Seven Signs of Aging

We know in general what happens to our skin as it ages. We notice the signs - more fine lines, less firmness and elasticity, perhaps the development of discolouration or dark spots.

Scientists have studied the physiology of aging skin in great detail. By doing so, they have been able to develop products that target and treat your complexion as it matures. Identifying these "Seven Signs of Aging Skin" has led to significant advances in modern skin care:

1. Sign: Water content in your skin cells diminishes, leading to increased dryness.
   Solution:  Quench thirsty skin with rich, hydrating ingredients.
2. Sign: Collagen production slows, resulting in a less supple texture.  Skin loses its "memory" and resilience.
   Solution:  Support natural collagen production to maintain skin's essential structure and reduce its tendency to sag.
3. Sign:  The rate of metabolism also slows, leading to a dull, dry appearance.
   Solution:  Stimulate skin's natural metabolic function, including circulation and the elimination of toxins for a fresh, glowing complexion.
4. Sign:  Cell turnover diminishes and dead cells build up on skin's surface, causing it to look ashy and dull.
   Solution:  Slough off dry, dead surface cells to encourage more rapid cell turnover.
5. Sign:  The recovery rate from UV damage slows.  You may observe the beginning of dark spots caused by irregular pigment production.
   Solution:  Block damaging UV rays; diminish the appearance of discoloured areas.
6. Sign:  Your reservoir of essential nutrients becomes depleted and your skin becomes more fragile and delicate.
   Solution:  Feed skin with essential vitamin and mineral complexes to restore strength and vibrancy. 
7. Sign:  Your natural ability to repair and recover from environmental damage is reduced, also leading to discolouration, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
   Solution:  Protect skin from the assaults of pollution and stress, and repair existing damage.
   

Your 50s and Beyond

With today's healthy lifestyles and longer life expectancies, at 50 you're just getting started!  As far as your skin is concerned, you can expect several changes.  At this stage of your life, underlying cells begin to flatten, causing it to become thinner.  Lower levels of collagen and elastin combined with changes in how they interact with the lower layers of your skin can cause sagging.  And many women in their 50s and beyond begin to experience increasingly drier skin.

Tips

• Lighten up.  Often dark spots become prominent as a result of the hormonal shifts of menopause and/or sun damage.  Regular treatments with lightening products will diminish these areas and produce clear, even skin.
• Sleep on it.  Nighttime* is the right time for products that combat wrinkles and loss of tone and moisture.  As you sleep, your skin works diligently to renew itself.  A good night crème supports skin's after-dark efforts.  So after cleansing and toning each evening, apply a rich formula designed for your specific needs. 
• Hair removal.  Another post-menopausal side effect for some women is increased facial hair.  Fortunately, there are many safe and effective solutions, both permanent (electrolysis and laser treatments) and temporary (tweezing, waxing, depilatories and bleaches), so removal or camouflage can be simple.
• Challenge yourself.  Stay out of emotional ruts by remaining open to new experiences, ideas and activities.  Whatever it is that you've always wanted to try...why not do it now?  An attitude of curiosity and wonder will nourish your spirit and keep you young no matter what the calendar says!

* The Circadian rhythm is the day-awake, night-sleep cycle that most people naturally observe. The skin reaches it's 'getting ready to shut down for the day' between 9-11 pm, this is also when the skin is at it's peak absorbing potential. So it makes sense to do the evening regimen at this time when the skin can take the best advantage of drinking in the nutrients and hydration.