What to do when-
your skin has its own chronological age which may or may not coincide with your real age. Determined first of all by the genes you inherit, it is also affected by your lifestyle, your state of health and of course how much sun exposure you have had over the years. Too much sun combined with years of hard living, for example can add 10 or 12 years on to the life of your skin. Common sense and a careful skin care routine, on the other hand, can subtract them. But it means starting early, preferably in childhood.
CHILDHOOD- Children may have a good, clear, glowing skin but they are not often born with it. A surprisingly high percentage of babies show signs of jaundice at birth. Although the yellowish discoloration of the skin, which can extend to the whites of the eyes and the inside of the mouth looks alarming, the condition usually resolves itself and should give no cause for real concern. The same applies to any small spots or pimples on the face, which result from the continued presence of the mother’s hormones in the baby’s blood. Infantile acne, which usually appears at three to four months and can last for up to two years is more serious as it may be an indication of some hormonal disturbance. This is also the time for infectious diseases such as chicken pox and measles, so be on the lookout for any untoward changes in the skin which might be an indication
TEENS- Acne, accompanied by oily, shiny skin and greasy hair is a major teenage problem, which affects boys and girls alike. Fortunately much can be done to improve acne. So if it does not respond to the use of lotions and scrupulous cleansing, do not wait for miracles, go to your doctor, who may either treat you himself or refer you to a dermatologist. Most cases of acne can now be treated with the tetracycline groups of antibiotics, but not expect immediate results, for it can take three months and some times much more before you see an improvement. It is also essential to observe scrupulous hygiene. If you have acne or a tendency towards oiliness, wash the skin twice daily and use sunscreen. Avoid crash dieting for the sake of your skin. A subcutaneous layer of fat beneath the dermis gives the skin its springy texture and literally moulds the softer contours of the face.
TWENTIES- It is time when your hormone level are still high and when your oil and sweet glands may be even more active than they were in your teens. Acne and oily skin may continue into your twenties or they may disappear as your hormone level settle and your skin becomes less sensitive to them. Alternatively acne may appear for the first time. Unlike teenage acne which is inflammatory and red and extends over cheeks, chin and forehead, ‘twenties acne’ tends to take the form of small, scaly red spots around the mouth and on the chin. Use conventional acne treatment and avoid the use of steroid creams which may only aggravate the problem.
THIRTIES- You may have already noticed some early signs of ageing. Fine lines around the corners of the eyes caused by sun exposure, squinting and the everyday movement of the muscles beneath the skin are usually the first to appear as the skin is thinner here and sebaceous glands fewer than anywhere else on the body. These are followed by ‘smile lines’, running from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth, and frown lines running down the center of the forehead. Dryness of the skin can accentuate wrinkles although it will not actually cause them, so use a good moisturizer to keep the skin soft and supple and to encourage it to retain as much of its own moisture as possible.
FORTIES- By now the hormonally responsive sebaceous glands begin to shrink in size and to produce less oil, with the result that your skin may become dry and prone to flaking. Everything you put on to the skin now whether cleanser, sunscreen or make-up should put something back. Use a clear glycerin or ‘super fatted’ soap or switch to a cream cleanser and cotton wool. Choose sunscreen that will also moisturize the skin and use a ‘hydrating’ foundation.
FIFTIES AND BEYOND- There is no reason why, at 50 or over your skin should not be soft and supple and your hair shining and healthy. Exfoliation is more important than ever in order to ensure the skin texture remains smooth and glowing. Because the skin is drier and more delicate use only the mildest of lotions and bypass the more abrasive techniques. Finally bathe, like Cleopatra in a warm bath to which you have added a glass of milk-a natural water in oil emulsion- mixed with a capful of oil. Follow with a good after bath oil. If your skin feels dry and itchy (a condition known as ‘winter itch’), bathe less often and when you do, try adding oatmeal to the bath water and use more oil. You should find that the itching disappears if the skin is protected and moisturized well. |
