As we age, our skin changes. We notice little things at first. Perhaps it becomes drier, or we notice that it’s a bit more like crepe than it used to be. Wrinkles can be an issue & so can age spots. Skin grows thinner, especially on the hands and face because of a slowing in collagen production as we age. It’s a natural process, but there are certain things that we can do to slow the process down.
Hydration is extremely important when it comes to skin care. It’s one of the most important aspects of skin care, if not the most important, no matter your age. Our skin is comprised of almost 64% water. The problem is that we lose water out of our bodies at different rates throughout the course of a day. The most common advice when it comes to water consumption is 6-8 glasses of water per day. You must, however, not be bound to that number. If you are exerting a large amount of energy, or if the temperatures are higher, you must take that into consideration. Also, take into consideration whether you’ve been drinking caffeinated beverages. These are diuretics & can deplete your body of the water that it needs. The water helps our skin to stay supple and elastic, but it is not all that we need.
Collagen is produced in our bodies naturally. As we age, that production slows, but there are ways that we can increase that production so that our skin does less drying & wrinkling. Certain foods will help to improve your collagen production. Carrots, blueberries, sweet potatoes and dark, leafy greens are among a few, but it would be prudent to look up a full list & be sure to incorporate those foods into your diet. Also pay attention to those things which can deplete collagen in your body, like nicotine.
If you live in states that are notoriously dry, consider a humidifier. Dry air can be good for several ailments, but it can be very hard on the skin. In very northern states during the winter, the dry air can cause dryness, & even chapping to the point of bleeding. In these cases, it is probably best to consider a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. Remember, though, to also increase your water intake. You may not realize how much water you’re losing during a day when the air is terribly dry.
Lastly, consider the sun. Caring for your skin includes making sure it doesn’t get burnt. If you enjoy being out in the sun, wear a hat that covers your face, & also light cotton clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Be sure to go into the shade to cool off periodically, and, as always, re-hydrate!
None of these suggestions are akin with finding the fountain of youth, but they are sound, practical ways that you can improve your skin so that it can do its job of protecting you. We should show our thankfulness to this important organ of our bodies by caring for it in the best way that we know how!
