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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The Top 5 Habits That Prevent Youthful Skin

Many of us take our skin for granted and subject it to harm on a daily basis. The top five habits that stand between having the best skin we can possibly have our:

1. Failing to use sunscreen. A handy formula to keep in mind is: You - Sunscreen = Lots of Wrinkles. Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 to protect against damage caused by sun exposure. A pair of sunglasses will provide added protection to the sensitive skin around the eyes.
2. Picking at your face. When we pick at our face, we subject it to scarring and infection.
3. Not sleeping. Failing to get adequate rest (seven to nine hours) will clearly reflect on our skin. So get enough zzzzz’s so that skin care comes with ease.
4. Stressing out. Although are busy lifestyles tend to bring about considerable stress, remember that this is the easiest way to lower your immunity and affect the hormones that could cause your skin to flare up.
5. Inadequate nutrition. Fast food, quick fixes and meals in a box deprive skin of essential nutrients. Failing to fill your diet with antioxidant-rich foods will do nothing to enhance your complexion and lots to ruin it. See Fight Eye Wrinkles From The Inside Out for a list of healthy and skin enhancing food choices.

No matter what your desired result, it’s important to treat your skin respectfully and as best as you can. The skin undergoes many transformations. Some, like natural aging, are going to happen no matter what our intentions, but a large part of them live within our control. By avoiding the five habits above, you’re well on your way to youthful skin.

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Skin Care Stocking Stuffers For Her

Not quite sure what to give the special lady in your life? Whether she’s your wife or mother, daughter or sister, niece or best friend, skin care products are always a welcome choice. No matter what the age or what they do, ladies love to look good in front of you. So I’ve compiled a list and checked it twice to give you some ideas to make Christmas nice.

My first choice is the CLARISONIC Skin Care System. One of Oprah’s Favorite Things for the year, this ultimate cleansing system has been receiving rave reviews from users across the nation. For further information, see the full product review.

Sunglasses are my next choice because they are fashionable at all times of the year and have the added benefit of providing much needed eye protection. United Shades has a variety of designer sunglasses and by using coupon code GET5NOW, you can save 5% on your purchase.

Since most of us do not realize the impact the sun has on our skin, give the gift that keeps on giving day after day: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX. This daily moisturizing cream protects against the sun’s UVB and UVA rays. Applied after use of the CLARISONIC Skin Care System, Anthelios SX will penetrate the skin to provide a nice protective layer throughout the day. For more information, take a look at the full product review.

For the woman in your life who is starting to take her skin care seriously, consider N.V. Perricone’s Tone & Radiance Starter Kit. This is a daily skin care regimen that includes a facial cleanser, moisturizer, an evening application and eye treatment. Dr. Perricone’s system is great for overall facial skin care, particularly for the sensitive area around the eyes. Order by December 17 and get FREE shipping within the US.

Last, but not least, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate. The Skinstore it is an excellent place to shop and has a wide variety of skin care products with FREE shipping options.

I hope you have found these suggestions useful. Feel free to leave a comment with some of your own personal picks.

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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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