An article on Skin Ageing -By Dr Charu Sharma

Dr Charu Sharma.

SKIN AGEING- HOW TO PREVENT AND TURN BACK THE CLOCK

We age and our skin ages. After the youthful glow of our skin departs we spend lots of effort to fight the signs skin ageing. This article is about skin ageing and how you can reverse the clock on it.
Ageing is a natural process. The skin also grows old with us. As the skin grows old it develops wrinkles and age spots and becomes dry. With age skin becomes thinner. We also loose the fatty tissue under the skin. As a result the skin becomes less “chubby” and smooth. With age skin looses elasticity and suppleness, it stretches and it sags.
Now Something to Cheer About
If the first paragraph has made you gloomy then cheer up. We cannot stop ageing – that’s a fact. But we can age gracefully – that’s up to you. And to some extent we can reverse the ageing process – that is what this article is all about.

What Causes Skin Ageing?
Before you can learn how to fight skin ageing you should know what causes it. Your heredity (DNA) plays a role in how fast or slow skin will age – and you cannot control it. But there are many external factor which contribute to skin ageing and with some effort you can control them.

• Stress-Prolonged stress can damage the part of DNA which is responsible for controlling the ageing of skin. Stress can be caused due to pressures of work or family flife, illness, etc. Research has shown that skin of a person under stress ages faster.

• Sun Damage-Sun is possibly the biggest contributor to skin damage. Facial skin damage caused by the sun is a big factor. Ageing for facial skin is a problem because you cannot hide it. It is there for every one to see. Sun damage causes wrinkles, tanning, dark spots, and in extreme cases skin damage due to sun burn.

• Diet-Well diet effects everything. Diet is the fuel of life and ignoring it will not only effects skin but the entire body. A fatty diet and intoxicating foods disturb the acidic balance of the body which effects the skin.

How to Avoid and Reverse Skin Ageing

The best way to avoid skin ageing and revrse it is by fighting the 3 causes mentioned above. Reducing stress, sun protection, and a balanced diet will help you look younger longer. It will also help reverse the signs of skin ageing.
Fighting Stress Helps Skin Stay Young
Best way of fighting stress is a little change in lifestyle. Though there are factors beyond one’s control which lead to stress – a healthy lifestyle can effectively counter it and result in a healthy
glowing skin.
Exercise Regularly for a Healthy Skin
When we exerciese our brain produces endomorphins which helps in releiving stress. Exercising also lifts our mood and spirits leaving the body in a better state and improves general well being.
Sleep Sufficiently for a Glowing Skin
Develop a sleep shedule. This means going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day. Also take sufficient sleep. Some people need 8 hours of sleep every day while some can do with as little as 4 hours. Most of us need between 7-8 hours of sleep to recharge our batteries. A short nap in the afternoon also helps rejuvenate and fight stress. A well rested body = healthy skin and
no under eye circles.
Develop a Hobby
All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl.
It also leads to boredom and stress. Develop a hobby and spend some time daily on it.
Take-out time for yourself
If you look after a terminally ill person make sure to take out time for yourself. Taking care of an ill person takes a toll on our mental well being also and can sometimes lead to depression and stress.
Sun Protection
1. Sun is the biggest enemy of glowing skin. Both UVA and UVB rays cause sun damage but UVA rays are more harmful. Follow these tips to protect your skin from sun damage.
2. Avoid stepping out in the sun between 12-3 PM. Stay in shade as much as possible. But if stepping out in the sun is unavoidable wear proper sunscreen and for double protection cover your skin as much as possible. Also considet wearing a hat or using an umbrella.
3. Use a good sunscreen with minimum SPF of 30. If you stay out in the sun a lot then reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours.
4. Do not sun tan. Lazing in direct sun light can cause skin damage and amy also cause skin cancer.
Consult a Dermatologist
Finally If you have a persistent skin issue take advice from a dermatologist. It is generally a good idea for evry one who wants to look younger longer to visit a dermatologist once a twice a year. A dermatologist will also help you in developing the right skin care routiene.
Healthy Diet
1. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
2. Both caffeine and slcohol increase body toxins. These toxins limit body’s ability to process water efficiently and damage cells.
3. Count Calories: Avoid bad fats. Eat balanced diet with proteins adn carbohydrates. Also include lots of fresh fruits and vegitables in your diet.
4. Vitamins are Important: Vitamins are good sources of anti-oxidants. Anti oxidants help neutralize free radicals. Since free radicals help ageing by causing skin damage a diet rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants helps in slowing down skin ageing. But consult your doctor before popping pills.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
6. Water helps neutralize acids in the body and and eliminating toxons. Water  also rehydrates body and skin. It keeps skin glow and remain healthy.
7. Quit Smoking: Smoking kills but before that it destroys the skin.
Advice and tips in this article is probably the only way towards a healthy and younger looking skin. And yes it can also turn back the clock on your skin.