December 2nd, 2009Treating Aging Skin Requires a Gentle Approach
Author: Andrea Marshallbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
br
Treating aging skin requires a gentle approach that includes appropriate cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients that meet the skins nutritional requirements. Many people do not think of the skins health, as they do the function of the interior organs. They take nutritional supplements and avoid foods that are bad for their health, but they rarely read the list of ingredients on their skincare products. Thats a big mistake.
Although composed of different proteins and other elements, the skins cells are very much like the other cells of the body. They need nutrients to function. The skin is unique and vital to the health of the internal body, providing our first line of defense against illness, injury and future damage.
Some of the skins cells produce melanin, the substance that causes cellular pigmentation. These deeply pigmented cells protect the deeper layers from the suns UV rays. The sebaceous glands, located in the deeper dermal layers, secrete sebum, which acts to lubricate, moisturize and also has some antibacterial activity.
But, the skins biggest role is as a barrier to foreign objects and disease-causing pathogens. The steps that we take in treating aging skin can either support or detract from the skins performance, depending on the ingredients in the solutions that we use.
Another of the skins function is temperature regulation. One of the ways that it cools the body is through perspiration. Perspiring also removes toxins from the pores and waste products from within the body. When we use substances that clog the pores, such as petrolatum, mineral oil and petroleum-based waxes, they interfere with the process, causing blemishes.
When we use products that contain petroleum-based alcohols, such as ethyl, methyl, methanol or ethanol, we disrupt the skins natural pH level, making it more susceptible to disease and infection, which, of course can spread throughout the body. This is true, regardless of your age, but when treating aging skin, they are particularly problematic, as they can cause heavily pigmented areas, commonly known as age spots.
So, if you want to reduce wrinkles, improve firmness and have softer younger looking skin, you need to avoid those ingredients. The best solutions for treating aging skin include ingredients that stimulate the production of new cells, fight free radical damage, reduce age spots, increase thickness and increase firmness. There should be no added fragrances, artificial colors or preservatives, because they are toxins and common allergens.
Some of the ingredients to look for include grape seed oil, wakame kelp extracts, coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E, palm oil, Shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba, olive extracts and manuka honey. Manuka, alone, can have a dramatic anti-aging effect, because of its antioxidant and antibacterial activity. But, it works best when accompanied by ingredients that work in synergy with it.
Shea butter can transform the skins appearance in as little as four to six weeks, but its a better choice for a night-cream. Other ingredients are better for treating aging skin during the daytime. Nourish your skin 24 hours a day and enjoy a new you.
br
br
pAndrea Marshall is a researcher of skin care and health supplement products. Visit her site now at a target=_new href=http://www.healthy-solutions-source.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.healthy-solutions-source.com/a to get the facts on how to choose the best products for your youthful and healthy life./pbr
br