Sunspots. Dark spots. Lines and wrinkles. Saggy skin. Loss of elasticity. Pigmentation. Unevenness. How did this happen?
You're not alone if you've looked in the mirror and noticed a myriad of skin imperfections. You're subject to the elements: sun, wind, plus hot and cold weather. And they all take a toll on your skin.
Let's start by taking a look at how skin ages.
The epidermis is the top-most layer consisting of the skin cells that move upward and then die at the surface. As you age your cells turn over more slowly. Consequently you accumulate a build up of dull, lifeless cells on the surface of your skin. This can leave your face looking rough, uneven, and dull.
The dermal layer is located below the epidermis and provides support. It is comprised of connective tissue -- mainly collagen fibers and elastin. Aging of the skin causes a breakdown of collagen and a thinning of the dermis. Exposure to the sun without proper protection greatly accelerates the break down of collagen and elastin. This results in sagging, lines, and wrinkles. In addition, UV rays cause pigmentation and reddening.
As the skin cycle slows, your old damaged skin stays on the surface of your face. This inactivity accelerates aging.
Here's the good news.
Today there is an array of prescription strength products with ingredients designed to literally transform your skin. They typically include a gentle cleanser, a balanced toner, a lightener for pigmentation and brown spots, gentle acids to resurface and smooth the skin, a nighttime product that stimulates healthy new skin cells and sun protective lotions.
The process typically starts by exfoliating old, unhealthy skin cells so they can be replaced with new, healthy ones. The products used for this first phase of rejuvenation can result in redness, itching and flaking. So be forewarned.
The second phase is where dramatic improvement in pigmentation is realized. Collagen and elastin are stimulated and the earlier symptoms of redness, itching and flaking begin to subside.
During the third phase you'll notice an increased blood flow to your skin while collagen and elastin are continually being produced. Smooth, hydrated skin is the result of this kind of transformation.
Achieving a younger, healthier, more radiant complexion does not materialize overnight. It takes discipline and patience. These kinds of regiments and specialized products must be used for many months to achieve the desired results. And then there is on-going maintenance.
But it's well worth the time, energy and expense. Because when you look in the mirror and see your new, glowing skin, you'll be absolutely thrilled. You can effectively transform your skin at the deepest cellular level to produce incredible anti-aging results.
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