Looking Good, Feeling Good from the Outside In
You can see your skin in the bathroom mirror every morning. Once you step outside, everyone else can see it, too. The signs of aging and unhealthy living often appear first on the skin. So it’s little wonder that so many women invest so much time, money and effort to look healthy, youthful and beautiful on the outside. You can see your skin in the bathroom mirror every morning. Once you step outside, everyone else can see it, too. The signs of aging and unhealthy living often appear first on the skin. So it’s little wonder that so many women invest so much time, money and effort to look healthy, youthful and beautiful on the outside.ENEMIES OF HEALTHY SKIN
As we age, our bodies build up oxygen molecules called “free radicals.” These molecules multiply from smoking, drinking, sun exposure, pollution, and even from foods we eat. Free radicals accelerate the breakdown of collagen, the skin’s supporting structural fibers, and as a result, our skin becomes less elastic and more prone to dryness. At the same time, new skin cells are created more slowly, and the visible results begin to show through wrinkles, drooping and sagging of the skin.Inactive lifestyles also take their toll on the health of our skin. Regular exercise 30 minutes a day, four to five times each week improves blood circulation and boosts the body’s immune system. Studies also show that exercise helps our mood and positive thinking, which can keep frown lines and wrinkles at bay.
SUN DAMAGE
While Western cultures might consider sun-tanned skin a sign of health and vitality, sun exposure is among the most serious threats to healthy skin, especially to Caucasians and others with fair complexions. Compared to Asian skin, Caucasian skin contains less melanin, the skin’s pigment. Less melanin means less protection from the sun’s harmful rays, a higher risk of skin cancer, and a faster aging process.Asian and other brown skin types contain more melanin, giving them more protection from both the sun and skin cancer. But no matter one’s skin type, exposure to the sun can lead to blemishes, patchy discoloration, pigment disorders and wrinkles.
Changes to the environment are also causing skin damage. Ultraviolet (UV) light today is stronger than ever due to the depletion of the ozone layer. And daily exposure to UV rays is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer.
Whatever your skin type, it’s important to get in the habit of using sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. For maximum protection, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and re-apply every 2 to 3 hours.
THE HEALTHY SKIN ROUTINE
Making a few changes to your daily routine can pay off in healthier, more youthful looking skin. Doctor suggested daily doses of vitamin E (200-400 IU) and vitamin C (500-1000 mg) as both have been shown to stimulate collagen production. Adults aged 40 and above should add a daily calcium supplement of 600-1000 mg. Multi-vitamins containing Evening Primrose oil and green tea extract can also benefit the skin.Many skin care products now contain vitamins and antioxidants. Products with vitamin C can help against fine lines and wrinkles, stabilize collagen and help sunburned skin. Vitamin C also works to lighten darker skin pigment by decreasing melanin. Vitamin A can also help fight wrinkles and brown spots, a common problem after pregnancy for Asian women.
Before choosing your skin care products, it’s important to know your skin type. Those with dry skin should add moisturizer every day, while oily skin needs regular cleansing, with moisturizer applied only sparingly. Those with sensitive skin should avoid perfumed products and herbal extracts, as these can irritate the skin.
