The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It consists of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer.
As the years go by and we get older, every part of our body ages. That includes our skin. As is true when people are younger, not everyone’s skin is the same. Not everyone’s skin ages in the same way, either. Some people have certain skin characteristics, but other people do not. No matter what, everyone should know how to care for and protect their skin.
How we age and how our skin is aging with us
Aging skin has some distinct characteristics. For example, as a person gets older, skin can develop these common features:
– Thinning: Skin no longer looks and feels as resilient as a person gets older. It can appear thinner and more fragile.
– Wrinkles: Yet another common occurrence with aging skin is wrinkles. Many people associate wrinkles with the face, but they can also appear on other areas of the skin.
– Bruises: It is also common for a person’s skin to have more bruising in various body areas as aging occurs.
– Hyperpigmentation: This exists when the skin has too much pigmentation and can thus look darker in certain areas.
Dangerous age-related skin conditions
In addition to the cosmetic features of aging skin, some age-related skin conditions are detrimental or even dangerous to a person’s overall health. Those include the following:
– Skin cancer: There are several types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of all of those, melanoma is the most dangerous. People with lighter skin and moles, those who have had sunburns, and those who have a family history of skin cancer are especially at risk.
– Age spots: Some people develop age spots on their skin as they age. Those can appear on various areas of the skin, such as the face or hands.
– Skin tags: Another common condition that can occur as someone ages is skin tags. Those can appear in various places on the body.
– Dry skin: As a person ages, skin can become more dry all over the body. That can be even worse during the winter.
– Itching skin: Itching skin can occur along with dry skin. The skin can be especially itchy when using certain products, such as those containing chemicals and other harsh ingredients.
Anti-aging treatment for the skin and whole body
You do not have to sit by and watch as your skin worsens passively. You can do numerous powerful things to head off the ravages of aging skin. Those practices help your entire body and include:
– Nutrition: Your skin needs a healthy diet to get all its nutrients. Ensure you get enough quality protein and healthy fats in your daily diet. Also essential are a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
– Sport: Staying active and exercising several times weekly also helps your skin and overall health. Keep yourself moving and your circulation going.
– Botox: Botox is a popular treatment familiar to many people. It can help to improve the skin and overall appearance.
– Plastic surgery: Some people opt for certain plastic surgery to improve their skin as they age. That can create a more youthful appearance and boost confidence.
– HGH therapy: When it comes to strategies that some people use to counteract aging, HGH therapy is popular. It is necessary to have a health practitioner prescribe this treatment. HGH therapy is only suitable for people with a proven HGH deficiency. HGH benefits include anti-aging for skin, hair, and nails.
How to protect skin from aging and keep skin young
Lifestyle is so important when protecting your skin and keeping it young. Make sure you do the following to see a positive difference in how your skin looks and feels:
– Sun protection: Wear sunscreen that is the correct SPF for your skin and the time you spend in the sun. Also, protect your skin with your attire. That means wearing a hat that protects your face and lightweight clothing that covers your skin but is still comfortable.
– Water intake: Stay hydrated by drinking enough pure water. This will help to keep your skin moist. The water you must drink will vary based on your activity level and the season. You need more water when you sweat due to exercising and during hot weather.
– Quit smoking: Smoking ages your skin, so if you smoke, quit smoking. That will help your skin and overall health tremendously.
– Moisturize: Put moisturizing lotion or cream on your skin to keep it moist. You will typically need different moisturizers on your face than what you put on the rest of your skin.
– Reduce alcohol intake: Drinking beverages that contain alcohol will age your skin. So cut back on how much alcohol you drink, or better yet, discontinue drinking such beverages entirely.
If you have concerns about your skin, see a dermatologist who can evaluate your skin and recommend what you should do. Remember that aging is inevitable, but your skin can still be healthy and beautiful as you age.