Skin aging is a natural process. Skin becomes thinner and less elastic as the body gets older. Natural oils also decrease, emphasizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are several lifestyle changes you can make to slow down the aging process. Treatment methods for aging skin can also minimize the appearance of problem spots.
Causes
There are a variety of causes of aging and wrinkles. Exposure to ultraviolet rays appears to speed up the aging process significantly, according to MayoClinic.com. Harmful rays break down the skin's collagen fibers, causing the skin to lose flexibility. This results in premature aging.
Repeating the same facial expressions, such as squinting, also causes wrinkles. Grooves in the skin form from repeat expressions, making skin appear wrinkled.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Some non-prescription treatments are effective for minimizing the appearance of aging skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Select aging products with the active ingredients copper peptides, antioxidants or coenzymes. Retinol and hydroxyl acid may also provide positive results. Some products do increase sun sensitivity. Wear a sunscreen to avoid overexposure to harmful sun rays.
Prescription Treatments
Topical treatments, available through your dermatologist, can improve wrinkles, pigmentation issues and skin texture. Use the prescription medications tretinoin or tazarotene for aging skin, recommends MayoClinic.com. Dermatologists also offer in-office procedures. For example, dermabrasion sands down the surface layers of skin, generating new skin growth. Microdermabrasion generates new skin growth too; however, crystals slough off top layers of skin.
Prevention
Prevent aging skin by minimizing sun exposure. Use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF when spending time in the sun, recommends MayoClinic.com. If you smoke, make a plan to stop. Smoking alters the blood supply to the skin, causing wrinkles. This speeds up the normal aging process and creates skin that is less elastic and more wrinkled.
Warnings
If you've spent a lot of time outdoors, visit your dermatologist for a skin exam. She will examine moles and pigment changes to identify potential problems, such as skin cancer. Also, discuss side effects of anti-aging treatments if you decide to use these options. Each treatment has different benefits and risks. Understanding the pros and cons assists you in making the right decision.
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