Summer is here. And for many of us that means more time out in the sun.
Have you thought about what that means for your skin?
Like many people, you may take your skin for granted. Except for cuts, bruises, and the occasional sunburn, it’s just…there.
But your skin is more than just something that covers your body. Much, much more. And with age, the damage inflicted upon your skin could come back to haunt you.
Why Your Skin is So Important
You may not know it, but your skin is actually the largest organ your body has. And it performs a lot of essential functions, such as:
- Maintaining a constant temperature
- Maintaining moisture balance
- Protecting you from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays
- Alerting you to potential danger by way of pain receptors
What Damages Your Skin?
With age, your skin becomes increasingly susceptible to damage, primarily due to the following:
- Less Oil Production
Starting in your 30s, the oil glands in your skin begin to produce less oil. These oils protect your skin from damage. Without these oils, your skin can get dry and scaly. - Declining Collagen Production
Collagen is the protein that provides structure for the tissues within your body. Among them is your skin.
With age, your body produces less collagen. And collagen continually wears out. This reduction in collagen production leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. - Sun Damage
A “healthy tan”? There is no such thing. That darker color is your skin trying to protect itself from ultraviolet rays by generating additional pigment.
Ultraviolet rays cause a variety of problems for your skin, like reduced collagen production, premature aging, and even skin cancer. - Bad Lifestyle Habits
Smoking, alcohol, and sugary foods inhibit your body’s ability to replace collagen. - Hormone Imbalance
Estrogen stimulates collagen production and helps to protect your skin from the effects of UV radiation. Progesterone and testosterone can increase oil production in your skin. In other words, these hormones are healthy for your skin. Declining levels of these hormones, on the other hand…are not so good for your skin.
How to Protect Your Skin
Like the rest of your body, your skin is the only skin you have. And with age, your skin loses its ability to repair and regenerate itself.
But…there are some steps you can take to protect your skin against the effects of age, sunlight, and the environment:
- Moisturize
Use of a skin moisturizer to help replace diminished skin oils. - Hydrate
Your skin needs water for strength and elasticity. In fact, the outermost layer of your skin (called the “stratum”) works as a vapor barrier to help your skin retain water. Keeping your body hydrated helps to keep your skin hydrated, too. - Use Sunscreen
Ultraviolet rays will damage your skin, and they can potentially cause skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF-30 sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the effects of UV rays. - Collagen Supplements
Because your body produces less collagen as you get older, a daily collagen supplement can help reduce wrinkles and keep your skin healthy. - Vitamins and Minerals
Your body needs vitamin C, zinc, and copper to create new collagen. Make sure you get enough of these in your diet for good skin health or consider supplementation. - Better Lifestyle Choices
For healthy skin, good choices include avoiding smoking, alcohol, and sugar. A diet rich in antioxidants and protein (needed for collagen production) is also a good idea. - Hormone Balance
Have your hormone levels tested. If needed, hormone replacement therapy will help to keep your skin healthy…along with the rest of you,
Finally, make sure you talk to a dermatologist about any suspicious moles or skin growths.
Healthy skin plays an important role in your overall health. At Renew Youth, we can help you find the best ways to maintain the health of your skin at any age. Want to learn more? Call us today at 800-859-7511 or use our convenient contact form to sign up for your free 30-minute consultation.