The anti aging skin care Industry spends millions on researching miracle creams and telling us about them. All a bit confusing isn’t it? Those high tech ingredients make it sound like a chemistry class.
Women of 60 and over have different skin care needs to younger women.
The most important of those needs is hydration. We can achieve softer, more supple skin by using every available method of moisturizing the skin from inside and out. Probably the most important aspect in maintaining the health of our bodies is maintaining moisture content. We can survive weeks without food but merely days without water!
Dermatologists tell us that the aging process begins almost unbelievably at the age of 20! It is no wonder then, that at the age of 60 there may be some unwelcome changes. Without giving you a biology lesson, I shall briefly explain the structure of facial skin and the changes that take place. By understanding these facts it will be clear why miracle creams however expensive are not the answer.
The uppermost layer (the one everyone sees) is the Epidermis, cells produced at the base of this layer take up to thirty days to reach the surface and should be plump and full of moisture. The next layer down is the Dermis, where we find Collagen and Elastin responsible for supporting and plumping the skin giving it strength, resilience and the ability to stretch but importantly the ability to prevent sagging. The subcutaneous layer is below that and is mostly fatty content but vital for maintaining facial contours.
What happens…?
As you might imagine, taking moisture out of the equation results in; slowing down of cell replacement, surface cells become jaded and dry, the skin looks thinner and pallid. Collagen and Elastin production is also reduced causing loss of support, elasticity and eventually leading to sagging!! Without the fatty content of the subcutaneous layer the overall effect is flatter, thinner, dry and tending to wrinkles.
In essence the message is to hydrate the skin both internally and externally!
Water intake during the day is vital not only for all the bodily functions but also for maintaining the largest of the body’s organs, the skin. Test the skin on the back of your hand by pinching it together for a moment. If it springs back into place you are sufficiently hydrated. If the skin is slow to return to it’s flat position your skin and you are somewhat dehydrated. Drink more plain water and less coffee, tea and alcohol as these dehydrate.
Your skin care should place importance on cleansing thoroughly day and night and peeling to remove old dried cells from the skin surface. Your day and night skin care products can then be absorbed optimally. Anti aging serums used daily provide moisture and assist the skin in preventing moisture loss.
A healthy nights sleep is important as the skin is in repair mode at night. Treat your skin to a sumptuous anti aging balm or night cream that will hydrate, feed and plump up your skin whilst you sleep. Wake up to a new, fresh, more supple skin. Use the daytime to get some fresh air and regular light exercise and your skin will thank you by displaying a healthy colour.
The best news is that there are a host of remarkable anti aging skin care products on the market, in all categories and price ranges. They do not have to be expensive but they do have to be used regularly. Choose the right combination and you could achieve better hydration, rejuvenate skin cell production and reduce appearance of lines and wrinkles.
