Have you looked in the mirror lately? Aging skin does not happen overnight, but it sure seems like it. Bathroom lights are brutal and it isn’t fun to face yourself head-on in the mirror anymore. You have probably already faced the day of reckoning; the day when you first noticed a stranger staring back at you from the bathroom mirror. That stranger probably looks more like your mom or dad than you are ready to admit. When did this happen?
Tanning was big when we were growing up. We logged hours and hours in the direct sunlight as we tried for that perfect tan. We knew about the risks of excessive sun exposure, but we didn’t care. We thought it was worth the risk because a golden tan was so very healthy and beautiful looking.
Most sun damage occurs before the age of 18. The more sun exposure you had back then, the more likely you are to have wrinkles, splotch freckles, skin discoloration and even cancer today. Unfortunately the damage is done. Sun damage cannot be reversed. Your focus now has to be on preventing more damage and being ever watchful for signs of skin cancer. You can continue to sunbathe (although thin leathery skin doesn’t look healthy or beautiful anymore), or you can hide from the midday sun. You can opt for liberal applications of sun screen and lip balm, and wear a hat. The sunglasses are to protect your eyes rather than just looking cool, although it is still okay to look mysterious and cool. Check your skin regularly and report irregularities to your doctor immediately.
Your first thoughts about skin and aging probably focused on the tiny lines known as wrinkles. You have more important things to worry about than that now. Wrinkles are disturbing but at least they do no harm. Years of sun exposure are more apt to result in dry skin or a persistent flush. The regeneration process has slowed down and the skin is thinner, dryer, and more susceptible to irritation. Dead skin cells cling and skin looks duller and the texture is rougher.
Exposure to sunlight over forty-fifty decades took its toll, and now we have to face the face the consequences. Fortunately there are medical treatments and products to help you fight some of these problems, but prevention is the still the key. Start taking care of your skin as soon as possible. You can prevent further damage and you can reduce the chances of developing skin inflammations if you act now.
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