By Pauline Gill
As you age, the skin ages, too. The result is fine lines and wrinkles. For women, the lines and wrinkles are most noticeable after the age of 40. Sun damage is the main culprit, but so are drops in hormones, stress, and toxins. Smoking will add to the aging process as well as excessive alcohol. You can't stop aging, but you can improve the looks of your skin, and you can slow down the visible effects of the aging process.
Diet
One of the best approaches to skin care is the diet. Eat a balanced diet that is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants stop free radicals from destroying the cells in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules. Good choices are berries such as blueberries and blackberries. Prunes are excellent antioxidants. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, and kale are excellent choices. Avocados are rich in vitamin E, which fights free radicals. Green tea and vitamin C fight free radicals, too. Consider a multivitamin that contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and the B complex vitamins. Limit refined sugar. It causes the skin to lose its elasticity. Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin.
Cleansing and Moisturizing
Cleansing and moisturizing the skin is a daily activity that can deter the aging process. Keep showers at five to ten minutes and avoid hot water. Hot water removes the natural oils, according to Skin Care Physicians. Use a cleanser that is mild and fragrance free that doesn't strip the body of natural oils. Don't rub your skin with a towel after showering. Pat it dry. Apply moisturizer after showering to trap the moisture in the skin. Moisturize throughout the day, if your skin is dry. Look for moisturizers that contain lactic acid or urea for dryness and hyaluronic acid to hold moisture. Other ingredients that help trap the moisture in the skin include dimethione, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum.
Preventive
Always wear sunscreen, even in the winter or when it's cloudy. Put a humidifier in your house to avoid dry air and dry skin. Close the door when showering to trap in the humidity. Avoid wool or other material that may irritate the skin. Wear gloves when outside in cool or cold weather to protect your hands. Apply moisturizer after your hands have been in water. Carry a tube of lip balm and apply it often.
Skin Care for Women Over 40 by earlylifecosmetics.com