Avoiding Threats To Youthful Skin – Part 2

It is no secret that chronic over exposure to sunlight plays a role in aging skin and the development of skin cancer.  UV rays are an invisible form of radiation emitted from the sun that can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells. In fact, UV radiation is the main environmental factor that causes human skin to age.

The eyes and the delicate area around the eyes are particularly vulnerable to sun exposure.  Thus, protection from excessive sun exposure is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach; UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or temperature.

UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days as well as on bright, sunny ones.  UV rays also reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand and snow.  While we need some sun exposure to absorb vitamin D for strong bones, it should be in moderation and outside of peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during daylight standard time and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during standard time) as much as possible.

Sunglasses are useful to protect the eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts.  Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection.  Wraparound sunglasses are preferred because they block UV rays from the side.

The sun can cause skin to age, wrinkle, thicken, dry out, freckle, blemish and develop a rough texture. To avoid these unsightly results, protect your skin from the sun with hats and UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen and sunglasses.

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Aging Skin At A Glance

Like everything else on our body, our skin gradually begins to age as we get older. So what do we have to look forward to? Have a glance below.

30s

In the third decade of life, we start to see the first signs that we have truly left our childhood years behind. That’s when certain effects start showing up more, like puffiness under the eyes. Although they can start as early as our 20s, expression lines also begin to appear around the eyes usually due to sun exposure.Luckily, you can slow it all down by protecting yourself from further bombardment by the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. This is also a good time to incorporate an antiaging product, like retinol, into your skincare regimen to boost your collagen reserves. You might also consider microdermabrasion, peels and photo-rejuvenation.

40s

In your 40s, expect to see further loss of elasticity in the skin. Any areas that experience a lot of movement, such as the eyes, will start to exhibit more wrinkling. Botox injections or topical treatments have been known to repair collagen degeneration and reduce eye wrinkles.

50s and Beyond

The changes you experience in your 30s and 40s become more magnified as you reach 50 and beyond. The loss of collagen and fat makes the face sag and even the bony structure of the face starts to go. Deep wrinkles become more apparent due to sun exposure, health habits and age. At this stage in life, treatment options may include collagen and laser resurfacing.

Although it might be disheartening to realize how everything seems to disintegrate as we age, that should not be how we perceive age. Age is nothing but a number. What that number actually looks like in the mirror is in your control.

What steps are you taking to control father time?

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How Skin Tone Triggers Fine Lines

Skin tone undoubtedly impacts the appearance of eye wrinkles. In fact, your skin color controls your ability to resist sun damage and recover from irritation or inflammation. It also dictates the type of treatments used to effectively eliminate or reduce wrinkles.

Fair skin. Fair-skinned people are far more susceptible to skin damage, fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun exposure. While cosmetic procedures such as a face-lift can dramatically improve the skin’s firmness, it can’t improve the skin’s texture. All a facelift will do is pull lines and wrinkles into a new position.

By contrast, antioxidant therapy can help improve the actual health of the skin as well as slow the development of fine lines. A good antitoxidant therapy includes high potency products such as alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin-C-ester. Topical vitamin-C-ester, an antioxidant, can help increase the skin’s production of collagen, thereby helping to thicken the skin.

Brown Skin. Brown skinned people are less likely to sustain sun damage and more likely to remain smooth and wrinkle-free longer. Some evidence suggests that brown skin is more elastic and tends to stay firmer longer. Brown skin best tolerates treatment with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), a group of natural acids derived from fruit, milk and other natural substances that work as a gentle exfoliant. Equally important to note is that surgical procedures on brown skin may cause uneven pigmentation. Products such as Retin-A (an acidic form of vitamin A) and Renova (which contains the Retin-A molecule but in a very mild base) that work well to fade lines and wrinkles on fair skin, can discolor brown skin if not used in the right strength.

Light Brown or Yellow Skin. In the middle of the color spectrum lies light brown or yellow skin. These skin tones are more resistant to sun damage than fair skin and are susceptible to fewer wrinkles.

A regimen of alpha lipoic acid cream containing DMAE with 15% vitamin-C-ester can reduce wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes for medium-skinned people. Adhering to a healthy diet that hydrates the skin is helpful in avoiding problems with sallow skin tone. Specificallly, drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day and eating plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables are important for healthy skin.

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5 Ways To Prevent Eye Wrinkles

Sun damage is the leading cause of wrinkled skin. In fact, many experts agree that wrinkles are the direct cumulative result of decades of unprotected sun exposure, rather than aging itself. Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin, invading the normally sturdy layers below and eventually destroying collagen and elastin. Collagen makes your skin firm and youthfully plump. Elastin gives skin resiliency and keeps expression lines from forming into creases and wrinkles.

No matter what your age, you can help prevent further sun damage by using a strong sunscreen, that absorbs ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVB, the burning rays, are more prevalent in the summer and strongest at midday. UVA rays reach the earth year-round and in greater amounts. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX is currently one of the most effective sun protection creams on the market because it contains Mexoryl SX, an active sun filter.

To get the most from your sunscreen (see product review for Athelios SX), use the following guidelines:

1. Stay away from midday sun. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
2. Put sunscreen on early. Apply a sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go out to allow it to penetrate your skin’s top layer, and 15 minutes before you apply makeup.
3. Don’t be stingy. Use an amount about the size of a marble to cover your entire face.
4. Hide your eyes. Wear sunglasses that block as much ultraviolet light as possible.
5. Go undercover. Stay in shady areas, wear a brimmed hat to protect your scalp and further shield your eyes.

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Quick Tip: When to Say Si to C

If the area around your eyes has suffered from sun exposure, consider including vitamin C ester as a treatment solution. And if you don’t have a decent pair, invest in quality, wraparound sunglasses to prevent further sun exposure.

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