No matter what your age is, you must have a basic skin care program which fits your skin type. Besides, you must vigorously protect your skin from the sun. What follows here is more specific advice for your age.
In our 40s and 50s, there is a sharp decrease in our hormone as well as growth factor levels. A lot of cell damage is there, but the skin gets affected the most. All this basically translates to a slower rate in skin self repair besides slower renewal rates.
Due to either approaching or having undergone menopause, women who are in their 40s and 50s suffer dramatic hormonal changes- usually in their oestrogen and progesterone levels. The reduction as well as even complete loss of these hormones reduces the production of sebum which leads to dry and thin skin. In men, the decline of testosterone leads to thinning or drying skin but the effects are not nearly as abrupt.
Excessive inflammation is another problem which is faced by older skin. Although age-related inflammation is usually not visible, it frequently leads to some immune system cell abnormalities which can further result in an increase of harmful free radicals as well as lead to increased cell damage.
The visible changes which result from the above problems include:
- Drying out of the epidermis, which is the skin’s outer layer, leading to dull, dry or parched-looking skin,Weakening or thinning out of the dermis, which is the skin’s middle layer, leading to the development of lines as well as fine wrinkles.
- The deepening of motion wrinkles. As a person continuously frowns or squints, there is repeated folding of the skin resulting in visible lines. Since the dermis has been weakened, it will lose its ability to rebound from this continuous folding of the skin, thus leading to deeper as well as more permanent motion wrinkles.
- Broken capillaries, redness, besides blemishes, discoloration as well as other typical age-related skin abnormalities.
- Sagging skin because of all the above changes as well as due to the loss of the fat layer just below the dermis.
The aging process cannot be avoided, but we can avoid, eliminate, or at least reduce a few of the effects that aging forces upon us. Of course, there are a variety of treatments available for people who are in their 40s and 50s, but there are a few key items which can get you going:
Hydrate yourself – After 40, our skin tends to dry out more and more. It’s a good idea to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Also, as per your skin type, add oil-free moisturizers to your daily skin care routine.
It is Possible to Reduce or Eliminate Wrinkles
Some skin care agents have been proven to have wrinkle reducing effects to help fight those wrinkles as well as fine lines immediately. The active ingredients which are most widely tested and proven include retinoids and the vitamin C family.
The Topically applied estrogens as well as progesterone
Evidence shows that the topical use of estrogens as well as progesterone for replenishing skin levels of the sex hormones also improves skin hydration, besides reducing wrinkles, increasing the epidermal renewal rates as well as producing other beneficial effect in women who are near or past menopause. When any topical agent is applied, little amounts of the active chemical get absorbed into the bloodstream. Thus never undertake this kind of treatment without consulting a physician. It is imperative that topical applications of any kind of hormones should be medically supervised.
Exfoliate – as required
When we are over 40, our skin cells are not replaced as quickly as before, hence our epidermis tends to become drier as well as thicker than when we were younger. You may even notice that your face seems duller, drier or may have an uneven texture. In such a case, you may wish to add exfoliation to your weekly routine. Be careful with exfoliation as it may significantly irritate your skin. Thus, start with mild exfoliating agents and, if need be, gradually move on to mild chemical exfoliates.
Some Problems with Pigmentation
Blotches, age spots as well as other age-related skin pigmentation problems are quite common after 40. Almost all the age-related skin pigmentation problems are caused due to increased production of melanin, which is a skin pigment. Topical skin lightening agents are quite enough to solve this problem. You should consult your doctor in order to see which treatment best suits your needs.
Botox
Motion wrinkles, which are caused by the folding of the skin, are treatable with the help of injections of botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as Botox. This is especially useful for frown lines, found generally on the forehead. People over 40 tend to have really firm lines; which are very resistant to traditional anti-wrinkle creams, laser treatments, besides chemical peels or other similar agents. Botox works quite well for frown lines, crow’s feet, as well as scowl lines, but it is not so effective for smile lines or for wrinkles which are not caused by motion.
The intensive “second line” treatments/procedures
The second-line treatments/procedures which are performed by medical professionals should be considered only if your skin is resistant to topical agents as well as other simple self-administered treatments. Second-line treatments consist of lasers, dermal fillers, chemical peels, as well as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections and many others. In order to match your problem to the appropriate treatment, it’s imperative that you consult a physician before undertaking any of these second line treatments mentioned.