Skin Care When Your Younger

Our skin changes alot as we grow from childhood through womanhood, and into old age. In our teenage years comes a significanrt change in hormone levels - in particular an increase in the levels of testosterone, the male hormone which is produced by both men and women. Testosterone can sometimes cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce an increasing level of sebum oil, which generally gives rise to an oilier complexion and can provide the perfect environment for spots to build occur. Furthermore, if you baturally have an oily or combination skin type, then you are, unfortunatley, more likely to suffer from outbreaks of acne.

Having great looking skin when you are older can have a lot to do with genes. Ever meet someone who could pass for her daughter's sister? Well, even if you are not blessed with the type of skin that naturally ages well, you really can still do alot to help by adhering to a good skin care routine and using good skin care products.

Teenage Skin

Lets look at what is happening to your skin as a teenager. Young people tend to have healthy looking skin since the shedding process is quite brief - about 28 days. This process refers to the amount of time it takes for your skin cells to move from the lower layers to the surface and fall off. The rapid renewal of fresh cells promotes that healthy glow we associate with younger looking skin. The collagen and elastin that are essential for skin strength and elasticity are also at their peak in our teens, which helps naturally tone the body's skin.

Our bodies are changing in other ways as a teenager however, and as we start to reach adulthood our hormone levels change - leaving some with that dreaded condition called acne. Acne is very common in adolescents and is a product of our bodies reaction to changing levels of the testosterone hormone. The small sebaceous glands in the pores of our skin produce oil to help clean and protect our skin but may also become overly sensitive to testosterone at this age causing the pore to easily become blocked leading to spots.

Looking After Teenage Skin

It is a generally lesser-known fact that the greatest amount of sun damage to our skin occurs before we reach 20 years old. Although its not apparent, the exposure your skin gets to the sun when you are young provides the basis for the dryness and lack of elastine that causes faciallines and wrinkles as we get older. More importantly, sunburn in our teenage years greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later on in life. That is why it is really important to wear either a sunscreen during the middle of the day if you are exposed to the sun. If you are not intending to go to the beach and dont want to wear sunscreen then many moisturisers now offer protection - ensure you buy a product that states the SPF (should be at least 25) and that it provides UVA block.

For blemish-prone skin use a light oil-free moisturiser, which will moisturise the skin, without clogging the pores that can lead to spots and blackheads. Resist the temptation to squeeze spots and blackheads since this generally aggravates the problem. Try an antibacterial face wash, to keep bacteria levsl down and try a spot-stick such as Tea Tree Oil to treat particular localised problems. Matifying lotionS can help remove the unwanted shine from your complexion caused by excess sebum. Try a treatment mask for blemish-prone skin once a week. If nothing else, it will most probably help your skin feel calmer and fresher.

Products I recommend:

• Decleor Hydra-Matte Regulating Fluid For Oily/Combination Skin
• BeneFit Boo Boo Zap spot remedy

• Clinique Moisture In Control
  
  

Skin Care in your Twenties

The twenties, for most people, are the best skin years. Problems such as acne or an overly oily skin have generally cleared up, yet facial lines will not have started to form. Your skin will, however, have started to change below the surface. Collagen levels, which keep our skin elastic and free of lines, will be diminshing already, especially if you have had a lot of exposure to the sun. The process of renewal of skin cells starts to slow down and so the skin may begin to feel a little thicker as your dead cells do not get shed quite so quickly as in your teens.

Lack of sleep can affect our skin since this is the time of the day when the skin, like the rest of our body, is 'mending' ltself. Nicotine abuse and smoky environments also promote collagen damage. Cellulite, generally caused by hormonal activity and diet, can begin to form on your thighs and bottom. Our muscles deteriorate as we get older too which means that we become increasinlgy less able to burn off calories. Staying slim and toned means we need to exercise regularly.

To keep your skin supple and complexion healthy throughout your 20s, stick to a good cleansing routine and always use a quality SPF moisturiser to protect your skin from UV damage all-year-round. Keep it simple though, you shouldn't really need to spend alot of money on products at this stage. Try and get a good nights sleep whenever you can, quit smoking if you smoke or at least try and cut down, drink plenty of water, adhere to a well-balanced diet and get some regular exercise even if its just walking to the shops or work once or twice a week.

Usa an exfoliant once or twice a week to help the removal of dead skin cells and treat yourself to an occasional facial treatment, which should help with any dryness, blemishes or spots.

Products I recommend:

• Decleor Phytopeel - exfoliant
• Boots Time Delay Protect Face And Neck Moisturiser SPF 8 or Prescriptives Timeproof SPF15
• Avene Light Hydrating Cream

You may also be interest in reading my article on RoC skin care anti-ageing treatments..