by Jessica Nocerini

Created on: November 02, 2008

In order to truly understand how to best care for your skin and prevent visible signs of aging, it's important to know some basic Skincare 101. The skin is the body's largest organ, consisting of three separate but equally important layers: The epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue.

The epidermis is our skin's first line of defense. It consists of dividing cells and pigment-forming cells that are tightly packed, forming a scale-like layer over the entire body. Below that is the dermis, which is our skin's support layer. This is where the collagen and tissue resides, giving healthy skin its elasticity and glow. The dermis also houses our nerves, oil glands and blood vessels. Finally, the third layer is the subcutaneous tissue, where our blood supply flows through, carrying oxygen and vital nutrients to our skin.

As our skin ages, fewer nutrients are able to get into the skin's surface. Collagen production breaks down, causing skin to loosen and fall into fine lines and wrinkles. Skin gets drier, becomes more dull, loses its youthful glow. Pores become enlarged and more visible. Hyperpigmentation can occur, causing discolorations as the pigment-forming cells are unable to regenerate.

There are many factors that challenge skin in day-to-day life. Here are just a few skin-harming factors and what you can do to prevent them from aging your skin.

THE SUN

Ninety-percent of premature aging is due to sun exposure. Most of this damage occurs before the age of 18 and is predominantly caused by UVA rays - the longer wavelength rays that penetrate clouds and windows. With increased sun exposure, skin becomes rough, thick, and takes on a leathery appearance. Brown spots appear and broken blood vessels form, especially around the nose and mouth. The skin becomes more vulnerable to infection as the protective barrier becomes impaired. Lines and wrinkles form when the skin no longer receives the vital nutrients and hydration that it needs to regenerate.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW: Wearing a sunscreen daily with an SPF of 15 or higher is the first step in preventing the damage caused by the sun. Also important is using a moisturizer daily, especially after sun exposure. Maintain your skin's protective barrier by cleansing twice daily and exfoliating up to three times per week. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, allowing the new skin cells to regenerate more rapidly. In addition, using a scrub or microdermabrasion kit a few times a week will make a significant change in

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>