While it is true that health care has indeed improved significantly through the wonders of modern science, no amount of wizardry can stop one of the strongest forces of nature known to man— skin aging. One of the most common problems related to this is premature skin aging which is quite notorious at the relatively early ages of 20 to 30 years. This, however, is comparatively easier to deal with because young skin is known to still have a certain robustness against such imperfections. But, as years progress, things can become a lot more complicated.
Dealing with signs of skin aging at ages 20 to 30 can be quite different from doing it at 40 to 50 years and beyond because there are more stuff to deal with. (In fact, health care in general is a lot less complicated during your younger years compared to your later years. This is the reason why health insurance is less expensive when you’re 20 to 30 years compared to insurance when you’re over 40 or 50 years old.) For instance, during the younger years, one of the most common causes of premature skin wrinkles is excessive exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The solution to this is pretty simple: stay out of the sun or, if you can’t, apply sunscreen or any form of UV protection to minimize damage. While the same rule is applicable even at ages 50 and above, it is hardly the only thing you need to watch out for.
The skin changes
Physiologically speaking, there are many things that happen in your skin at such an age that contributes to the problem. Factors that make the skin thinner, drier and more prone to folding and wrinkling come into play after 50 years. The underlying skin matrix that support the skin and produces that youthful, supple appearance start to break down significantly at this stage that they become increasingly noticeable. Hormonal changes that affect the skin also start to contribute to this, as well as your body’s increased propensity for inflammation (during such age) that aggravates cellular damage.
Hence, at the age of 50 onwards, skin care will definitely go beyond sunscreens and sunshades because you will have to step up your quest to find a good anti skin aging treatment regimen that will fit your skin type. Of course, there is really no way of stopping the inevitable but delaying it by a few more years should be the objective.
Steps you can take
Moisturize – This is something that is always good to do at any age but more so during the later stages of life. Keeping your skin hydrated will always help prolong its healthier state and will help create a good foundation of any treatment plan you implement. No treatment will work if your skin is dry as the desert.
Exfoliate – This can help deal with the problem of blotchy, dry and dull-looking skin. Be careful though and be sure you have professional supervision when you implement this. The skin is more prone to irritation during at such stage so you may need to moderate usage of this method.
Cleanse – If you are a smoker then it’s high time you quit. Smoking is a very destructive habit that not only promotes wrinkles but can lead to serious and life threatening health issues. A balanced diet rich in vitamins that help your body get rid of free radicals. A published clinical study in 2002 (1) recommends a diet high in lycopene to help minimize the effects of UV exposure.
Get help – At 50 years of age and beyond, do-it-yourself measures like the ones mentioned above may not be sufficient anymore and that you may need professional help to deal with stubborn skin aging problems. At this stage, Botox may become a good alternative to get rid of those nasty motion wrinkles (creases on the forehead, crow’s feet, etc.) on your face. Treatment that involve the use of tretinoin and ascorbic acid-based skin applications, while effective, may no longer be enough at the more advance stages of skin aging. Going to a dermatologist is highly recommended at this point so you don’t fumble around for a suitable regimen to match your skin type.
References:
- Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002 Sep-Oct;15(5):291-6. Carotenoids and protection against solar UV radiation. Stahl W, Sies H.
- About.com: Beauty Over Age 50: Beauty Tips for Women Over Age 50