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Skin Ageing and Wrinkles – Ageing Process of Women 40 yrs Plus
Wrinkles – Urrgh! Age Spots – Urrgh! Sagging Skin – Urrgh! These are some of the worst enemies of women 40 yrs Plus. 
I believe that one of the first visible signs of ageing is the appearance of wrinkles and the loss of elasticity in our skin. The skin loses it’s ability to stretch and spring back into shape because elastin fibres in the skin layers are lost and the structural support protein in the dermis layer of skin called collagen becomes ‘cross linked’.
Cell reproduction also slows with age causing the fat cells and oil glands to atrophy. At the same time the production of emulsions which normally keep the skin moist slows down. This results in the skin becoming drier and more susceptible to wrinkle. Add the factor of a little gravity, and soon we are blessed with sagging skin – jowls, saggy arms and eyelids. Skin lesions, pigmentation and senile warts also begin to appear as our skin matures and we enter our 40’s. Adults who have had long term exposure to the sun are also more prone to develop certain forms of skin cancer such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. From the time that we are born the body’s largest organ, the skin, begins it’s ageing process. Thus, if our aim is to reduce the long term results of our skin’s maturity, we must commence the anti ageing process early.
Placing stress on the blood supply to the skin, many factors determine the rate at which our skin ages, the most important of which are: • Our genetic constitution
Unfortunately it is a common fact that little can be done to halt the changes to our skin as we age and mature, however there is so much that we can do to either delay the onset of these changes or at least minimise the appearance and occurrence of these age signs. Other than our genetic constitution, all above contributing factors to the skin’s ageing process are within our control. Therefore, it is within our ability to slow this ageing process down. See facial exercises to help tone the muscles of the face. We must always protect the skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays which can penetrate unprotected layers of skin and damage the cells that form skin tissue. It is believed these UVA rays release oxidants, unstable particles that cause extensive cell damage.
Cigarette smoking also causes oxidants (free radicals) to be released slowing the production of new collagen and elastin, restricting the blood flow in the epidermis and resulting in the skin being starved of the quantity of nutrients it requires to stay healthy. We then need to consume a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to protect our skin against the negative effects of these free radicals.
Wrinkles and lines around the mouth are also more prevalent in smokers due to the repetitive contraction of the muscles surrounding the mouth. (Click here if you need help to QUIT?)
For reasons of both health and beauty, as our skin is our first line of defence against infection, it is important we keep it clean and moist. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps which deplete skin of essential oils and increase dryness, and also products with perfumes or dyes which may further irritate the skin. . Gently remove eye makeup as the skin surrounding the eyes is very delicate and prone to wrinkling.
Aging is an unstoppable process and unfortunately, so are wrinkles. It is up to you. Protect your skin by living a healthy lifestyle. Eat right, exercise, cover up from the sun’s UV rays, drink plenty of water, avoid stress, don't smoke and avoid excess alcohol consumption. Read about The Causes and Effects of Cellulite Back to General Wellness Visit Wellness Goals - Celebrate Life Return to Kitchen - Home of Women 40 yrs Plus Return to Top of Page - Skin Ageing Recommended Site: Ageless Beauty Look Young, Feel Young, Be Young! Find the best in antiaging skincare products, diet and exercise regimes, hair care and antiaging cosmetic procedures.
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Nourishing our skin and reducing the stresses to which it is exposed will certainly assist in slowing down it’s ageing process. Beauty treatments help to rejuvenate the skin and may slow the appearances of ageing, but for best results good nutritional support from antioxidant minerals, vitamins and enzymes is also required
