April 18, 2024 | The aging process can be seen in a human being in a number of ways, from the way they walk and talk to the way they eat and drink. But there’s no sign of aging more obvious than a person’s skin. As time progresses, we all get visible lines on our face. It is natural for our face to lose some of its youthful fullness. We notice our skin becoming thinner and drier. It might also take longer for injuries on your skin to heal. And the sweat glands are not as efficient at producing sweat, increasing the amount of time it takes to cool off the body on a hot day. Our genes largely control when these changes occur. The medical term for this type of aging is “intrinsic aging.” We can influence another type of aging that affects our skin. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. The medical term for this type of aging is “extrinsic aging.” By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of aging has on our skin.

April 18, 2024 | They are commonly known as age spots. These sharply defined, rounded, black or brown flat patches of skin are also called lentigines or liver spots. Despite their name, they have nothing to do with the liver or liver function. Age spots occur when the top surface layer of skin expands with more pigment and develops what looks like a large freckle. Age spots may develop at an early age, though they are more common in older people, especially in those who have spent too much time in the sun. Age spots are not cancerous, nor do they lead to cancer. However, on skin exposed to the sun, they may be accompanied by scaly, red elevations called actinic keratoses. No treatment is needed in most cases. You can improve the appearance of your skin by using skin bleaching lotions or creams, many of which contain hydroquinone. Because hydroquinone can cause blisters or skin reactions in some people, see your physician before starting treatment.

April 18, 2024 | While aging of the hands usually begins in the 40s or 50s with discoloration and age spots, hands can begin to show signs of aging earlier if they are repeatedly exposed to the sun without proper protection. By the 50s and 60s, people may begin to lose volume in their hands, making prominent veins and tendons more noticeable. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or higher on the hands and reapply throughout the day, especially after frequent hand-washing. It’s a good idea to keep a tube of sunscreen in the car and apply before driving since your hands are exposed to the sun through your windshield. Use a hand cream with added sunscreen to provide a base layer of protection to the hands. And wear gloves when doing yard work or playing outdoor sports. Golfers should consider wearing a glove on each hand to cover the back of the hands.

April 18, 2024 | Mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes is common as you age. The so-called “bags” are tissues around your eyes, including the muscles supporting your eyelids, that weaken as you get older. Normal fat that helps support the eyes can move into the lower eyelids, causing the lids to appear puffy. Fluid also may accumulate in the space below your eyes, adding to the swelling. Bags under eyes are usually a cosmetic concern and rarely a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. At-home remedies, such as cool compresses, can help improve the appearance of bags under eyes. For persistent or bothersome under-eye puffiness, cosmetic treatments are available. Various wrinkle treatments are used to improve the appearance of puffiness, saggy skin and dark circles. These include laser resurfacing, chemical peels and fillers, which may improve skin tone, tighten the skin and rejuvenate the look of bags under the eyes.

April 18, 2024 | A healthy lifestyle can lead to healthy skin. To prevent premature skin aging, protect your skin from the sun. Be sure to seek shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and whenever your shadow looks shorter than you are. Whenever possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat, pants, and long sleeves. And apply sunscreen to all skin that clothing will not cover. You want to use a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Get plenty of sleep, it’s called beauty rest for a reason. Sleep gives your body time to refresh and renew itself. A healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and health fats promotes healthy skin. If you smoke, stop. Tobacco smoke contains toxins that can lead to smoker’s face. Signs of smoker’s face include a dull and dry complexion, sagging skin, premature lines and wrinkles and leathery skin. And use a moisturizer every day. Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.