Do You Have Mature Skin? Discover the Shocking truth About Mature Skin and What YOU Can Do!!!!

Do you have Mature skin? There’s a reason why Ponce de Leon spent so much time looking for the Fountain of Youth.

When it comes to our skin, age is not our friend. And as skin ages, collagen production decreases.

Collagen is the building block of skin, and it – along with elastin – make up the structural dermis layer.

When collagen production slows, the dermis bounces back less quickly, leading to sagging skin, dark spots and fine lines and wrinkles.

A lifetime of bad habits – sun worshipping, smoking, eating too much sugar – as well as exposure to pollutants can accelerate the process.

Hormonal changes that come with age – such as the loss of estrogen associated with menopause – also speed up damage to skin.

“Estrogen has a very powerful role in the promotion of our human elastic glue: collagen,” wrote Dr. Rebecca Booth in a blog that appeared on HuffPost. “This means that with hormonal aging (accelerated by menopause) we women stand to lose more than our reproductive responsibility.”

Why else would Americans spend $88 billion a year on products focusing on anti-aging?

That Fountain of Youth is elusive, but most people believe that our next purchase will have all the answers, packed into a small glass jar.

What Happens as Skin Ages?

In addition to losing collagen and elastin, skin has a harder time retaining moisture as it ages.

“The skin doesn’t produce as much natural moisturizing factor as it used to, and the top layers of skin become dry,” according to dermatologist Dr. Carolyn Jacob. “Loss of hormones can also lead to drier skin.”

But before you decide to throw in the towel and give up on your skin, remember that despite the lack of natural oils, sun damage and decreased cell renewal, mature skin can still look radiant and glowing, if you know how to make it happen.

Sunscreen Is Everything For Mature Skin

If you don’t want to look your age, stay out of the sun. According to experts, UV rays are the biggest culprits when it comes to signs of aging.

That time spent soaking up some rays to achieve what you thought was a healthy-looking tan when you were young now means that your skin’s elastin, the protein fibers in skin that keep it pliable and elastic, is not as strong as it once was, so skin is more likely to sag, stretch and wrinkle.

Taking protective measures will reduce current and future damage, so you can focus on repairing existing problems.

To that end, sunscreen is a must.

Using a product with an SPF of at least 30 will help protect skin from sun’s damaging rays, according to dermatologist Quenby Erickson of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Can Skin-Care Products Stop the Clock?

While many skin-care products claim to be able to reverse time, there are two important ingredients that can actually make that happen.

When shopping the skin-care aisle, look for moisturizers with retinol (vitamin A), which encourages the production of new collagen cells, and serums with antioxidants, which protect collagen and elastin cells from future damage.

“Adding a topical retinoid - over the counter or by prescription - is a great way to undo some sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles and give a brighter, healthier glow,” says Florida-based dermatologist Dr. Andrea Lynn Cambio, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Retinol not only encourages the production of new collagen, it also slows the breakdown of existing collagen, working in two ways to stop the clock.

“These products help skin look its best and prevent the aging process,” Erickson added.

Best Foods to Stop the Aging Process

Eating foods that are packed with antioxidants as well as foods that help encourage the production of collagen can help stop aging in its tracks.

Some smart options, according to experts, include:

• Oats. Oats are complex carbs that keep blood sugar levels from spiking. When blood glucose levels are high, the excess sugar attaches to skin protein cells, causing damage that shows itself through dark spots and wrinkles. Avoiding sugar can keep skin looking more youthful, says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, who wrote the book “Skin Rules.”
• Oranges. Oranges not only have plenty of hydrating water, they also have vitamin C, a skin-friendly antioxidant that helps encourage the production of collagen, which keeps skin strong and pliable. Antioxidants also protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Avocados. Monounsaturated fats like the good fats from avocados help keep skin plump and hydrated. Avocados also help fight inflammation.
• Beef. Lean cuts of beef offer high-quality protein that can help build collagen, retaining youthful good looks. But there’s one thing you don’t want to do. “Cooking it over super-high heat until it’s crispy and charred creates chemicals that will undo all of the anti-aging properties of the beef,” dietitian Elisa Zied, author of “Younger Next Week,” told WebMD.
• Strawberries. While citrus gets all the glory when it comes to vitamin C, the fragrant little strawberry has more than a day’s worth of vitamin C in a cup. Eat them when they’re in season, and freeze them for
• Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are packed with antioxidants to protect skin proteins from free radicals
• Salmon. The omega-3s in salmon help skin retain moisture, so it looks and feels younger.
• A rainbow of antioxidants. Food rich in antioxidants can protect collagen and elastin cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Taking in a colorful diet – blueberries, pomegranate arils, spinach, kiwi, purple cabbage, tomatoes, cherries and mango are especially good options – can help slow the aging process.
• Grapes. Grapes have resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight inflammation. You can eat them out of hand as fruit, or add an evening glass of wine to your skin care regimen. A square of flavanol-rich dark chocolate – at least 70 percent cacao – is the perfect skin-friendly accompaniment.