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Smooth Moves--Practical Advice For Healthier Skin by Larry Denton
If there was one good reason for a wish to return to
childhood, it might be to recapture the beautiful, blisfully aromatic, smooth
skin we all had as babies. Sadly, we don't grow younger and our skin does not
stay clear and smooth. Puberty hits and we suffer from acne. Then the natural
aging process kicks in and produces lines, wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation
problems, broken capillaries, dull skin and various other skin flaws. Skin care
is essential for all of us, no matter our age, gender, race, or pigmentation.
Whether you have dry skin, oily skin or a combination complexion, and whether
you are a teen concerned about acne or an aging senior troubled by varicose
veins, it is vitally important to give adequate attention to your body's largest
organ--your skin. Providing much needed protection for your muscles, nerves,
bones and internal organs, these fragile skin layers are often over-looked when
we consider the health of our bodies.
We have all seen and heard the ads: "Wash your wrinkles away"; "Face lift in a
bottle"; "Tone and firm your sagging skin." Americans spend billions of dollars
each year on skin care products that promise to erase wrinkles, cure acne,
lighten age spots, tighten the skin, reduce varicose veins, and eliminate
itching and flaking.
The single major cause of skin changes, we think of as aging, is sunlight! The
immediate effects of harmful sun rays--sunburn, rashes and cell damage--are bad
enough. But medical experts now tell us that too much exposure to sunlight
during childhood and adolescence is a primary cause of skin cancer and premature
skin aging later in life. Health experts also believe that the ultraviolet(UV)
light may weaken the immune system which allows dangerous diseases to develop
within our bodies.
It's never too late to save your skin--or your children's--from the damaging
rays of the sun. Using the proper water-resistant sunscreen, wearing
sun-protective clothing (particularly a hat), and wearing quality sunglasses can
all help protect your fragile and delicate skin cells. Apply sunscreen
liberally, at least a large handful, about 30 minutes before going outside. In
addition, try to keep teenagers away from the tanning salons. Like the sun,
tanning devices can damage skin and eyes.
Over time, the sun's UV light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. The
breakdown of these fibers reduces the ability of the skin to snap back after
stretching. As a result, skin sags, droops and wrinkles form. Cigarette smoking
also contributes to wrinkles. The reason is not yet clear, but it is believed
that smoking also damages the elastin.
Good skin care is a daily process from both inside and outside the body. Even if
you have the best skin care routine in the world, it's still possible to have
skin problems if you're eating a great deal of unhealthy food. While chocolate
and French fries do not directly cause acne, they are unhealthy for your entire
body and therefore unhealthy for your skin.
Most skin care involves certain basic daily steps: washing, toning and
moisturizing. Yes, there are a multitude of fancy and more costly techniques
like exfoliation and masks, but they're not needed every day. A place to find
great advice about skin care for your particular concerns is to stop in a beauty
store and find a qualified and interested esthetician. Skin care should be a
pleasant and relaxing experience, not a boring routine that you grudgingly
endure each bedtime. Serious skin care is about prevention, not just treatment.
Whether you are looking for anti-wrinkle products, acne treatment, something to
lighten your age spots, or make your skin more resilient, one important
tip--there is no single product or program that is right for every person. When
dealing with skin care, as with most other forms of human endeavors, there is no
"one-size-fits all" solution. But with diligent research, a basic skin care
routine, exercise and proper diet, your skin will serve you well for years to
come.
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business dedicated to providing valuable information and resources on a variety of topics. For a spa full of additional information and valuable resources about skin care, visit http://www.SkinCareSyle.com
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