion a temporary tighter firmer appearance.
53 KINETIN SKINCARE
Products containing the plant growth hormone kinetin (N6 furfuryladenine) improve the appearance of fine lines blemishes blotchiness & wrinkles.
54 A NATURAL ANTIDOTE TO MATURING
Hormones in the body decline with age. This causes dryness of the skin. A cream with phytoestrogens called is flavones, which mimic the effect of female hormone estrogen will help keep skin hydrated & toned.
55 SOMETHING FISHYDMAE
(dimethylaminoethanol) show good results in reducing fine lines & wrinkles. Anchovies & sardines contain high concentrations.
56 PAPAYA PICK ME UP
Papaya enzyme peel uses the natural fruit enzyme papain to give your skin a smooth fresh feel as an AHA treatment without harsh chemicals.EXFOLIATORS & POLISHERS
57 BE GENTLE WITH SCRUBBING
With older skin you need to be more gentle. Products with spherical grains won’t scratch your skin. Always exfoliate on damp skin. 2 minutes gentle rubbing in circular movements will remove dead skin & help fresh new cells.
58 NEW CELLS NEW SKIN
Age slows the once a month renewal of skin. Gentle exfoliation helps maintain the cycle of renewal, leaving skin smooth…but once a week is enough.
59 NON ABRASIVE RETEXTURISING
Don’t use body scrubs on your face they are too harsh. Good quality face scrubs contain calibrated diamond shaped crystals for precious removal of dead skin cells. Body scrubs contain larger ones which could irritate & inflame sensitive skin.
60 NATURAL VERSUS SYNTHETIC
Walnut kernels work better on younger skins. Synthetic options commonly found in microdermabrasion creams contain particles that are smooth & spherical which are especially designed for older skin. They won’t scratch or cut.
61 LOOK OUT FOR AHAS
Traditionally based on natural acids derived from fruits & plants, aphahydroxy acids AHAs are now manufactured synthetically. They act as a mild exfoliant by dissolving the ’glue’ that binds skin cells together, allowing old cells to be shed & new ones form.Non abrasive, available in exfoliating creams & masks.
62 SEARCH OUT SALICYLIC ACIS
This is the only betahydroxy acid that works mainly as an exfoliant to improve skins colour & texture. It is an oil soluble acid that can penetrate into the pores that contain sebum & exfoliate dead skin cells that build up inside.
63 ABRASIVE OVERDOSE
Over the age of 35years you should focus on protection & maintenance rather than exfoliating.
64 REFINE WITH A PORE MINIMISER
Thermal warming agent opens the pores. The creams have inbuilt cleansers & exfoliators that clean & slough away the debris & tighten skin for a more refined look.
65 DIY DAMAGE
Treat your skin gently. Vigorous rubbing could lead to loss in pigmentation.
66 POLISH YOUR OWN SKIN
Exfoliating away dead skin cells leaves skin feeling fresh. Gentle exfoliating helps erase fine lines wrinkles & stimulates oil production & circulation so new skin forms.
67 BRIGHT N BEAUTIFUL
Purifying peels can have great results. A 2step kit has exfoliating antibacterial wash, containing ting particles of pumice stone to slough up the skin. Then an overnight peel solution, to be washed off in the morning for a brighter face.
