| The Golden Rules of Anti-Ageing Skin Care |
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There are several things you can advise your client to do to help in the fight against ageing skin.
PROTECTION The most important rule at any age is to protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. It is estimated that 80-90% of wrinkling, hyper pigmentation and loose skin is caused by sun damage.
The skin also requires protection from pollution as it is bombarded daily with toxins in the environment especially in or near large cities. Smoking is a major pollutant, which deprives the skin of oxygen and essential nutrients and triggers skin-damaging free radicals. In time it also leads to wrinkling around the mouth. A study by dermatologists, published in The Lancet, shows that smoking activates the genes responsible for a skin enzyme that breaks down collagen in the skin. A moisturiser containing antioxidants will help to hydrate and protect by mopping up free radicals. It is also important to recommend a diet rich in the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E.
HYDRATION It is important to increase water intake to prevent dehydration - an ideal amount per day would be 2 litres, some of which should come from an increased amount of fruit and vegetables in the diet. Reduce alcohol consumption as it is dehydrating to the skin, depletes vitamins and minerals and contributes to the appearance of small, dilated capillaries. Alcohol causes the blood vessels in the face to dilate putting pressure on the collagen and elastin fibres, the components which provides the skin with resilience and tone and also support the blood vessel walls.
NUTRITION It is important to eat a healthy well balanced diet and reduce the amount of processed foods, which contain harmful additives. For a healthy skin include foods in the diet rich in essential fatty acids, they help to keep skin moisturised from the inside. They actually work by strengthening the delicate membrane surrounding each cell. There are two types:
To be useful they have to be turned into gamma linoleic acid (GLA) which is particularly important for healthy skin. It helps to strengthen the skin from inside, increase the moisture content of cells and speed up cell renewal. Stress, infection, pollution, alcohol, saturated fats and drugs may interfere with this conversion process. Taking a supplement such as evening primrose oil therefore will ensure the body receives sufficient GLA.
Eat more antioxidant rich foods to neutralise free radical damage, these should include leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, brazil nuts, whole wheatgrain, liver, kidney, fish and shellfish.
RELAXATION Stress deprives us of sleep as it can drastically alter the sleep pattern, this may cause dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Stress also causes overeating and sometimes reaching for the nearest bottle of wine. Have relaxing facial and body treatments on a regular basis or spend some time meditating or listening to a relaxation tape. Devote more time to an enjoyable hobby particularly something that is far removed from the stressors. Start an exercise regime, whether it is walking, yoga or for those more energetic clients aerobics as this releases endorphins into the body making us feel better and exercise also aids sleep. |
UVA rays are present almost all day, even on a cloudy overcast day and can also penetrate glass. You must advise the use of a factor 15 or above sunscreen to prevent burning and 4 star UVA protection (anti-ageing) of the skin when sunbathing and daily use of a moisturiser with UV SPF 15 protection all year round.