Ask Zena – What Causes our Skin to Age?

skin aging ask zena the beautician

ITC asked our local Beauty Expert, Zena White from The Beautician Lane Cove  What we can do to help reduce and reverse the aging process? Here’s what Zena had to say:

With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile with a simultaneous decrease of fatty tissue just below the skin. You might notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils might make your skin drier. Wrinkles, age spots and small growths called skin tags are more common.

There are various factors that cause our skin to age – some we can influence, and others we can do nothing about. One thing we can’t change is the natural aging process. Over time, we all get visible lines, and our face will lose some of its youthfulness as our skin becomes thinner and drier.

We can however influence “extrinsic aging” which is caused by our environment and lifestyle. By making changes in these areas, we can slow down the effects of aging.

Here are some ways to reduce premature skin aging as recommended by the Dermatologists Association:

  1. Protect your skin from the sun every day. Whether spending a day at the beach or running errands, sun protection is essential. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with clothing, and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing.
  2. Apply self-tanner rather than get a tan. Every time you get a tan, you prematurely age your skin. This holds true if you get a tan from the sun, a tanning bed, or other indoor tanning equipment. All emit harmful UV rays that accelerate how quickly your skin ages.
  3. If you smoke, stop. Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
  4. Avoid repetitive facial expressions. When you make a facial expression, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles for many years, these lines become permanent. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce lines caused by squinting.
  5. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Findings from a few studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. Findings from research studies also suggest that a diet containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging.
  6. Drink less alcohol. Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us look older.
  7. Exercise most days of the week. Findings from a few studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
  8. Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin.
  9. Wash your face twice a day and after sweating heavily. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, irritates the skin, so you want to wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
  10. Apply a facial moisturiser every day. Moisturiser traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.

It’s never too early or too late!

While genetics play a big part in how early your skin will show signs of aging, healthy skin care routines should be introduced to pre-teens around the age of 12. Research has shown that establishing a simple routine early in life can make a significant difference in later years. However, it’s never too late to start caring for your skin, even if you’ve spent years baking in the sun lathered up in baby oil!

If signs of aging skin are bothering you – please make an appointment for a skin analysis, where we can suggest a range of effective treatments tailored to your skin type, and skin condition.

Zena XX

zena

The Beautician stocks Sothys Skin care from Paris, a range of high grade cosmeceutical products to target dehydration, anti-aging, sensitive skin, and skin resurfacing. The Dermalogica Clear Start range is also available for teens – pop in for a complimentary sample pack in salon.

For those looking to anti-aging to the next level, Zena has also partnered with Dr Robert Gilmore, an industry leader in cosmetic medicine, who, alongside his team, will be visiting the Lane Cove salon on alternate Mondays. Utilising extensive experience and the latest technology from Europe, Restorative Medicine will be offering complimentary, NO OBLIGATION consultations to discuss your aging concerns, and the options available to you in terms of anti-aging injections, and other treatments, right here at The Beautician.

 Beautician logo

Address: Figtree Plaza Shop 4A 225 Burns Bay Road Lane Cove West
Phone: 02 9420 8880
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thebeautician.net.au
Facebook: thebeauticianlanecove

Plenty of parking is always available in the car park directly behind the salon, via Beatrice Street.

The Beautician is an ITC Platinum Sponsor – without their support we could not keep you up to date on all things Lane Cove #itcplatinumsponsor


Do you have a local issue you would like help with? ITC is here to help just email us at [email protected]

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