The importance of healthy skin is more than the reference to “skin deep.” The skin is the first line of defense against disease and infection, and it also protects the internal organs from injury. The skin is the largest organ in the body, regulating body temperature, preventing excess fluid loss and helping the body remove excess salt and water.Aging skin is the result of two separate processes. Genetically programmed (or chronological) aging causes biomechanical changes in collagen and elastin, which affect the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Genetic programming for each individual is different; therefore, the loss of firmness in the skin and elasticity occur at different rates and times in each individual. In addition, gravity is at work, pulling at the skin, which causes it to sag, most noticeably around the face, neck and upper arms.Simultaneous with genetic or chronological aging, photo aging occurs. Photo aging is the effect of sun exposure and cigarette smoke on the skin. Photo aging interacts with the chronological aging process, hastening the process. Photo aging may be responsible for the majority of age-associated changes in the skin, such as uneven skin tone, roughness, wrinkles, dryness and age spots.Chronic sun exposure is a major risk factor in the development of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Current estimates predict that 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once.To avoid damage from sun exposure that results in premature aging and skin cancer, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The most important thing one can do to protect skin is to wear sun block every day. If you don’t wear makeup with a sunscreen in it, a sun block formulated for the face so that it does not block the pores is extremely important. Apply sun block every morning to all regularly exposed areas, especially the face, neck and hands. When involved in high-sun-risk activities like skiing, water sports and high-altitude activities, sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas and reapplied several times throughout the day. It is helpful to limit sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense. Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies or winter temperatures. Harmful rays from the sun pass through clouds, especially in Colorado’s higher elevations.In addition to the increased risk of skin cancer and the visible signs of aging, photo aging reduces the capacity of the skin to moisturize itself, which causes dryness. Dry skin is one of the major causes of itchiness because the main function of skin is to act as a barrier to the outside – dry skin is a less effective barrier. In the winter, skin is drier, and soap, water and heat will irritate the small-nerve endings in the skin. Frequent showers and hot baths, as well as the chemicals in soaps, antiperspirants and perfumes will make the dryness worse. Low-humidity environments, air conditioning and furnaces create drier skin. And the loss of sweat and oil glands caused by aging contributes to dry skin.The high altitude combined with the dry climate in Colorado is a challenge to maintaining healthy skin. Fortunately, there are products available to minimize the photo-aging process. Three antioxidants are proven to decrease the effects of the sun on skin and prevent further damage: selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C. The antioxidants help the skin fight the damaging free radicals that are produced by sunlight, smoking and pollution.Alpha hydroxy acids also help by peeling away dead-surface skin cells. However, the use of AHA products should be used in conjunction with sunscreen, as they can increase sun sensitivity.Proper product selection for one’s skin type can enhance the skin’s health and appearance. A skin-care program should cleanse, exfoliate, freshen, moisturize and protect the skin. Proper technique when applying the products will increase the effectiveness and lessen the effects of gravity on the skin.Stacy Rummel is a Mary Kay Independent Sales Director. She can be reached at 495-4819.
