BEAUTY

While many of us aren’t concerned about aging skin until our late 30s or early 40s, collagen levels actually start to diminish as early as our teens. Many women report noticing those “fine lines” in their mid-20s. As such, skincare is a lifelong must, and there are several things you can do to ensure the best possible look and feel for your skin.

Sunshine. You might be walking on it, but when you are walking in it make sure your skin is protected. This may be the single most effective way to slow the signs of aging in your skin. Harmful UVA and UVB rays are constantly in play when you are outdoors. Wear a daily SPF with a rating of 30 or higher, and limit your sun exposure during peak hours (10 am–2 pm). Protective wear like hats, shirts, and sunglasses are also a good idea. Finally, do not use a tanning bed. There are great products on the market to give you everything from that sun-kissed glow to deep chocolate skin.

AGING SKIN

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM

Develop a skincare regime and adjust it appropriately as you age. The four

essentials most specialists agree on are:

1. Wash your face each morning and evening, and after an incident of heavy sweating, as perspiration is a skin irritant.

2. Use a gentle cleanser; experiment until you find one that you like. 3. Exfoliate one time per week. 4. Use a moisturizer after each facial wash. Choose your moisturizer depending on your skin type, but use one no matter how oily your skin is. Moisturizers trap water inside our skin, which results in more glowing, youthful skin. Exercise regularly. Exercise not only

improves circulation and boosts your immune system, it also helps with weight management. All three of these

factors can affect the appearance of your skin.

Don’t smoke (or if you do smoke, quit smoking). There are

many reasons not to take up (or continue) this dangerous habit, and lung cancer is probably the main one. But smoking causes skin problems too. Nicotine can thin the skin because it causes blood vessels to swell. Smoking stunts collagen production, which has a direct impact on your skin’s elasticity. Finally, smoking depletes vitamin C in your body, which is critical to hydration.

Alcohol isn’t your face’s friend either. Alcohol harms your

skin too. Blood vessels dilate when exposed to alcohol. This increases the blood flow directly below the skin’s surface. Over time these vessels can be permanently damaged. This can manifest as red blotches on your skin, affecting your complexion. A glass of wine or a beer here and there won’t likely cause this, but moderation is important for beautiful, healthy skin.

You are what you eat, or at least your skin is. Diet is a signif-

icant factor in your skin’s health and appearance. Drink plenty of water daily. According to WebMD, you should drink between half an ounce and one ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75-150 ounces of water per day. Limit sugar and salt in your diet as well—get rid of junk food, especially greasy chips, too much fast food, and soda.

Consuming food high in antioxidants, Omega-3, and vitamins can dramatically increase the youthful look of the skin. Foods such as kale, spinach, salmon, pecans, walnuts, and fruits (especially berries) are your skin’s friend! Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peppers, and citrus fruits will give you a healthy dose of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in skin hydration.

Dr. Scott Willson at Purity Wellness Center recommends Retin-A, which is a prescription. He explains, “Retin-A is the final piece of the skincare puzzle. It increases the cell turnover rate and keeps the skin cells young and supple. This prescription topical is applied ten minutes after washing your face at night and smoothes out fine to medium lines.”

He also explains that the best way to figure out what is right (and not right) for your skin is to make a complimentary consultation appointment to review your skincare concerns and evaluate all of your options. There are a vast array of procedures and treatments available at your local aesthetician.

And one final note: repetitive facial expressions can cause wrinkles over time. Remember when your mom told you to stop frowning or your face would stay that way? As usual, your mom was right.