Aging of the Facial Skin

Strike a pose (Credit: beeldenzeggenmeer)

Exposure to environmental conditions accelerates facial aging. Lifestyle choices such as heavy drinking, lack of exercise, calorie-loaded diet, damage the skin. Genetic causes include changing hormone levels that age your skin. The effects of these factors along with a slowed skin-cell-rejuvenation process can ultimately appear in the form of wrinkled, discolored, rough-textured, broken-out skin.

The Signs of Problem Skin: As skin cell replacement slows with age, more and more dead cells build up on the surface layers. You can see the effects in the following symptoms:

• Fine Lines and Deep Wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation Spots (skin discoloration) and Brown Spots
• Sagging Skin
• Broken Capillaries
• Excessive Oily or Dry Skin
• White and Black Heads
• Blotchy Skin
• Acne Scars
• Pustules (small elevated marks or spots)
• Rough Texture
• Dull Tone

Here is our list of steps to help you combat these effects:

Steps to Better Skincare:
Cleanse: Twice a day, and more if sweating or after rigorous activity.
Exfoliate: Since the natural exfoliation process slows, exfoliation can be enhanced with an exfoliation product.
Tone: Toners, known as degreasers, prepare skin for additional products such as moisturizers and make up.
Moisturize with Cleansing: Moisturizers hydrate and protect skin from harsh environmental factors such as free radical damage.
Sunscreen SPF 15 or more: Sunscreen can help prevent hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) and sun damage. Apply every hour of sweating or outdoor activity, otherwise twice a day.
Remove Make Up: As we sleep, pores enlarge and sweating often occurs. This traps un-removed make up and results in break outs.
Night Cream: The heaviness of night creams can vary. They provide necessary hydration and seal in moisture.
Eye Cream: There are no oil glands under the eyes. A heavy moisturizer is required.
Antioxidant Therapy: Eat a well-balanced diet (with antioxidant-rich foods) and perhaps a topical antioxidant cream.
Daily Supplements: Use supplements that are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids (seek your physician's recommendations).
Diet and Exercise: Drink eight or nine 8-ounce glasses of water every day, eat a proper diet, and exercise three times a week.

Individualized Approach:
Skincare requires vigilant monitoring and periodic treatment modifications to react to ever-changing conditions, in order to keep your skin balanced. The best treatment is determined by your skin condition, age, sex, and overall health. Remember that recommendations may vary among dermatologists, and results may vary among patients.

Clinical treatments are more widely recognized today, offering a more aggressive approach to skincare.