Aging Skin: Signs, Prevention, Anti-Aging Skin Care

Aging skin seems to appear out of nowhere. In early adulthood, your elders warn of the consequences of sun exposure and failure to moisturize, but you don’t see the evidence. Then one day you wake up and discover the wrinkles, creases, and out-of-nowhere age spots. The truth is, aging skin is unavoidable. Your skin is going to change as the years go by. But with the right education and skincare strategies, you can improve the appearance of your skin. Even more importantly, you can support skin health and prevent dangerous conditions. Consider this your ultimate guide to anti-aging skin care.

Why Skin Changes with Age

As you age, your skin loses many of the qualities that once made it firm, elastic, smooth, and bright.

The top layer of your skin, called the epidermis, thins over time, as does the area where this layer meets the area beneath (the dermis). This results in fragile, transparent skin.

With age, you lose elastin and collagen, the elastic tissues that once kept your skin firm. The walls of your blood vessels grow thin, which causes the skin to bruise more easily. Your skin takes longer to heal and begins to show signs of sun damage. Itching and dryness become more common as your skin is no longer able to retain moisture as well as it once did.

As a result, your skin hangs loser, you discover more spotting and bruising, and wrinkles begin to form.

Signs of Aging Skin

It’s important to recognize the signs of aging so you can differentiate between natural changes in your skin and warning signs of health conditions.

In most cases, the following signs reflect a perfectly natural aging process.

• Slack, loose skin.
• Increased fragility and easy bruising.
• Dry, itchy skin.
• Transparent epidermis.
• Non-cancerous tumors and other skin lesions.
• Age spots.
• Skin tags.
• Wrinkles and creases.

If any of these changes in your skin accompany other symptoms, consult a doctor to determine whether you may have a more serious condition. Also, be aware that the extreme form of these signs may also require medical attention. For example, if your dry, itchy skin becomes painful, bleeds, or develops scaly plaques, you may have a skin disorder.

Early Prevention

While it’s misleading to suggest that you can prevent aging, it is possible to slow the process with responsible skincare. Start now by taking measures such as:

• Protecting your skin from the sun. Use an SPF 30 or higher every day and try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Don’t forget to wear UV protection including sunglasses, hats, long sleeves, and pants.
• Moisturizing daily.
• Eating well. Alcohol is dehydrating and sugar speeds the visible signs of aging. Opt for protein-rich foods to build collagen, vitamin C for a youthful glow, and Omega-3 fatty acids to hold moisture.
• Sleeping well. Sleep is your skin’s opportunity to heal and renew itself.
• Not smoking. The toxins in tobacco dry out your skin, give your epidermis a leathery texture, and force premature aging.

Dealing with Dry Skin, Anti-Aging Skin Care

Dry skin is one of the first and most aggravating signs of age. As you grow older, your skin loses oil glands as well as its ability to retain moisture. The result is dry, rough skin. When you add other factors that zap the skin of moisture, such as cold weather, hot baths, and harsh soaps, you get a seemingly endless cycle of dryness and itch.

• Drinking plenty of water.
• Bathing in lukewarm water.
• Using a humidifier in dry months.
• Guarding your skin against harsh winds and direct sunlight.

Resist the urge to scratch or pick at dry, cracked skin. This can lead to bleeding and skin infections.

Aging Skin Creases and Wrinkles

Wrinkles occur as the skin loses its elasticity. You cannot prevent wrinkles and creases altogether, but some dermatologists do prescribe a retinoid to combat the problem. Essentially a prescription-strength vitamin A cream, retinoids increase collagen production to improve elasticity. Some dry skin can result in wrinkle worsening. Delfina can address the dryness which in turn will slow down the wrinkle development process in order to maintain balanced skin hydration.

Talk to your doctor about whether this option is right for you.

Age Spots and Skin Tags

Age spots are evidence of past sun damage. These flat, brown spots look a bit like oversized freckles and are generally harmless.

Skin tags are also harmless, though some people prefer to have them removed for cosmetic purposes. They are raised, flesh-colored growths. Skin tags are similar to moles, but they match your skin tone. It is possible for skin tags to become irritated or uncomfortable.

Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer

It is important to protect yourself against skin cancer and keep an eye out for warning signs. This is true no matter how old you are, but it is especially essential as you grow older. While you can work to improve the appearance of your skin, you cannot undo years of sun damage.

Check moles and birthmarks for the “ABCDE” signs of cancer:

• Asymmetry
• Borders that are irregular
• Color changes or multiple colors
• Diameter bigger than a pencil eraser
• Evolving shape, size, shades of color, symptoms such as itching and tenderness, or surface changes such as bleeding

Remain vigilant in sun protection. Wear SPF every day and reapply every two hours.

Anti-Aging Skin Care: An Overview

With the right skincare routine and healthy habits, you can love the skin you’re in, even in your Golden Years. To promote skin health and comfort, make the following habits part of your day-to-day life:

Remember, anti-aging skin care isn’t just a matter of vanity. It’s a commitment to healthcare. Be kind to your skin and deliberate in your methods of treatment.