Skin and Skin Care

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2 Foreword .................................................................................................................................................... 3 Skin The Window to your Well Being ....................................................................................... 5 What is your Skin? ................................................................................................................................. 6 General Facts ....................................................................................................................................... 6 The Epidermis ..................................................................................................................................... 6 The Dermis ........................................................................................................................................... 7 Subcutaneous Tissue ....................................................................................................................... 8 How Skin Changes over Time ........................................................................................................... 9 Environment and the Skin .............................................................................................................. 11 Natural Marks and Blemishes ....................................................................................................... 12 Acne ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 Freckles ............................................................................................................................................... 12 Moles .................................................................................................................................................... 13 Birth Marks........................................................................................................................................ 14 A Healthier Way to a Better Skin ................................................................................................. 16 Quit Smoking! ................................................................................................................................... 16 Watch what you Eat ...................................................................................................................... 17 Beware the Sun................................................................................................................................ 17 Exercise ............................................................................................................................................... 17 Chill Out: Reduce Your Stress ................................................................................................... 18 Skin and the World of Cosmetics ................................................................................................. 19 Skin and the World of Cosmetic Treatments ......................................................................... 20 Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) ............................................................................................. 20 Facelift ................................................................................................................................................. 20 Botox Injections (Botulinum Toxin)...................................................................................... 20 Dermal Fillers................................................................................................................................... 21 Microdermabrasion....................................................................................................................... 21 Photoderm (IPL) ............................................................................................................................. 21 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 22

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Foreword
I would firstly like to thank you for taking the time to read this eBook. As always any eBooks that I write are free and I am more than happy for you to distribute this freely amongst family and friends as long as it remains in its current format. While I am unlikely to win an award for literature I do get pleasure knowing that people have read and enjoyed my efforts! This eBook is about skin and skin care. While this used to be the domain of the fairer sex it is now becoming part of the grooming routine for men as well. Despite any global recession this market is still growing and will continue to grow and grow. We all want to look younger or better and I guess that as we are starting to live longer this trend will continue. Dr Aubrey de Grey says the first person to live to 150 years old has already been born and that he believes the first person to live to 1,000 will be born within the next 20 years! While I would like to live to 150, I am not sure I would want to look 150! Hence, the research that drove me to compile this eBook. The three biggest markets on the Internet are health, wealth and lifestyle. Lets face it, we all want to be healthier and better looking, richer and with more time off to do the things that we enjoy. This has led to a huge number of people telling you how to fulfill these dreams at a price. How much are you willing to pay? (Dont panic, Im not asking for money). How much are you paying for the anti-wrinkle cream? How much are you spending on make-up? How much to hydrate? How much to cleanse? Tens of dollars a year? Hundreds of dollars a year? This is where I have a problem! Unscrupulous people on the internet are too ready to exploit the fact that we all spend a lot of money trying to look younger. So we see the adverts online Spending hundreds of dollars a year moisturizing? This simple secret for only $99 means you will never need to moisturize again! I do have a problem when people sell a supposed secret or hidden insider knowledge that is purely rubbish. I dont know about you but I am not wealthy and work hard for my money so dislike paying out for junk and then feeling defrauded. Now, dont get me wrong here, I have nothing against people spending valuable time researching and then charging people for this information. I have no problem where people who are experts in related subjects share knowledge for a fee BUT (there is always a but): Charges should be reasonable. The amount of work or the value of the item sold should be reflected in the price. Sales should be targeted If it doesnt work if there are acne scars or if you have freckles then say so before they pay for it! Page 3 www.balancedadvice.com

State what is obtainable Your wrinkles will magically disappear and fine lines may be reduced are completely different statements. Longevity Dont sell me a secret formula for $500 if I need to spend another $500 every week without telling me first!

I try to combat these issues in two ways, firstly via an eBook which will helpfully educate and inform on a topic and secondly via my website www.balancedadvice.com where I have set up links covering a variety of topics. If you found this eBook useful and informative then please visit my website. If any topics do interest you then please subscribe and I will periodically send you useful articles, eBooks, product reviews and any other information I think you may find helpful. If you wish to subscribe please do it for each topic in which you have an interest. I could set up one subscription but if I have 20 topics running and you are only interested in one then I dont want to send you 19 junk emails for everyone one you have an interest in. I would also like to reassure you that I will not sell on your details either.

To close I make a request from you. To improve my eBooks and emails I need feedback. If you like or dislike something in the emails or eBooks then let me know, if you have used a product and think it is good or bad let me know, if you want me to spend my money to test a product rather than waste your again let me know. Many thanks, Nick theteam@balancedadvice.com

PS. Should any of you think you have wasted money on a product bought on the net the worst story I have heard is a lady who spent $99 on a tip to look 10 years younger. She received an email telling her to drink half a pint of her own urine once a week!

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Skin The Window to your Well Being YOUR SKIN IS A MARKER OF YOUR GENERAL HEALTH!
How is that for an opening statement? You do know this; you may not have known or appreciated it but you do. How many times have you said or heard said that someone looks pale or looks under the weather? Someone looks green? Even a layman can tell if someone is tired or just doesnt look 100%. To a doctor this is even more telling as to the state of our general health such as lungs, heart cardiovascular system, bowels and on and on. By the time we have gone from the door at the doctors office to the chair they will already have an indication as to how we are. Likewise it is also a marker of your environment. What happens if we are cold? What happens if we are hot? Our skin is part of the bodies system which adapts to either cool us down or retain heat. As we move through the chapters of this book we will look at these points in further detail.

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What is your Skin?

Now we reach the technical part. I have drawn from many sources for this and have aimed to make it easier to read while retaining accuracy. A lot of adverts for skin products use some of these terms, look out for them and see if they are what you thought they were.

General Facts
Our skin consists of three main layers which are the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The skin is the largest organ in the body, comprising about 12-20% of the body weight with a total surface area in an adult of 12 to 20 square feet. Our skin is made up of about 70% water, 25% protein and 2% lipids (molecules including fat, oil, waxes etc). The remaining parts are trace minerals etc.

Figure 1 - Cutaway diagram of the skin

The Epidermis
The epidermis is the top (or outer) layer of the skin and is the barrier between you and the outside world. The epidermis consists of three types of cells keratinocytes, melanocytes and Langerhans cells. Keratinocytes, the cells that make the protein keratin, are the predominant type of cells in the epidermis.

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The total thickness of the epidermis is usually about 0.5 - 1 mm. At the lowermost part of the epidermis are newly produced, rapidly dividing keratinocytes. As they mature, keratinocytes lose water, flatten out and move upward in the skin. Eventually, at the end of their life cycle, they reach the uppermost layer of the epidermis called stratum corneum. The stratum corneum consists mainly of dead keratinocytes, hardened proteins (keratin) and lipids, forming a protective crust. Dead cells from stratum corneum continuously fall off and are replaced by new ones coming from below and the skin completely renews itself every 3 - 5 weeks. It is estimated that teenagers lose around 40,000 skin cells per minute! Most skin peels and scrubs work by partly removing the stratum corneum and thereby speeding up skin renewal. Another significant group of cells in the epidermis are melanocytes, the cells producing melanin, the pigment responsible for skin tone and color. Finally, Langerhans cells are essentially a leading defence for the immune system in the epidermis. They prevent unwanted foreign substances from penetrating the skin. The condition of epidermis determines how "fresh" your skin looks and also how well your skin absorbs and holds moisture. Wrinkles, however, are formed in lower layers.

The Dermis
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin located between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. It is the thickest of the skin layers and comprises a tight, sturdy mesh of collagen and elastin fibers. Both collagen and elastin are critically important skin proteins with collagen responsible for the structural support and elastin for the resilience of the skin. The key types of cells in the dermis are fibroblasts, which synthesize collagen, elastin and other structural molecules. The proper function of fibroblasts is highly important for overall skin health. The dermis also contains capillaries (tiny blood vessels) and lymph nodes (depots of immune cells). Capillaries are important for oxygenating and nourishing the skin and lymph nodes help to protect it from invading microorganisms. Finally, the dermis contains sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair follicles as well as a relatively small number of nerve and muscle cells. Sebaceous glands, located around hair follicles, are of particular importance for skin health as they produce sebum, an oily protective substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. When sebaceous gland produce too little sebum, as is common in older people, the skin becomes excessively dry and more Page 7 www.balancedadvice.com

prone to wrinkling. Conversely, overproduction or improper composition of sebum, as is common in adolescents, often leads to acne. The dermis is the layer responsible for the skin's structural integrity, elasticity and resilience. Wrinkles arise and develop in the dermis therefore, an antiwrinkle treatment has a chance to succeed only if it can reach as deep as the dermis. Typical collagen and elastin creams never reach the dermis because collagen and elastin molecules are too large to penetrate the epidermis (the molecules cant get out so how would they get in)? Hence, contrary to what some manufacturers of such creams might imply, these creams have little effect on skin wrinkles.

Subcutaneous Tissue
Subcutaneous tissue is the innermost layer of the skin located under the dermis and consisting mainly of fat. The predominant type of cells in the subcutaneous tissue is adipocytes (fat cells). Subcutaneous fat acts as a shock absorber and heat insulator, protecting underlying tissues from cold and physical trauma. Interestingly, most mammals lack subcutaneous tissue because their fur serves as a shock absorber and heat insulator. Sweat glands and minute muscles attached to hair follicles originate in subcutaneous tissue. The loss of subcutaneous tissue, often occurring with age, leads to facial sag and accentuates wrinkles. We will review procedures to help later in this eBook.

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How Skin Changes over Time

The biggest change to our skin as we age is the loss of elasticity. To see this loss here is a quick test to carry out, get three people together with differences of 20-25 years between them. Take a pinch of skin on the back of the hand of each (a gentle pinch, the inflicting of pain has no place in this experiment) then release it. Typically someone under 30 years of age will have the skin spring back smoothly faster than the eye can see. As you am more toward the 50 year old group the skin will return to shape but can be visibly seen moving. The same pinch in someone in their 70s or above will not only return to shape more slowly but a visible ridge can remain for several seconds. This loss of elasticity is mainly caused by a loss of collagen and elastin, which in turn leads to wrinkles. The skin will start to sag over time too due in part to loss of elasticity, but also to the natural pull of gravity on the skin over the course of a lifetime. As we get older, the epidermis loses lipids (fatty substances) that keep skin moisturized, further contributing to the wrinkle problem Skin becomes thinner as we age (almost transparent in some cases) and loses a lot of the underlying fat layer that keeps young skin smooth and supple. You will also experience a loss of oil and sweat glands over time, which contributes to dry skin and makes it harder to cool off on a hot day. Skins complexion and texture can change over time as well. The most familiar sign of aging skin is the appearance of age spots, also known as liver spots, which are flat areas of dark pigmentation that often appear on the face, chest, hands, arms and shoulders. All those areas most exposed to the sun. They are caused by the production of excess melanin in the skin, a direct result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Another way in which skin changes as we age is in its rate of renewal. Skin regenerates very fast in children, but the rate at which it renews gradually slows with age. Skin will always continue to regenerate but in very old people's skin it does so very slowly. This is why older people experience a slower rate of healing when their skin is injured or infected. In fact, it may take an older adult's skin two to three times longer to heal than a younger adult's skin would. Age isn't the only biological factor that determines risk or rate of skin changes over time. Ethnicity may also play a role as, for example, premature aging due to sun damage is less pronounced in people with darker skin.

Although not strictly due to aging there is another issue with the elasticity of the skin, the dreaded stretch marks.

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Stretch marks are typically associated with the abdomen during pregnancy but can also occur with excessive weight gain or during puberty. Although most common in women (excluding pregnancy obviously) they can also occur in men. Stretch marks occur in the middle layer of skin (the dermis) when the skin is stretched considerably over a short period of time. The rapid stretching causes the dermis to break in places and allow the deeper layers of the skin to show through, forming stretch marks. When they first occur stretch marks are usually a vivid red/purple. Although they will never go they will fade over time.

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Environment and the Skin

There are many external factors that can have a negative effect your skin but the two which stand out as the most profound are sun exposure and smoking. Sunlight emits three types of radiation which we are probably all familiar with which are UVA, UVB and UVC rays. UVC rays are the most dangerous but the ozone layer does a good job of blocking them. We do need to worry about UVA and UVB though as both of which play a role in premature aging and skin cancer. To prevent these conditions, be sure to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Note: The SPF of a sunscreen does not refer to an amount of sun protection, it's an indication of how long after applying the sunscreen the sun will take to burn your skin. For example, using an SPF of 15, it will take 15 times longer for the sun to burn your skin than if no sunscreen were applied. Ultimately, it's just best to minimize your exposure to sunlight. Try to stay in the shade during the hottest part of each day, wear protective clothing and hats whenever possible, and use sunscreen daily. Remember that older skin is more vulnerable to the effects of sun than younger skin, so an SPF of at least 30 should be used. Smoking accelerates the aging process and causes skin to wrinkle prematurely. Smoking effects are not limited to the face but is associated with skin damage all over the body. The main cause is the nicotine in tobacco, which restricts blood flow to the skin, causing it to be oxygen starved and more prone to pruning and wrinkling. But smoking increases the risk of wrinkles in other ways as well, such as through the effects of chronic heat exposure to the face and the repeated flexing of certain facial muscles used to inhale and exhale smoke. The result is often a discolored and pinched effect. If you want to keep your skin healthy for as long as possible, don't smoke.

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Natural Marks and Blemishes

There are a whole host of marks and blemishes that we can have on our skin and as this isnt supposed to be a reference book or encyclopedia I will focus on the more common.

Acne
Probably the most common skin condition is acne, if we havent had it we will know someone who has! Acne affects most people at some point. It causes spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, back and chest. The spots can range from blackheads and whiteheads which are often mild, to inflamed pus-filled pustules and cysts, which can be severe and long lasting and can lead to scarring. It is thought that acne is linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty. Glands in the skin begin to produce excessive amounts of an oily substance known as sebum which blocks small holes in the skin through which hairs grow (hair follicles), causing blackheads and whiteheads. Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then infect a blocked follicle, causing pus-filled papules or cysts. Acne is known to run in families. If both your mother and father had acne, it is likely that you will also have acne. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women.

Freckles
The most common marks we have on our skin are freckles and most people have some, somewhere. Freckles are not harmful or the sign of a health problem, they're just pigment cells (cells that contain color) that are contained within the skin in small batches. Freckles are usually tan or light brown, flat, and very small although sometimes they overlap and run together so they may look larger. Being outside in the sun may help cause freckles or make them darker. People, especially kids, who have fair complexions (that means their skin and eyes are light in color). People with light complexions have less melanin in their skin. Melanin is a chemical produced by certain skin cells (called melanocytes) which helps protect the skin from sun damage by reflecting and absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays. The more melanin you have in your skin, the more you will tan! People with fair skin have less melanin in their skin to begin with, but some of their melanocytes make more melanin when exposed to the sun. So instead of easily getting an even suntan, they sometimes get freckles. Page 12 www.balancedadvice.com

Some peoples freckles fade away almost completely in the winter and return in the summer. Other people's freckles don't change much with or without the sun and can be seen year-round. Freckles also tend to fade as people get older. Whether you're freckled or not, make sure you wear sunscreen and follow other sun-safety rules.

Moles
Moles, also known as melanocytic naevi, are small skin lesions that are usually brown. They are a collection of cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment (colour) in your skin. Moles are usually a brownish colour, although some may be darker or skincoloured. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough and some have hair growing from them. Moles are usually circular or oval with a smooth edge. Moles can change in number and appearance. Some moles fade away or fall off over time, often without you realising. They also sometimes respond to hormonal changes, for example during: pregnancy: when they may get slightly darker the teenage years: when they increase in number older age: when they may disappear from 40 to 50 years of age onwards

Some moles, known as congenital melanocytic naevi, are present at birth. However, most moles develop during the first 30 years. These are called acquired melanocytic naevi. People with fair skin often have more moles than people with darker skin. Most moles have a genetic cause and are inherited. This is often the case with people who have a lot of moles. Where you were brought up may also make a difference. For example, if you have been in the sun a lot for many years you may have an increased number of small moles. People who spend a considerable amount of time in the sun often develop brown marks on their skin, especially the face and arms. These tend to be sun spots or solar lentigines and appear later on in life. Severe sunburns on the shoulders, for example, may also cause some sun spots which are not moles. Most moles are harmless, but in a few rare cases they can develop into malignant melanoma, which is an aggressive form of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The cause of melanoma is complex and is usually explained by a mix of genetic factors and the environment, mainly exposure to the sun. However, many melanomas are not caused by excessive sunbathing and may occur on parts of the body that have not been exposed to much sun.

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Malignant melanoma can appear anywhere on the body. It may be a dark, fastgrowing spot where there was not one before, or a pre-existing mole that changes size, shape or colour and bleeds, itches or reddens. However, the bleeding, crusting and itching are late signs and ideally melanoma should be diagnosed earlier. Itching is also not a very specific sign, as benign (noncancerous) moles may itch occasionally. You should check all your moles every few months for any changes. A change in a mole may occur in weeks but in some moles it may occur in months.

Birth Marks
Birthmarks are coloured marks that are visible on the skin. They are often present at birth or develop soon afterwards. There are several different types of birthmark and some of them are very common. The two main types of birthmark are: vascular birthmarks (often red, pink or purple) caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skin pigmented birthmarks (usually brown) caused by clusters of pigment cells

Vascular birthmarks usually occur in the head and neck area, mainly on the face. However, both types of birthmark can appear anywhere, including inside the body. If surface blood vessels are affected, a vascular birthmark will appear red, purple or pink. If the affected vessels are deep, the birthmark will appear blue. Pigmented birthmarks are tan or brown coloured skin marks. Some of the most common types of vascular birthmarks are described below: Salmon patch (stork mark) red or pink flat patches that can appear on a babys eyelids, neck or forehead at birth. They are the most common type of vascular birthmark and occur in around half of all babies. Most will fade away within a few months but salmon patches on the forehead may take up to four years to disappear. Patches on the back of the neck often last. They are often more noticeable when a baby cries. Infantile haemangioma a raised mark on the skin that is usually red and can appear anywhere on the body. These are also known as strawberry marks. Sometimes, they are deeper in the skin, in which case the skin can look blue or purple. Haemangiomas are also common, especially in girls, and affect around 5% of babies soon after birth. They increase in size rapidly for the first six months but will eventually shrink and disappear by around seven years of age. Very bulky haemangiomas, those that rapidly increase in size and those that get in the way of vision or feeding may need treatment.

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Port wine stain red or purple flat marks that affect around 0.3% of newborn babies. They can vary in size, from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. Port wine stains often occur on one side of the body and usually appear on the face, chest and back, although they can appear anywhere. Port wine stains tend to be sensitive to hormones and may become more noticeable around puberty, pregnancy and the menopause. Most are permanent and may deepen in colour over time.

Some of the most common types of pigmented birthmarks are described below.: Caf-au-lait spots coffee-coloured skin patches. Many children have one or two of these, but if more than six have developed by the time the child is five, see your GP as it could be a sign of neurofibromatosis. Mongolian spots blue-grey or bruised-looking birthmarks which are present at birth. They are more commonly seen in darker-skinned people and usually appear over the lower back or buttocks, but can also appear elsewhere on the body or limbs. They may last for months or years, but usually disappear by the age of four. They are completely harmless and do not need treatment. They may be mistaken for a bruise. Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) also known as congenital moles. These are relatively large brown or black moles that are present at birth. They are fairly common and are caused by an overgrowth of pigment cells in the skin. Most CMN become proportionally smaller and less obvious with time, although they may darken during puberty or become bumpy or hairy. They can range in size from less than 1.5cm to more than 20cm in diameter. The risk of CMN developing into skin cancer is low, but this risk increases with the size of the CMN.

It is not understood exactly why birthmarks occur, but they are not usually inherited. Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skin, while clusters of pigment cells cause pigmented birthmarks. It is thought that port wine stains occur because the nerves that control the widening or narrowing of the capillaries (tiny blood vessels) do not function properly, or there are not enough of them. This means that blood is constantly supplied to the skin in that area, which makes it permanently red or purple in colour. Port wine stains are sometimes related to other conditions, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Most birthmarks are harmless and do not need to be treated. Some types of birthmark will fade over time whereas other types, such as port wine stains, are permanent if they are not treated. In some cases, a birthmark will need to be treated for medical reasons, for example if a haemangioma blocks the airways, affects vision or becomes ulcerated.

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A Healthier Way to a Better Skin

If you have read this far rather than just jumped to this page then you will have a better understanding of what the skin is, how it works and what is good and bad for it. If you are at this stage than this chapter will contain few shocks. The recommendations here will require changes of lifestyle for some if they want to keep looking younger, with clearer better skin for longer. The typical ideal for so many teenagers seems to include smoking, sun bathing or sun beds and partying sadly they may look good now while the skin is young but will pay as time goes by. Some of these recommendations are based on solid fact; others are simply based on inconclusive, yet promising findings. They are, however, some tried and true (and scientifically supported) techniques to stave off both the appearance and the symptoms of aging. What follows are five easy methods you can try to stay young and healthy longer.

Quit Smoking!
One of the best things you can do for your skin may also be the hardest, quit smoking. If you've never held a cigarette to your face or quit years ago, good for you! You can head to the next section. If you smoke even a few a day, though, here are some reasons you should quit, as far as skin care goes. Smoking has serious effects on the appearance of the skin in a number of ways. The smoke itself comes in contact with the skin, causing biochemical changes to skin cells. It damages the collagen and elastin found in the dermal layers, which provide pliability and elasticity to skin tissue. This leads to an acceleration of sagging and wrinkling of the skin. Cigarette smoke also constricts the blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, which slows cellular production and growth. As if that weren't enough, even the act of smoking may have an effect on skin's appearance. The pursed lips (from the repeated actions of actually sucking on the cigarette and blowing out of the smoke) and squinted eyes (their own protection from heat and smoke) become the inherent expressions of a smoker and may over time lead to wrinkled and saggy skin. The effects begin to appear quickly. A 2002 study found that smokers as young as 20 years old can display wrinkles under a microscope.

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Watch what you Eat

You are what you eat, the saying goes. This piece of wisdom underscores the body's process of extracting nutrients from food; we get what we put in our bodies, whether it's good or bad. Some foods may actually combat the aging process because of the nutrients they contain. Under the free radical theory of aging, our bodies wear down as the result of cellular destruction by free radicals. These are molecules or atoms with an unattached electron, produced by normal body processes where oxygen is used, which seek to attach itself to another atom. These radicals can attach to a number of different molecules and atoms; if they attach to a cell's mitochondrial DNA damage can occur and the cell may eventually die. Here's where food comes in. Foods containing antioxidants have been shown to neutralize free radicals by stabilizing them. The theory goes that the more antioxidants (like vitamins C and E and beta carotene) that are consumed through food, the less chance free radicals have to damage cellular structures, including skin cells. Studies of the effectiveness of adding antioxidants to stabilize free radicals have come to different conclusions; definitively speaking, the jury's still out. Still, physicians recommend eating a diet rich in antioxidants, such as colourful vegetables and cold-water fish like trout and salmon.

Beware the Sun

We need exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation stimulates production of vitamin A, which, in turn, is used in the production of melatonin, a key neurotransmitter. Without proper melatonin levels, humans may fall into a depressed state. Too much UV radiation can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging by destroying collagen and elastin. The sun's damaging effects on the skin is a specific form of external aging called photo aging. In addition to destroying the collagen found in skin tissue, over time UV radiation lowers the body's ability to produce new collagen to replace what was lost to radiation. There are some sensible ways to ward off sun damage. Dermatologists recommend regularly using a sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher when going out in the sun. Additionally, covering skin with clothing offers substantial protection from UV rays.

Exercise
Perhaps one of the most obvious signs of aging is the stooped posture and trembling limbs of the elderly. These signs of aging can often be categorized as

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senile sarcopenia. It's the result of a loss of muscle mass, which results from the death of motor neurons that control muscle fibres. When a mass of muscle fibres lose the neuron that controls them, they are left inactive, wither and die. In some cases, other neurons will bind themselves to abandoned muscle fibres. The result is an overloaded neuron that controls muscles with lessened precision. Sarcopenia accounts for sagging skin and wrinkles; as we lose muscle fibres beneath our facial skin, the tissue droops. Studies have shown that sarcopenia can not only be decreased, its effects can even be reversed through resistance weight training. A 2004 Rutgers University study found that 45 minutes of resistance training three times a week for 12 weeks increased muscle fiber by an average of 32 percent and strength by an average of 30 percent.

Chill Out: Reduce Your Stress

Back in 2004, researchers managed to uncover a definitive link between the mind and the body. Unfortunately, it wasn't very good news: Geneticists found that chronic stress shortens the lifespan of cells in the body by affecting telomeres, the ends of chromosomes that allow DNA to successfully replicate itself and form new cells. When these telomeres wear down (as they do naturally over time; the process accelerates when the mind experiences stress), the DNA in the nucleus of a cell can no longer divide. As a result, cells, then tissue, then organs, begin to die. Since stress can lead to a premature shortening of the telomeres found at the ends of chromosomes, reducing the stress in your life is an internal anti-aging technique. Reducing stress also leads to better sleep, which, in turn, reduces the appearance of age, like wrinkles and the bags under the eyes. There are a number of stress reducers in your life that don't require any pills or medical intervention; what could be more natural than exercise? Most physicians recommend taking up an exercise regimen as a fundamental method of reducing stress. Exercise can boost self-confidence, release pleasure-inducing chemicals in the brain and bestow a sense of well-being, all of which combat stress. Practicing positive visualization, learning time management, spending time with friends and family and even improving communication can all lead to decreased stress.

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Skin and the World of Cosmetics

This is an eBook, not a multi-volume encyclopedia so I am going to skim literally over the top of this chapter. I did mention in an earlier chapter that experts say collagen and elastin creams can never reach the dermis because collagen and elastin molecules are too large to penetrate the epidermis. Despite this the manufacturers continue to make, advertise and sell billions of dollars worth of cosmetics annually. How? Two things drive this, firstly we all want to look better and younger and secondly they can make a claim as to how good the product is. Hang on, didnt we mention experts say this cant work? We did. Thats why you will find not find wording which indicates medical trials or studies, in fact these are more often avoided. What you will find is words where XX of YY women agree that.. So, should we not use them? No for 2 reasons, the creams do contain moisturizers and some other beneficial ingredients and if it makes you feel good then go for it!

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Skin and the World of Cosmetic Treatments

Once more this is a massive subject which cannot be done justice in one chapter so I will give you an overview of the most common procedures. The procedures mentioned below offer a mix of cosmetic and surgical procedures. Although cosmetic treatments for the skin are considered part of the aesthetic treatments this will only cover those designed to improve the look of the skin itself. As this is an overview it is not meant to indicate or recommend any particular procedure. I would specifically avoid doing so as a consultation with a professional is mandatory before undergoing any kind of medical procedure. Should you decide to undergo any skin care procedure you should always shop around. Get consultations from several professionals before making a choice. Ask around friends and families, they may know people who have had the procedures and would be able to recommend (or recommend avoiding) certain professionals or places.

Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty reshapes your eyelids and is carried out to remove bagginess and tighten lose skin around the eyelids, but doesn't remove fine wrinkle lines. You will have some swelling and bruising afterward. Sometimes the swelling doesn't go down for a week or two and the bruises usually go away in a week to 10 days. Your vision may be blurry for days after the operation, and you may tear up easily, or have dry eyes.

Facelift
As discussed in previous chapters the skin of your face tends to sag and fold as you age. A facelift stretches the skin up toward the scalp, tightening and smoothing it. After the surgery, you will have swelling and bruising. The bruising fades in about two weeks, but the swelling may last longer. You may also have some numbness in your face, which can last several weeks. You should be able to get back into your normal routine about two weeks after the operation but during the first few days of recovery, you shouldn't do much at all, and you should stay out of the sun.

Botox Injections (Botulinum Toxin)

Commonly referred to as just Botox, the injections are used to smooth frown lines and wrinkles mainly around the eyes. The procedure paralyzes the muscles in the local area, so you will have decreased movement of these muscles. There's no major recovery involved.

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You may have some swelling, bruising, and numbness, but most people just get the injections and go on their way. The results are not permanent however and you need to have repeat injections every three to four months with the interval between repeats increasing the more it is done.

Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, also known as facial fillers, are frequently used for wrinkles, scarring and other skin blemishes or to restore facial volume. They instantly restore volume, erasing lines and wrinkles and the results are immediate. There is no down time for recovery required. As with Botox this can require regular application.

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the dead outermost surface of the skin is partially or completely removed by light abrasion. This is basically professional exfoliation and takes more skin off and is more thorough than the typical exfoliating products you can purchase over the counter. The procedure is often marketed as able to reduce lines, wrinkles, blemishes and some scarring such as acne but bear in mind it is only treating the dermis so anything other than superficial will not benefit. The procedure is not very painful and requires no anesthetic. It is a simple, quick and convenient procedure.

Photoderm (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is a treatment that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such as facial skin imperfections, the signs of aging, birthmarks, unwanted hair, unsightly small veins, and other blemishes. IPL is a non-invasive treatment that erases skin damage without disruption of the skins surface. A cold gel is usually applied to the area to be treated and you may be given dark glasses to protect your eyes. The IPL hand piece is held to your skin and pulses of light are applied. You may feel a slight sting, like the snapping of a small rubber band. An anesthetic cream may be used, but is seldom required. Each treatment takes about twenty minutes and multiple treatments may be required. Theres no down time for recovery.

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Conclusion
The skin is a complex organ and although basically the same we have some differences as individuals. Much of the damage that is done to it to cause an aging effect is of our own doing so understanding the good and the bad and taking the appropriate actions from an early an age as possible is a good thing. There are potions which can help protect and also help to minimize the effects, there are clinical procedures ranging from the quick and easy to full surgery which can be utilized to reverse the ravages of time. Everything though is down to the individual to choose the path they want to follow. Personally the health/lifestyle options are worth following as they wont just help to look after the skin but have a positive whole body effect. I tan easily but am wary of the effects of the sun and take care to use sun block. Do I want to look 21 for ever? No. Personally I am happy to look good for my age. Ok, I would be happy to look 10 years younger!

Additional free eBooks will be made available to subscribers to the website www.balancedadvice.com/skincare.html To date these include: Top Home Remedies for Wrinkles How to Improve Skin Elasticity Eating for a Healthy Skin

Finally, please always take care of yourself and your health. If you have ANY concerns, worries or just need definitive advice then please consult a Doctor or Specialist. The Internet is a great source of information however more is unreliable than reliable!

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