How To Avoid Aging Skin

What images come to mind upon hearing the word(SPF) of 15 or above. Apply suncreen regularly, 20 to
"old"? Maybe one will think of a person who has30 minutes before sun exposure, and take note to
white hair, has difficulty walking or hearing, andre-apply after sweating or washing with water.
someone with wrinkly skin. Being old usually has2.Moisturize your skin. One indication of aging skin is
negative connotations and some, if not most, peopleits being dry. It is important to observe the
are even afraid of getting old. This may be therecommended water intake of 8-10 glasses per day.
reason why for centuries, people have been lookingAlso avoid using products that have chemicals which
for that one solution in staying or looking young.may cause the skin to dry; instead choose those
During the olden times, people made use of medicinalcontain moisturizers. Skin moisturizers must be applied
plants and other natural resources to treat theirafter washing.
problems with aging skin. Among these resources are3.Observe what you eat or drink. According to a
aloe and honey which are still used nowadays.medical research director at Revival Soy in North
However, with various advances in technology andCarolina, soy can help build and maintain collagen
medicine, more sophisticated treatments have beenwhich is an important component of connective
developed such as injectable fillers, botulinum toxintissues that make up the skin. A component of soy
(also known as botox) and microdermabrasion. Thesewhich is soy isoflavones can also act as antioxidants
newer solutions may alter or slow down skin agingto protect the collagen from being damaged. It is also
faster or more efficiently, however, at a higher cost.advisable to consume food and liquids that are rich in
For those who cannot afford such expensivevitamins A, B, C and E which help maintain smooth
procedures, there are still other possible skinand youthful looking skin. If desired, food
treatments combating aging that can be donesupplements with such vitamins can also be taken.
without breaking the bank.4.Avoid smoking. It is said that substances in tobacco
Before trying a particular skin treatment, it isor cigarettes can cause biochemical changes in the
important to have even some basic knowledge ofbody and skin. Based on a number of researches
the components of our skin and how it functions. Asmade previously, smoking can hasten skin aging by
it has been taught in school, the skin is made up ofincreasing the appearance of wrinkles and causing the
two layers: the dermis which contains various skinskin to look yellowish.
appendages, and the epidermis which serves as a5.Avoid repetitive facial expressions and sleeping
protective portion against infections and otherpositions. It is said that constant or repetitive
threats. Within the skin are also different componentspositioning of the face on the pillow may cause lines
and substances such as melanocytes that cause skinand wrinkles to be etched on the skin. The same
pigmentation, collagen that helps form connectivething happens with repetitive facial expression since
tissues, and elastin that is responsible for the skin'swhen muscles contract to convey these expressions,
elasticity.grooves are formed on the skin. These lines and
By knowing the different components and functionswrinkles, which are often observed in aging skin, may
of the skin it will also be easier to understand howbe more visible as a person grows older and his or
the skin ages and what can possibly cause it. Causesher skin decreases elasticity.
of skin aging may either be intrinsic or extrinsic.Treatments other than those mentioned above,
Intrinsic causes may include genetic factors whichspecifically those that are not as costly as the ones
affect the natural skin aging process. Extrinsic causesoffered in clinics, can also be used to address skin
on the other hand are those that come from theaging. Among these are use of medicinal plants and
environment such as exposure to the sun and thenatural resources as what the people have done
environment's humidity level. It has been said thatduring ancient times. However, it is important to
intrinsic factors that cause skin aging cannot beknow the substances and reactions of these
changed or prevented. Often, only the extrinsicmaterials to the skin so as not to be misled and to
factors then are being addressed by mostavoid complications. It is therefore not necessary to
treatments or procedures available.spend so much just to avoid or prevent skin aging.
What different treatments or solutions can be doneThrough a disciplined lifestyle and regular observation
to avoid, prevent or slow down skin aging withoutof the solutions stated above, prevention of
much money being spent?premature skin aging can be addressed. Though
1.Protect your skin from excessive exposure to theeventually, a person has to learn to accept that
sun. If possible, avoid or limit tanning or using tanningdespite of all treatments undertaken, his or her skin
devices and products. When doing any activity thatwill still age naturally. In this situation, there is no
may require much sun exposure, make use ofbetter option other than choosing to age gracefully.
sunblocks or sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor