Anti-aging Skin Care Tips

You may think your skin is just a covering for your muscles and veins. But, the fact is that your skin is more than just a covering. It is a very special and amazing complex organ that expresses how healthy we are on the inside. We need to protect this valuable organ from the outside and inside

The following is a guide to solutions for six skin problems that commonly face people of all ages.

1) Wrinkles & fine lines
It is commonly believed that the number one cause of wrinkles is exposure to the sun. However, wrinkles are mostly caused due to less collagen and elastin production as we age. When we make expressions with our faces such as squinting, frowning, smiling, etc. the skin creases. As our skin becomes less pliable the creases become more and more permanant. What can be do to delay and reverse those lines and wrinkles?

Some dermatologists recommend exfoliating. They claim that exfoliation softens your skin, and makes the fine lines less noticeable. Moisturizing your skin and using products with wrinkle reducing ingredients can also significantly reduce fine line and wrinkles. Examples of effective ingredients in some of today's more advanced products are: Matrixyl 3000, Q10, AHA, Retinol palmitate, Argireline, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, DMAE, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Squalane and Elastin,

Experts in the skin care field also recommend that you wear sun screen whenever you are outdoors. Make sure the SPF is at least 15 so that your skin will be protected against UVA and UVB rays. If you are outdoors for extended periods of time it is advisable to wear a hat and be in the shade.

2) Enlarged Pores
Dermatologists say that the the main cause of enlarged pores is the buildup of dead cells and oil in pores. this accumulation causes the pore openings to stretch opened over time. Sometimes even when the buildup in removed the pores will remain enlarged due to the stretching and this opened pore will then tend to again become clogged with sebum, dirt and dead skin.

One possible solution to this problem is to try and reduce the pore opening by regular use of a retinoid together with an alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acid. This can help return the pore to its normal size. when the pore shrinks it will expel the trapped debris and also be less likely to accumulate buildup in the future.

To avoid enlarged pores make sure to practice good skin care routines, such as not leaving make-up on overnight. Make-up plugs the pores so use it sparingly and for as little time as possible. Also, avoid too much exposure to the sun. The sun and heat dilates the pores.

3) Hyperpigmentation/ Brown Spots
The cause of hyperpigmentation is almost always due to sun exposure. The reason for this is that the rays of the sun cause the cells in your skin that produce melanin to start producing more melanin in an effort to protect your skin. It is a protection mechanism that your skin uses.

Laser therapy is one method people use to eliminate brown spots. The results can be fairly rapid using this method. This treatment is done by focusing a laser beam at the area of skin that has hyperpigmentation. Nevertheless, the the side effects, such as redness, swelling and scabbing, can take several weeks to go disappear. The good news it that the laser beam does not affect the skin that it is not focused on. The treatment is fairly quick. About 20-25 spots can be treated in just one short session (15-20 minutes). That short session can cost around $300 at most clinics.

The slower option for fading hyperpigmentation is with use of retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) These are often use together with bleaching substances such as hydroquinone or kojic acid. This method can inhibit as well as fade areas of melanin.

A less drastic and more natural solution is use of products containing antioxidants such as vitamins C or E as well as green tea. A good Vitamin C serum such as Pronutrex Vitamin C serum can fade age spots over time and even out the skin tone. Vitamin C serum fades and prevents brown spots on the skin by inhibiting production of free radicals, which are detrimental molecules that play a role is skin discoloration.

The best advice for preventing brown spots is not to spend to much time in the sun. If you are in the sun for extended periods of time don't forget the high SPF sun screen and a wide brimmed hat. If you are outdoors or at the beach an umbrella or shady spot can be your best friend.

4) Blemishes and Acne
Acne usually develops dues to stress and hormonal activity. These two factors combined are said to increase sebum production (your skin's natural oil). When the production of sebum increases, bacteria starts to accumulate on the skin and flourishes there. The oil and bacteria clogs the pores and causes a outbreak.

So, what can we do about acne?

There are literally thousands of over-the-counter products for acne treatment. What works for one person really well might not work for another. Treatments often contain one of more of these ingredients: Glycolic acid or retinol, which is effective for unclogging pores, Benzoyl peroxide, which is an potent antibacterial agent and Salicylic acid which dissolves oil on the skin.

If the acne is more severe, it is best to contact a dermatologist. They can diagnose the specific cause of the acne and prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic. They can also give you access to a prescription strength retinoid such as Retin-A, Tazorac, Avita, or Differin. Azelex is also commonly prescribed by dermatologists to accelerate the healing of the skin.

If acne flare-ups usually occur in association with ovulation (your period), many dermatologists will suggest going on birth control pills. Gynecologist can prescribe birth control pills that contains hormones which are specifically formulated to control acne.

Avoiding stress and getting lots of sleep can help to minimize stress induced acne.

5) Skin Redness
Rosacea is often the cause of redness on the face. It is a condition that can first appear as slight flushing or redness on the cheeks. It also may appear on the forehead, chin and nose. It then can progress from being periodic, slight redness to being more permanent. Together with the redness the face may also exhibit bumps which appear acne-like and dilated blood vessels.

Rosacea is not curable, but it can be treated and controlled. Dermatologists usually recommend prescription topical and oral antibiotics to control the development of bumps and redness. In severe cases, Accutane is often prescribed. Experts will sometimes recommend lasers treatment, such as the Vbeam. This treatment is expensive but claims to control rosacea as well as heal broken capillaries. Some more natural over-the-counter solutions for rosacea include Chemist Booster Blue Rosacea Treatment and B. Kamins.

Rosacea can be also be controlled by figuring out the trigger of severe episodes and tying to avoid those triggers. Common triggers include spicy or extremely hot food, alcohol, stress, heat, sun, wind, caffeine. Even hot water, steam or exercise can be a trigger for some people.

Sun block that isn't absorbed into the skin is recommend for people with rosacea. Ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide protect from UV rays but don't absorb into the skin. Also sun screen containing octyl methoxycinnamate is often recommend by experts as a hypoallergenic alternative.

6) Skin Dullness
Skin dullness can start to occur in a persons 30's. This typically occurs due to the skins naturally ability to shed dead cells from the surface slowing down. Dead, dry skin cells build up on the face causing a dull look.

To revitalize your skin, exfoliation is often recommended by beauty consultants. Exfoliation can slough off the dead cells and reveal the newer glowing skin beneath. Also, creams containing alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy can aid in removal of dead skin cells.

An exfoliant with gentle rounded microbeads will not tear the skin. Something that has talc or ground bamboo not hard sharp pieces such as crushed apricot seeds. This type of exfoliant will work best for gently washing the dead cells loosened by AHAs or retinoids. Keeping your skin moisturized will help with exfoliation. Slough off moist cells is easier than hard or dry cells.