How To Reduce The Maturing (Aging) Of Your Skin

Usually, at about the age of 50, we experience some significant changes in the character of our skin. Bruising occurs, usually on our hands and forearms, but many times on our feet, ankles and our calves. Our face and neck begin to lose volume as well. It is called aging.

There are some things you can do to slow down, arrest and even reverse this process. As the body ages, the ability of the body to produce Collagen is reduced. There are some creams and serums that can help, sometimes significantly. The most effective way to reverse Collagen loss is, not surprisingly, from within.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, especially type 1 Collagen is found in our skin obviously, but it is also in the make up of our bones muscles, tendons, gut, blood vessels and even our teeth, But for this discussion, as Collagen production is reduced, it leaves us with sagging skin, wrinkles, and joint pain.

As the available Collagen in our skin is diminished, the skin thins. It tears more easily on the outside, causing wounds and on the inside causing sometimes unexplainable bruising that is ugly and many times enduring. Since Collagen is so vital to the many inner-workings of our bodies, why not encourage your body to produce more collagen with some natural Collagen boosters.

Your diet i one way. Foods like blueberries, dark leafy greens, garlic, eggs, mangoes, carrots, sweet potatoes and white tea, all stimulate the production of Collagen. In addition, take hydration serious and drink plenty of water.

Vitamin supplementation with vitamin C and A, as well as B-12 and even amino acids, will aid your body in manufacturing more Collagen.

As you choose your supplementation regime, remember that the quality of your vitamins and other elements like the aminos, does make a difference.

Contact me any time and I I would be glad to tell you how you can gain access to the best supplements, vitamins, and other necessary resources.

Aging changes in the skin are a group of common conditions and developments that occur as people grow older.

Skin changes are among the most visible signs of aging. Evidence of increasing age includes wrinkles and sagging skin. Whitening or graying of the hair is another obvious sign of aging.

YOUR SKIN DOES MANY THINGS. IT:

• 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 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.

Each layer also contains connective tissue with collagen fibers to give support and elastin fibers to provide flexibility and strength.

Skin changes are related to environmental factors, genetic makeup, nutrition, and other factors. The greatest single factor, though, is sun exposure. You can see this by comparing areas of your body that have regular sun exposure with areas that are protected from sunlight.

Natural pigments seem to provide some protection against sun-induced skin damage. Blue-eyed, fair-skinned people show more aging skin changes than people with darker, more heavily pigmented skin.

AGING CHANGES

With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins, even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged.

The number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases. The remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin looks thinner, paler, and clear (translucent). Large pigmented spots, including age spots, liver spots, or lentigos, may appear in sun-exposed areas.

Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's strength and elasticity. This is known as elastosis. It is more noticeable in sun-exposed areas (solar elastosis). Elastosis produces the leathery, weather-beaten appearance common to farmers, sailors, and others who spend a large amount of time outdoors.

The blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile. This leads to bruising, bleeding under the skin (often called senile purpura), cherry angiomas, and similar conditions.

Sebaceous glands produce less oil as you age. Men experience a minimal decrease, most often after the age of 80. Women gradually produce less oil beginning after menopause. This can make it harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness and itchiness.

The subcutaneous fat layer thins so it has less insulation and padding. This increases your risk of skin injury and reduces your ability to maintain body temperature. Because you have less natural insulation, you can get hypothermia in cold weather.

Some medicines are absorbed by the fat layer. Losing this layer changes the way that these medicines work.

The sweat glands produce less sweat. This makes it harder to keep cool. Your risk for overheating or developing heat stroke increases.

Growths such as skin tags, warts, rough patches (keratoses), and other blemishes are more common in older people.

EFFECT OF CHANGES

As you age, you are at increased risk for skin injury. Your skin is thinner, more fragile, and you lose the protective fat layer. You also may be less able to sense touch, pressure, vibration, heat, and cold.

Rubbing or pulling on the skin can cause skin tears. Fragile blood vessels can break easily. Bruises, flat collections of blood (purpura), and raised collections of blood (hematomas) may form after even a minor injury.

Pressure ulcers can be caused by skin changes, loss of the fat layer, reduced activity, poor nutrition, and illnesses. Sores are most easily seen on the outside surface of the forearms, but they can occur anywhere on the body.

Aging skin repairs itself more slowly than younger skin. Wound healing may be up to 4 times slower. This contributes to pressure ulcers and infections. Diabetes, blood vessel changes, lowered immunity, and other factors also affect healing.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Skin disorders are so common among older people that it is often hard to tell normal changes from those related to a disorder. More than 90% of all older people have some type of skin disorder.

SKIN DISORDERS CAN BE CAUSED BY MANY CONDITIONS, INCLUDING:

• Blood vessel diseases, such as arteriosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Liver Disease
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Obesity
• Reactions to medicines
• Stress

OTHER CAUSES OF SKIN CHANGES:

• Allergies to plants and other substances
• Climate
• Clothing
• Exposures to industrial and household chemicals
• Indoor heating

SUNLIGHT CAN CAUSE:

• Loss of elasticity (elastosis)
• Noncancerous skin growths (keratoacanthomas)
• Pigment changes such as liver spots
• Thickening of the skin

Sun exposure has also been directly linked to skin cancers, including basal cell cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

PREVENTION

Because most skin changes are related to sun exposure, prevention is a lifelong process.

• Prevent sunburn if at all possible.
• Use a good quality sunscreen when outdoors, even in the winter.
• Wear protective clothing and a hat when needed.

Good nutrition and adequate fluids are also helpful. Dehydration increases the risk of skin injury. Sometimes minor nutritional deficiencies can cause rashes, skin lesions, and other skin changes, even if you have no other symptoms.

Keep skin moist with lotions and other moisturizers. DO NOT use soaps that are heavily perfumed. Bath oils are not recommended because they can cause you to slip and fall. Moist skin is more comfortable and will heal more quickly.

I would be glad to tell you about a company that has developed and manufactures some of the highest quality products on the market. So, feel free to contact me at any time.

SOURCES:

• U.S. Nutrition Library Of Medicine, (2018).
• MedlinePlus, (2018).
• T.P.N. (2018).