Image: Timothy Krause

There are things that we barely noticed not until we examined ourselves closely. This is especially true for skin issues brought by aging.

The Common Signs of Aging

The following are gentle reminders that you are aging and that the more you should take care of yourself especially your skin:
1. Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is one of the largest skin concerns for both men and women in the United States. It is a harmless skin condition characterized by patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. This dark patches are brought about by excessive production of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color.
Unprotected sun exposure is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation. When the skin is exposed to the UV rays, the pigment melanin is produced in order to protect the skin from injury. But when the exposure is too much for melanin to handle, the skin reacts through the formation of darker skin cells, protecting the overexposed areas.
The simplest way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to wear sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
2. Dry skin
Dry, itchy, and rough skin is common among aging women. This happens as a result of sun damage, decreased cell renewal, loss of hormones, and having fewer natural oils.
There are things that can be done in order to keep the skin from further drying as we age. Using sunscreen is one of the simplest yet often neglected skin advice. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can speed up the skin’s aging process and cause other skin problems like melasma, age spots, and wrinkles. Sunscreen should be applied before heading outdoors and reapplied for at least every two hours.
Applying creams containing retinoid (a chemical related to vitamin A) also helps. Topical retinoid can be great for those with dry, sagging, and blotchy skin.
Aside from retinoids, one can also try using moisturizers with glycolic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and other similar ingredients that help in keeping the skin supple.
3. Dull skin
Dull skin is when you’re having a skin that lacks radiance or glow. It may also involve other skin problems like uneven skin tone or texture.
The lack of glow in your skin is often the result of poor blood circulation. It can be due to smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, dehydration, and basically anything that deprives the skin its needed nutrients and oxygen.
If you’re starting to notice dullness in your skin, know that you can still bring back its glow. You can do it by quitting smoking, moderating your alcohol consumption, start eating healthy, drinking more water, and starting an anti-aging skin regimen.
As we age, it’s important to include exfoliation in our skincare regimen. Exfoliation gets rid of the dead skin cells that are contributing to skin dullness. You may want to try exfoliating products containing glycolic acid. It’s an effective exfoliator and is a common ingredient in chemical peels.
4. Open pores
Enlarged pores are more noticeable as we age. They create that irregular texture in the skin and keeps the skin from having that radiance or glow.
Large pores become more obvious as a result of reduction in collagen. Collagen is the substance that makes the skin look plump. Since its production usually declines as we age, the pores also lose their elasticity and become more dilated.
There are ways though to combat large pores. This includes regular exfoliation which helps in removing debris and bacteria. Exfoliating products that contain alpha hydroxy acids can help as they can reduce enlarged pores which result from sun damage.  
5. Lines and wrinkles
Lines and wrinkles are the most common signs of aging. Like other skin problems associated with age, lines and wrinkles are also brought about by different factors including dehydration, smoking, and sun damage.
Making necessary changes in your lifestyle like quitting smoking, using sunscreen, and eating a healthy and well-balanced meals can help in preventing premature aging of the skin. Facial exercise also helps as it promotes good blood circulation in the face.
Proponents of facial exercise believe that when the skin is ‘worked out’ regularly, it can prevent skin sagging, a common problem among aging men and women. There are different facial exercises to try depending on the areas you want to work on.
We may not have the ability to stop the clock from ticking but we have the choice on whether to do something or not with the changes. Aging is normal but to age with beauty and grace is a choice.

Image: bwanderd

When you’re constantly stressed out, you do not just increase your risk of heart disease but also affect the way your skin appears. Stressed or tired skin doesn’t look good. There’s dryness, redness, breakouts, and fine lines are more apparent. This has something to do with how the stress hormone cortisol affects the skin.
The hormone damages the skin’s ability to hold water, making it dry. Compared to a well-moisturized skin, dry skin makes fine lines more visible. The hormone cortisol makes it worse as it raises the blood sugar level, which in turn, damages the collagen and elastin. These are protein fibers needed to make the skin look plump.
Eye puffiness and dark circles under the eyes are also common in those with tired skin. This happens as stress can affect one’s sleep.

Improving Tired Skin Through Exercise

There are different ways to improve tired-looking skin. One of which is by learning effective stress management. This can be done through meditation, yoga, or simply getting into a new hobby.
You can also do it by getting enough sleep. It’s during sleep that the body heals and restores itself. When you’re not getting enough sleep, the body and the skin cannot heal. You look tired which only worsens the way you feel after a sleep-deprived night.
Another effective method of improving your skin is through exercise. It’s an often-overlooked way of improving tired skin.
There are several ways in which exercise benefits your skin. These include the following:
Exercise clears the skin
The effect of exercise on the skin is the complete opposite of what stress does to it. If stress leads to breakouts, then exercise helps clear it.
When you’re working out, the pores dilate and the sweat helps expel the trapped dirt and oil. So, running or getting into your elliptical is like getting a facial, only that you’re breaking a sweat and doing something that’s both good for the skin and the body.
Exercise makes the skin more radiant
People who work out regularly can notice the immediate glow on their skin. This results from the increase in oxygen and nourishment supply in the skin.
The skin gets its nourishment from the tiny capillaries found beneath the skin. When you exercise, there’s a boost in blood flow, pushing the oxygen, vitamins, and minerals into these capillaries. The skin needs oxygen and these nutrients to heal itself. So, the more you work out on a regular basis, the more radiant your skin becomes.
Exercise reduces the appearance of wrinkles
Exercise is a good way to manage stress as it helps maintain a healthy level of the stress hormone. Cortisol can cause the skin’s collagen to break down, making the skin more prone to sagging and wrinkling.
Aside from keeping the stress hormone in check, exercise also promotes the production of collagen. This boost in collagen production makes your skin more supple, elastic, and young-looking.
Exercise makes the skin look younger
A group of researchers from McMaster University in Ontario found out that exercise can help delay the signs of skin aging. The researchers, who initially conducted an experiment with animals, found out that subjects who exercised regularly have better, younger-looking skin.
Researchers suspect that myokines (substances known to enter the bloodstream) play a role in the changes they observed on the skin. These substances are only produced by the working muscles.
Experts suggest that if you want to make the most of the benefits of exercise for your skin, then it’s best to focus on resistance training. These are groups of exercises that use your own body weight to challenge different muscles. Some examples of resistance training include lunges, doing planks, and pushups.
Skin experts also warn about excessive cardio training. According to them, too much cardio isn’t good as it stresses the body, leading to the production of cortisol. Like everything else, moderation should still be observed in working out.

These days growing old gracefully is almost frowned upon. We are bombarded with images of botoxed faces and surgically enhanced looks. We feel pressured into looking younger for longer and worry over every age line and wrinkle.
To effectively avoid age lines and prevent premature wrinkles we need to understand what causes them.

Causes of Age Lines

Age lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process. As we get older our skin becomes less elastic, looses collagen and becomes more fragile. As skin ages it loses its ability to rejuvenate itself. This causes age lines to appear. If age lines are ignored they will go on to become deep wrinkles.
Frowning, squinting and drinking through a straw are wrinkle creating no no’s. The way we sleep can also encourage the onset of age lines and wrinkles. One UK woman refuses to smile; preferring a sour face to risking wrinkles.
Let’s take look at the most common causes of premature aging which result in wrinkles.

Sun damage and smoking are leading causes of age lines

Exposure to the suns UV radiation results in dry, wrinkled skin. Premature aging is the price we pay for a ’healthy tan’.
Smoking takes its toll on your looks. The action of puffing on a cigarette causes lines to develop around your mouth. The smoke itself deprives the skin of vital oxygen and nutrients. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals which destroy the skins collagen and elastin. smokers develop age lines earlier. Smoker’s wrinkles are etched deeper too.

Genetic and environmental causes of age lines

Genetics influence your likeliness to developing lines and wrinkles. If your mum and grandma have lined or wrinkled faces; you will be more prone to developing age lines too.
Research points the finger at air pollution as another cause of premature aging and wrinkles.

Dehydration and drinking excess alcohol

Not drinking enough fluids leaves the body dehydrated Dehydration causes skin to dry out. Dry skin is less able to repair itself and becomes vulnerable to new wrinkles. Dry skin also makes existing wrinkles more noticeable.
Drinking excess alcohol is another cause of dehydration, premature aging and wrinkles.

Dieting

A stunning figure can take its toll on your looks. Wrinkles are often the down side to losing weight. As the weight drops off we lose fat which has plumped out our faces. Weight loss can result in Diet face.

How To Avoid Age Lines

Facial exercises

Facial exercises have been proved effective in reducing age lines. Facial exercises are a fun and free way to reduce lines and prevent wrinkles. These before and after photos speak volumes.

Battle wrinkles while you sleep

Make sure you are getting enough sleep. While you slumber you skin and body heals and repairs itself. Kim Kardashian and many other silk pillowcase fans swear that silk pillowcases are the must have for keeping wrinkles away.

Avoid the sun and stop smoking

Use sun block on your face every day. When you are out and about your face is often exposed to the sun without you realising it. Wear sunglasses to prevent squinting in the sun. Don’t expose yourself to too much sun. Cover up and regularly re-apply sun cream.
Stopping smoking gives your skin the best chance to repair itself and prevent further wrinkles developing.

Moisturise and hydrate

Moisturise every morning and night to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Budget moisturiser can be as effective as expensive brands.
Treat your skin to an oil treatment. Natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil are packed with nutrients which make them super nourishing skin hydrators.

Diet, exercise and drinking

Ditch refined sugar and fast food. Incorporate a colourful mix of fruit and vegetables into your diet. Eat plenty of natural anti-aging foods. to protect your skin and minimise wrinkles.
Exercise improves blood circulation and gives us a natural youthful glow. Exercise also reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol which interferes with collagen production.
Excessive drinking leads to dehydration and skin damage. The great news is that a daily glass of red wine is an effective way to prevent aging and wrinkles. Red wine contains high levels of antioxidants which soak up skin damaging free radicals.

Embrace age lines and celebrate wrinkles

Age lines are an inevitable part of the aging process. Wrinkles are reminders of your life story and remnants of past smiles. Lines add character to your face.
Natural age lines are far more attractive then frozen, botoxed faces and tight, lifted skin.
Facial exercises are the free and fun way to keep wrinkles at bay. To learn more about facial exercises click here.
Image Source: Flickr

Image: Jeroen Bennink

As we grow older, we start to notice changes in our body and our skin. One of these changes is the appearance of fine lines or creases in the skin. These fine lines are collectively called as wrinkles.

Factors Affecting Appearance of Wrinkles

We start to notice wrinkles as part of our facial expression. Overtime, other factors play in the role of determining when and where these wrinkles will develop. Some of these factors include sun exposure, smoking, and skin dryness.
Sun Exposure
Research revealed that sun exposure accounts for most cases of visible signs of aging such as skin pigmentation and wrinkles. Without any form of skin protection from the harmful UV rays, the skin can get damaged because UV light breaks down the elastin and collagen of the skin. Elastin fibers keep the skin supple while collagen provide the skin with structure and strength. When these are damaged, the skin becomes weak and less flexible, causing it to sag.
Smoking
According to Mayo Clinic, the skin changes brought by smoking will only start to appear after 10 years of smoking. This has something to do with the nicotine that causes narrowing of the blood vessels. This restricts the delivery of oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients to the skin. Tobacco also contains thousands of chemicals that damage the elastin fibers and collagen of the skin.
Skin Dryness
In contrast to what many people believe, dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles. However, wrinkles tend to be more apparent on a dry skin.

Ways to Hide Wrinkles Around Eyes

Wrinkles can appear anywhere. One of the most common areas where they develop is on the outer corners of the eyes. Fine lines in these areas are more commonly known as “crow’s feet.” They are also called as “laugh lines” and “character lines.”
There are several ways though to hide the wrinkles around the eyes. Some of the more popular ones include the following:
1. Lifestyle changes
One way to hide or reduce the wrinkles around the eyes is by making necessary lifestyle changes. These include steering clear of the sun without sunscreen and quitting smoking. Another change you can do to reduce fine lines around the eyes is by changing the way you eat.

Eat more foods that are rich in antioxidants which include eggplants, fish, and asparagus. Foods rich in healthy fats can also help. These include avocados and olive oil. It’s also best to cut back on sugar as it damages the collagen.
2. Creams
There are over-the-counter moisturizing creams that when used regularly can reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. Make sure to pick those creams containing ingredients like copper peptides, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients are commonly found in prescription wrinkle creams.

If you pick an over-the-counter cream and it still doesn’t work, then it’s best to consult a dermatologist as he/she may prescribe you with a good wrinkle cream.

Prescription wrinkle creams usually have higher doses of copper peptides, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids. These prescription creams may be more expensive than nonprescription ones but most of them aren’t as pricey as cosmetic procedures like Botox injections.
3. Facial exercises
Compared to cosmetic procedures, facial exercises are simple but inexpensive way to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet.
Doing facial exercises regularly “work out” the 44 facial muscles which keeps the skin from sagging. However, results will only be visible after six months or more of doing it on a regular basis.
The following are some facial exercises that can help reduce appearance of wrinkles around your eyes:

• Place your thumb at the outside portion of your eye. Gently pull the skin back towards your ear and hold the skin taut for about 5 seconds. Release then repeat.
  
• For fine lines above your brows and the outside of your eyes, focus on one object in a room and open your eyes as wide as possible. Hold it for 5 to 10 seconds then release. Repeat this for four times. 

• Close your eyes firmly but keeping your eyelids smooth. While your eyes still close, roll your eyes back and forth, up and down for 10 seconds. Open your eyes and repeat the rolling of your eyes.

For best results, do these exercises twice to thrice a week in the morning or in the evening when you’re feeling well-rested.
Aging is expected but to age beautifully is an option. These suggestions can help you achieve that youthful glow even when you’re already in your 40s or 50s.