Skin ageing is a complex process, which is influenced by factors such as genetics and exposure to the sun. Apart from these, there are other factors that can influence chronological ageing like hormonal changes [especially in women], reduced cell turnover, decreased fat content, oxygen depletion, abnormal cell formation, and genetically predetermined cell shutdown. All these factors cause cumulative changes in the body.

Wrinkles and lines

With the onset of ageing, appearance of wrinkles is the first most obvious sign that we notice. Watch out for dry rough skin and thin lines around our eyes [called as crow’s feet].

Irregular thickening of the dermis along with decrease in the water-holding capacity of the epidermis also adds to the formation of wrinkles.

Dull skin

Normally, elastin fibres and collagen are responsible for keeping the skin firm. When these fibres weaken, the skin becomes loose and thin. Further, we lose fat and tissue as we age and this makes the skin lifeless and dull, causing it to sag.

Dry skin

The skin produces its own natural oil, which protects it and prevents losing moisture. As we get older, the skin produces less oil, making it fragile and dry, especially in sun-exposed areas. In cold, dry and windy climates it easily becomes flaky and itchy. That is why it needs the greasy protection.

Age spots

As we age, brown spots begin to appear, also known as freckles, on the back of our hands and other sun-exposed areas like the upper chest and face. These spots are small and light coloured in the initial stages, but eventually become a cosmetic problem—an obvious sign of premature ageing because of ultraviolet damage from sun exposure or from tanning.

Enlarged pores

Genetics and age are two main factors that contribute to large pores. Usually, those who have a naturally thick and oily skin have larger pores. Sun damage, dirt, bacteria and decreased skin elasticity can also cause the pores to dilate.

Blotchy skin

Skin redness, broken blood vessels, brown spots, dry patches and hyperpigmentation are all responsible for giving skin a blotchy, uneven look.

Here are some tips for you to stay younger for longer.

Protect

One of the leading contributors that roughens skin texture, causes uneven tone and skin cancer is sun damage. Protecting your skin by wearing a sunscreen or moisturiser with an SPF of 28 or more every time you are outside is crucial.

Stop smoking

Smoking constricts blood vessels, which decreases blood flow and eventually oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin cells. This causes dull, lifeless skin with brown spots. Smoking also causes premature ageing as it reduces collagen. Thus, for clear and glowing skin, stop smoking.

Moisturise

Using a good anti-ageing moisturiser is an essential part of your daily skincare regimen as this improves the water-holding capacity of the skin.

Retinoic acid, the oxidised form of vitamin A, helps in keeping the skin hydrated. Make sure that you get your daily requirement of vitamin A from foods like cheese, cod liver oil and eggs. You can also apply creams that contain retinoic acid.

Consider treatment

You can use cosmetic procedures to correct skin texture. Fine lines and wrinkled skin may be improved by resurfacing with dermatologic surgery, chemical peels, lasers or micro dermabrasion. Chemical peels also help even out pigmentation and improve skin texture.

Superficial and medium-depth chemical peels and microdermabrasion helps in rejuvenating the upper-most layer of the skin. Botox is most useful for treating wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines.

Fillers [like hyaluronic acid] can be used to improve individual lines and furrows, giving the skin a plumper, younger look. Cosmetic facial surgery involves tightening and repositioning facial tissues and altering the structure of the sagging tissues.

Remember, none of these solutions guarantee a youthful appearance, but they can definitely improve the overall appearance of your skin.

The post How to keep glowing appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

It is during this time that our skin needs to be massaged and taken care of in a professional manner to rejuvenate it. As we get older, collagen and elastin [the fibres that keep the skin firm] weaken and thus make the skin loose causing it to sag.

Options to choose from

There are many surgical and non-surgical skin enhancement treatments available to make your skin look rejuvenated, spotless and youthful. Depending upon your skin health and quality, you may need one or more of these procedures:

High frequency treatment

This kind of treatment involves placing a gauze on the face while a glass electrode of high frequency radiation is passed over it. It is best suited for people with oily and acne-prone skin as it helps in drying out spots and has antibacterial effects. For those with dry to normal skin types, there are other indirect frequency treatments available that have the same effect.

Galvanic treatment

An active ingredient is introduced deep into the facial skin by metal rollers massaging the skin. The cosmetic aids eliminate congestion and increase blood circulation, which is beneficial to people with dried out pores and skin. It is also effective in opening pores. Galvanic current enhances product penetration and enables deep pore healing for all skin types.

Micro current treatment

Micro current treatment is sometimes administered along with exfoliative therapies. It increases dermal collagen production and the number of dermal fibroblasts—both vital for young and healthy skin.

Ultrasonic facials

These are administered in three stages and are gentle and relaxing. Simple and straightforward, ultrasonic cleansers do not involve harsh chemicals, crystals or scrubbing.

Medical facials

These are called medical because they are a bit stronger than those carried out in a medical spa. They are specially created for people who have certain medical conditions, and are done in a qualified dermatologist’s clinic under his supervision.

Doctors usually combine facial rejuvenation treatment along with other procedures for faster results. For example, microdermabrasion followed by a vitamin C facial or an acne facial between two chemical peels.

A complete affair

Although it varies from person to person, ideally you must get a facial done every 4 – 6 weeks because that’s how long it takes for the skin to regenerate.

A perfect facial for those in their 30s must include:

• Thorough cleansing with cotton pads and a product chosen for your skin type.
• Exfoliation using a mechanical or chemical exfoliant. Mechanical exfoliation has a gritty texture and usually happens while a steam vapour is directed at your face.
• Extraction of blackheads/white heads if there are clogged pores on your face.
• Massage using classic strokes to relax and stimulate your skin and facial muscles.
• Facial mask as per your skin type.
• Application of toners and protective creams.

The goodness of facials

• A facial increases circulation and stimulates the skin.
• It slows down premature ageing by custom-targeting your skin type.
• It is a great preventative treatment to beat wrinkles before they occur.
• It keeps your skin hydrated.
• It regulates the immune system and aids in detoxification.

Some things you need to keep in mind:

• Know the ingredients and the brands being used on your face before going in for a face treatment.
• Test if you are allergic to any ingredient of the products used in a facial. If you’re experimenting with a new kind of facial, do a patch test of the major ingredients the day before in order to rule out allergies.
• Stay away from strong bleaches, harsh chemicals and metallic products that can damage your skin.
• Ensure your therapist uses only fresh products, especially in case of natural/organic facials.
• Never peel away pimples as these could leave painful sores and permanent scars.
• Make sure the spa/parlour maintains good hygiene standards to avoid infection.

The post Rejuvenate your skin appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

But, our skin requires moisture all throughout the year because our skin loses its natural lubricating oils when exposed to external environment and this makes it dry, flaky and prematurely wrinkled, even in younger people .

How to moisturise

After you are done with your cleansing and toning, you must moisturise your face in order to regain the lost moisture. Here’s how to do it the right way:

• Clean your hands and face before you apply moisturiser.
• Pat or blot your skin until it’s just barely dry, then apply moisturiser immediately to help trap water in the surface cells.
• Apply the moisturiser on your face in a circular motion with upward strokes.
• Remember to apply the moisturiser before applying sunscreen.
• Do not overuse moisturiser, as it will clog your pores and cause black heads and pimples.

Why it is good

Cleansing and moisturising are the key components to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Cleansing removes dirt, grime and dead cells. Moisturisers not only increase the skin’s water content, but also protect the skin. It also encourages an orderly desquamation [shedding] process that makes the skin appear smooth.

Moisturisation makes the outermost layer of the skin, softer and more pliant by increasing its hydration. It prevents and treats dry skin, improves skin tone and texture, and masks imperfections.

What it does

Here are some reasons why you must moisturise:

Controls excessive oiliness

When you don’t use a moisturiser, the skin compensates for the lack of moisture by producing excess sebum to form a protective layer on your skin surface. However, this protective layer of naturally produced sebum makes the skin oily. Further, the excess sebum clogs the skin pores, making it difficult for the skin to breathe. This makes the skin dull and lifeless.

Prevents ageing

The sunrays contain harmful UV radiation that penetrate the skin surface and cause inherent damage to the cells. This accelerates the process of premature ageing. It causes damage to the collagen that supports the skin structure.

If the skin is not well-moisturised, it becomes more vulnerable to UV damage, premature ageing, wrinkles and fine lines. However, moisturisers act as a protection cover to the skin preventing damage.

Protects against environmental damage

Although humid locations have plenty of moisture in the air, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to moisturise your skin. Natural body oils seal in moisture, but it cannot replace the moisture lost during the day.

When you apply moisturiser, it forms a protective coating on the skin. This layer prevents dirt and toxic particles from entering the skin pores. It also averts the formation of blackheads, white heads and acne.

How to choose the right one

Choosing the wrong moisturiser can be a skincare disaster, giving your skin a greasy feeling and causing blackheads, breakouts and pimples.

• A moisturiser labelled oil-free and non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic is a good option. Oil-free products don’t have added oils that give a heavy, greasy feel to the skin. Non-comedogenic products are much less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.
• Moisturisers come with additives like salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acids for acne, Anti-ageing moisturisers contain retinol, vitamin C and E that help prevent pigmentation, thus providing additional benefits along with moisturising effects.
• Moisturisers that are hypo-allergic, fragrance-free, oil-free, and water-based do not irritate the already sensitive skin. In addition, light water-based moisturisers can help protect skin after washing.
• In humid weather, moisturisers that contain humectants work best. They absorb water from the air and require a high level of humidity to be effective. Look for urea, glycerine or alpha hydroxy acids in the ingredients list.
• Moisturisers that are used during the day must contain sunscreen with a sun protection factor [SPF] of at least 15.

If you’re still feeling confused with the huge number of choices available, ask a professional for advice.

The post Seal in the moisture appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Xerosis

Xerosis is the most common problem in the elderly—the skin becomes dry, cracked, fissured and scaly. It occurs mostly on the legs, but sometimes is also seen on the hands and other body parts. As we age, our sebaceous [oil-secreting glands] and sweat glands become less active, leading to depletion of skin moisture. This happens primarily because the skin begins to lose its elasticity and the ability to repair damage. Factors like cold, dry weather or harsh cleansers and soaps exaggerate the condition.

What to do: Avoid taking long or frequent baths/showers, as this further dries the skin. Replace harsh detergents and soaps with mild and gentle cream cleansers. After bathing, dry the skin well. If skin stays wet for too long, it becomes prone to fungal infection and rashes.

Keeping your skin well-hydrated is the best way to prevent dry, itchy skin. Apply moisturiser all over the body after bath and at bedtime. This seals in the body’s natural moisture, and keeps the skin hydrated. Wear gloves and socks to protect palms and soles at night and keep skin soft and supple.

Ulcers

Due to hypertension and reduced circulation in the arteries, leg ulcers are common in the elderly. Ulcers may also form due to inactiveness, obesity, diabetes or some other systemic disease. Symptoms start with swelling in the leg followed by change in skin colour [turning pale or reddish-brown] and excruciating pain.

What to do: Lifestyle changes such as being more active, giving up alcohol and smoking, eating a nutritious diet and maintaining ideal weight help prevent this.

Bed sores

Bed sores are most often seen in people who are confined to bed for long. They happen due to constant unrelieved pressure to the skin. This kind of pressure hampers blood flow to the tissues leading to blisters or open sores. Being immobile for long makes the skin too moist because of sweat or urine, aggravating the situation.

What to do: Ease the pressure on a particular area by shifting positions regularly. Use a mattress that spreads body weight evenly like an air or water bed. To treat the sores, keep the area clean and covered. Change bedsheets daily, particularly if the elderly is sweaty or suffers from incontinence. You can use foam pads to protect their arms and legs. A nutritious diet and some sort of exercise speeds up the healing process.

Infections

Immunity is another factor that gets compromised with age, making it easier for germs and bacteria to enter the dry and cracked skin of the elderly. This is why they are more prone to various infections. Special care needs to be taken to avoid infections, especially in case of diabetics. If not taken care of, infections could lead to gangrene, which, in severe cases, results in amputation.

The most common infections in elders [diabetics in particular] are fungal and bacterial skin infections in warm and moist parts of the body like armpits, genital, folds in the skin and between the toes. The skin appears cracked, inflamed and is very itchy.

What to do: Keep the skin hygienic and dry at all times to avoid infections. Wear clean clothes every day—it is a must to change your socks and undergarments daily. Using anti-fungal powder or cream provides relief and prevents the infection.

Sun damage

Elderly people suffer from a host of skin-related changes. These are usually related to cumulative sun damage [the amount of sun exposure—especially to the ageing UVA rays—the person has had throughout his/her life].

Photo ageing results in fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration and textural changes, making skin more prone to cancer.

What to do: Go for regular medical check-ups to detect skin cancer and other skin disorders. In case you notice any growing lumps or moles on your body, consult your doctor immediately. To avoid further damage to your skin by harsh UV rays, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, sunglasses and hats whenever out in the sun.

Your skin will be a victim of age only if you let it. So, have a balanced diet, be physically active and stay happy to help your skin fight internal as well external stress.

The post Elders and skincare appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

The best strategy against this is encouraging photoprotection [nature’s mechanism to minimise damage to the body when exposed to UV radiation]. Towards that, it’s important to know the correct usage of sunscreens. Before we discuss that, let’s quickly understand how the different radiations affect our skin.

Ultra-violet radiation

UV rays or ultra-violet radiation are harmful rays emitted by the sun. These rays are divided into different energy levels from shortest to longest wavelengths: UVA and UVB.

UVA

UVA rays penetrate deepest into the skin and are often referred to as the ‘ageing rays’. In high doses, these rays damage the underlying collagen causing darkening, pigmentation and acceleration of the ageing process. Skin affected by the UVA rays looks scaly, dry, wrinkled and leathery with dark patches.

UVB

UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburns and are often referred to as the “burning” rays.

What are sunscreens and how do they help

Any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation can be termed as a sunscreen. Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. Since they play such an important role in your skincare, everyone—men, women and children—should use them throughout the year irrespective of the season.

Sunscreens must be used in conjunction with other safety steps for optimal sun protection. These measures include limiting outdoor activity during peak exposure time [11am to 3 pm] when the sun’s rays are the strongest and most harmful; wearing adequate clothing; sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. However, such protection isn’t enough at all times, so your best bet, and one that is quick and easy to protect your skin from the sun, is using sunscreen.

Selecting your sunscreen

Based on your personal liking, select from the range of sunscreen lotions, gels, ointments, wax sticks and sprays.

• While lotions and gels work best for oily skin, while cream applications are ideal for dry skin.
• Products with higher Sun Protection Factor [SPF] may contain higher sunscreen oils, accounting for the occlusive greasy feel [and breakouts in people with oily skin].
• Nowadays sunscreens come with a wide combination of elements—antioxidants, fairness ingredients or hydrating moisturising ingredients—incorporated in them. Choose one that is best for you. If you are unsure about the combination that is right for your skin type, consult a dermatologist.
• Spray formulations can be used on larger body parts—hands, legs, and back. They are good to use on kids, since kids don’t stay still enough for you to apply a lotion.
• Sunscreen wax sticks are usually for lips.
• In case you’re allergic to certain skin products, go for Para Amino Benzoic Acid-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreens.

How to apply a sunscreen

Using inadequate sunblock is the biggest mistake we make; most people use only 25 – 50 per cent of the recommended amount. This is how you need to use sunscreen for maximum benefits:

1. To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, apply a good palm full or about two or three tablespoons per application to all your exposed parts [and not just your face]. Only then will you get adequate protection.
2. If you wear makeup, apply the sunscreen before applying it. In fact, you can even choose one of the numerous SPF foundations available. But if you’re prone to breaking out, choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen [something that
   does produce not aggravate acne] as it will not block the pores.
3. Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly about half an hour before you venture out. This allows the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Pay particular attention to the back of your neck, ears, and the areas of the scalp with thin hair.
4. Perspiration, exercise, swimming and towel-drying removes sun creams from the skin, so reapply every few hours. Even water-resistant sunscreens should be reapplied every two or three hours after taking part in water-related activities.
5. Don’t reserve the use of sunscreen only for sunny days. Even on a rainy or cloudy day, up to 80 per cent of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds.

Getting the SPF right

SPF is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. The SPF number indicates the amount of time a person can be exposed to sunlight without getting sunburned. For example, without a sunscreen a person would normally turn red after ten minutes of exposure to the sun.

A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would allow the same person to multiply that initial burning time by 15, which means it would now take the person 15 times longer to burn, or 150 minutes.

Comprehensive cover

When buying sunscreen remember that not all products protect you from all kinds of sun rays. Hence, use broad spectrum sun protection to stave off photodamage.

Broad spectrum sunscreens have a combination of specific UVA and UVB agents and offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Using sunscreen is not extraordinary; like a facial, it’s fundamental to skincare. If you follow this approach and apply sunscreen the right way, your skin will thank you today and in the years to come.

The post ABC to SPF of sunscreens appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.