Skin and it's aging

Skin ageing is the process of the skin becoming dry as the sebaceous glands become less active. The skin loses its elasticity as the elastin fibers hardens and wrinkles appear due to the cross linking and hardening of collagen fibers. The epidermis (the outer most layer of the skin) grows slowly and the skin appears thinner. Broken capillaries appear, especially on the cheeks and around the nose. The facial contours become slack and muscle tome is reduced. Blood circulation slows down which interferes with skin nutrition, and the skin may appear sallow. Metabolism slows down. Collagen production breaks down. Hormone production is reduced. Patches of irregular pigmentation appear on the surface of the skin. Dark circles and puffiness may occur under the eyes.

Fine lines are shallow grooves in the epidermis which can be made to look less obvious by the use of cosmetic products that improve hydration and suppleness. Wrinkles are of two types: permanent and non-permanent.

• Permanent wrinkles are present as a deep wrinkle on sun-exposed skin such as face and neck and they do not disappear on stretching.
• The non-permanent wrinkle is a shallow wrinkle that develops on sun-protected skin such as abdomen and bottom, where skin becomes thin and wrinkles easily. As the subcutaneous fat tissues decrease with age these wrinkles disappear easily on stretching.

A truth that many people are unaware of is that cosmetic products cannot reverse wrinkle development as wrinkles are the effect of changes in the dermis. As we grow older, fine lines and wrinkles begin to develop and one cannot stop it. One can only prevent it and keep it at bay. So, the question is how wrinkles can be prevented? The best way to prevent skin damage is to avoid episodes of excessive exposure to sun during the hours of 10am to 4pm. Harsh ultra violet rays from the sun hastens the process of ageing, causes wrinkles, skin burns and may finally cause skin cancer. Another way of taking care is a daily preventive skin care routine. As part of a regular routine, it is advisable to wash the face with a mild soap that contains moisturizers. Alkaline soaps should be avoided. The skin should be patted dry and immediately lubricated with a water based moisturizer. Many creams and lotions are available for wrinkle protection, although very few have been proven to be effective. Soap that contains salicylic acid can help remove old skin. It is very important to rub gently. Rubbing perpendicular to the wrinkle mechanically removes the outer layer of dead skin cells and is particularly effective. Exfoliation helps a great deal too. Using scrubs however causes certain conditions, such as acne, sensitive skin, or broken blood vessels. One should also make sure they re-hydrate their skin to combat ageing. This service includes skin cleansing with a cream, steaming, deep cleaning to remove impurities and rejuvenation massage up to the neck.

Ayurveda- the spiritual health science gives traditional herbal ways to rejuvenate and maintain youth. Skin through the science of ayurveda is broken into three doshas- vatta (dry), pitta (sensitive) and kapha (oily).

1. For vatta: To prepare the pack, collect one teaspoon each of almond powder, dry milk, ashwagandha powder and sugar. Make a fine paste with rose water or sandal water or milk. Apply a thick layer on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes then wash with plenty of water. Another body pack is prepared by mixing pulp of two ripe bananas with mashed water melon and ½ teaspoons honey and glycerine. Apply thick paste on body, wait for it to dry and then wash.
2. For pitta: Mix 1 teaspoon each of orange peel and manjistha with ½ teaspoon each of daruhaldi and neem. Add to it neem or triphala water and apply the paste in the body till it dries. Another pack is prepared by mixing ½ teaspoon each of dhania powder and manjishtha and 1 teaspoon each of chandan powder and trifila powder with honey or coconut water or cucumber water. In case of blemishes on the skin, apply a paste mixing apple, cabbage, grapes and tomato.
3. For kapha: Mix 1 teaspoon each of barley and lemon with half teaspoon each of orange and lodhra. Add to it neem or mint water to make a paste, apply and allow to dry. Do not scrub, wash or remove with water. Another pack is prepared by mixing 2 teaspoons salamli with ¼ teaspoon alum powder and fresh aloe vera gel. Apply for 15 minutes till it dries and wash. The third type of pack can be prepared by mixing 1 cup fresh pineapple with ½ cup fresh papaya and 2 teaspoon honey. Apply pack to full body. Allow to dry 30 minutes and take a bath afterwards.

Tip of the Day: Around and after age of 40, skin cells begin to take longer to regenerate due to the change in hormones and decreasing levels of Vitamin E. So, please increase the quantity of vitamin E after 40 by having a vitamin E supplement.