Understanding Skin Changes Throughout life you will find that your skin, the largest organ your body has, will go through many changes.  Some of these changes are associated with genetic makeup, environmental aspects, nutrition, hormones and other factors.  The greatest contributor to skin changes though is sun exposure. Skin has so many important jobs; it protects you from the environment, helps to control your body temperature, and fluid and electrolyte balance.  All of those nerve receptors allow you to feel sensations such as touch, pain, and pressure. As aging progresses, so does the thinning of the outer layer of the skin known as the epidermis.  We all know that those with fair skin and blue eyes show more aging skin changes than those with darker skin. The number of pigment-containing cells, called melanocytes, begins to decrease while those that remain actually get larger.  As skin ages it appears thinner, more pale, and translucent.  You may begin to see pigmented spots produced by those remaining larger cells, often called age spots, liver spots or lentigos, begin to appear in sun-exposed areas. As the underlying connective tissue begins to change you will begin to notice a reduction in the skin’s strength and elasticity, which is especially pronounced in those sun-exposed areas.  This process is called elastosis.  I’m sure you have seen individuals with that weather-beaten appearance, a look common to farmers, sailors, and those who spend extended time outdoors. It is estimated that about 90% of all older people have some type of skin disorder.  It is so common among older people that it is often difficult to tell the difference in normal changes from those related to a disorder. The skin disorders may be caused by many conditions:

1. Blood vessel diseases like hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis)
2. Diabetes
3. Heart disease
4. Nutritional deficiencies
5. Obesity
6. Reactions to medications
7. Stress
8. Allergies
9. Climate & indoor heating
10. Sun exposure

Now you have a picture of the normal changes that skin goes through due to aging.  We have many tools that we can use to allow our skin to age gracefully, but you need to start early.  If you have not paid much attention to your skin, then let this be the catalyst to get you started.  Here is some good advice:

• Prevent sunburn.
• Use a good quality sunscreen, even in the winter.
• Wear protective clothing and hats as necessary.
• Keep your body hydrated.
• Keep your skin moist with moisturizers and lotions.
• Eat a healthy diet.

Oil For Your Skin Think you know everything about oil?   Here are some oil facts:

• Tea Tree Oil is the oil most often used to treat acne.
• Sebum is an oily substance that is naturally produced to hydrate skin and hair.  Jojoba is an oil that most resembles sebum.
• Olive, Coconut and Grape Seed oils can all be used as carrier oils. (Oils that can be mixed with other ingredients.)
• Argan Oil is referred to as the “miracle” oil for its anti-aging properties.
• The oil that is so versatile that it can be used to remove makeup, calm frizzy hair, moisturize skin and many more beauty uses is Coconut Oil.
• Tea Tree Oil has many health uses, but if ingested it can actually be toxic.

Sandi’s Q & A Q:  My eyebrows are starting to look thin and gray.  What can I do without putting dye on them or using a pencil? A:  It’s all part of aging, yet there are things you can do to keep your brows from aging you.  Try using a brow powder to fill any holes.  There are also now special products that have polymer fibers that, when applied, appear more natural, like hair.  The end of the brow has an effect on the arch and is necessary for defining brows and your eyes.  Those gray hairs can be nicely camouflaged with a tinted brow gel. Q:  Often, when I am trying to get ready for work, I am in a hurry and I mess up my mascara.  What is the best way to fix that without ruining my entire makeup? A:  Don’t try to remove the blunder while it’s wet since that will only smudge it.  After it is dry, use a foam makeup wedge and gently rub it on the area.  The dried mascara should flake right off. Q:  I don’t seem to be able to keep a steady hand when I am applying eyeliner for a cat eye look.  How can I fix my mistake without such a mess? A:   It can be challenging to make a smooth line without making a mistake.  Use a pointed Q-tip dipped in an oil-free eye makeup remover.  There are also makeup remover pens designed specifically to help with this job. Q:  I have Latino skin and lots of acne.  What are the best acne fighters that I can use? A:  There are 4 essential acne-fighters you should have.  Keep in mind that you must begin treatment quickly to decrease the risk of developing dark spots.

1. Salicylic Acid – a Beta-hydroxy acid used to exfoliate dead skin cells and remove excess oil.
2. Glycolic / Lactic Acid – does the same as Salicylic Acid yet it is helpful for dry and sensitive skin.
3. Sulfur – Kills acne-causing bacteria and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
4. Benzoyl Peroxide – decreases red, angry acne as it kills acne-causing bacteria.  You must use a moisturizer as it is very drying and can cause discoloration.  This works well for spot treating eruptions.

Q:  There are many nights that I get home late and I fall asleep with my makeup on.  Is it really going to cause me problems, or is it protecting my skin through the night? A:  Sleeping with makeup on not only ages your skin it also clogs your pores and does not allow your clean skin to breathe and restore.  A good practice is to cleanse your skin before bedtime and apply a quality moisturizer.  For those rare occasions when you are skipping a thorough cleansing use makeup remover sheets that you can keep by your bed. If you would like to submit a skin care question for review and possibly being featured in a future edition of Sandi’s Skin Talk, email me at:  handsofki@yahoo.com  Views:]]>