Mature Skin

By the time we reach midlife and menopause we have lost about 20% of our collagen layer. Mature skin becomes thin and fragile. Sagging skin and wrinkles are a result of the breakdown of collagen (which starts in our 20’s). Therefore, we need to take a different approach to care for it. Many women will experience dry skin because the oil glands decrease their secretions and the capability of our skin to repair itself slows down. There are many creams and lotions that promise to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. If you have not protected your skin, sun damage and loss of elasticity can give the neck a loose skin appearance or what is known as "turkey neck". Neck exercises can help the appearance of flacid skin around the neck.

Emotional stress is another factor that causes skin damage; exposure to sunlight; too much sugar intake will damage your skin also; toxins (including cigarette smoke and air pollution) – all this adds up to affect the way our skin looks, but these are all factors we can reverse or stop much of the damage by lifestyle choices we make.

Other menopause and midlife skin conditions include acne, rosacea, the appearance of coarse dark hair on the chin or upper lip, thinning hair, and varicose and spider veins. Each of these can be helped by modifying your behavior effortlessly.

•  Make a habit out of a good cleansing routine. Clean your face and neck once a day for dry skin, twice a day for oily skin, by using a PH balanced cleanser. Get a good blackhead dissolver and a  pore minimizer and always remember to close your pores with a toner or cool water. Do not go to bed with makeup on. Make deep cleansing a once a week routine.
   
• Exfoliate – to reveal new and plump skin. It can truly improve the appearance of your skin, both on your face and your body, by improving circulation and allowing better absorption of oils and creams. There is a wide variety of equipment for scrubbing, rubbing and exfoliating various parts of the body. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the selection but try to go with the natural fibers and bristles, they tend to be more gentle on your skin. (Important: keep your equipment clean and dry when not in use. Bacteria can grow among the damp fibers). Salt scrubs work the same way as the tools, but they feel more luxurious and pampering (like a spa). Salt scrubs will take away dead cells. 
   
• Face - reveal a younger looking skin with the Youthful Essence 30-day microdermabrasion kit. The micro-dermabrasion system gives you everything you need to transform your skin and gently reveal  its natural beauty. It is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate your skin. Make it part of your routine at least once a week.

• Apply topical antioxidants to your face.

• Stay away from too much sun exposure. Use sunscreen on daily basis – at least SPF 15. Apply to face, neck and hands. If you sunbathe do it in the brief early-morning hours or late-afternoon, do not apply sunblock. Smart sunbathing is good to optimize vitamin D levels.

• Make an effort to fit in a low-glycemic diet routine – 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily, limit caffeine, get enough fiber, and consume fatty fish (salmon, sardines, and swordfish) or take omega-3 supplements.

• Take anti-oxidant supplements. Co-enzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E and flavanoids.

• Drink more water. Eight oz. glasses of water per day.

• Use products that contain one or more of the following:

1. Microcollagen pentapeptides: they boost collagen production
2. Liposomes – increases effectiveness of active ingredients
3. Antioxidants: absorbable vitamin C, coenzyme Q10

• Eat more soy: 100-160mg of soy isoflavones/day.
   
• Use 2 percent natural progesterone cream: decreases midlife acne, moisturizes and helps fade age spots.
   
• Consider retinoic-acid derivatives: a form of vitamin A that helps prevent or reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reverse sun damage and heal acne.
   
• For dark coarse hair on your face try the R.E.M. Spring™ Facial Hair Remover, facial hair removal creams or laser hair removal at your dermatologist's office. Do not shave your facial hair, it will only make it coarser.
   
• Moisturize. Use a light moisturizer for day and a richer formula for the evening.