J'AIME March 2018

B E AU T Y
More than skin deep
SALLY WAGSTAFF, NURSING DIRECTOR OF XODOS AESTHETICS IN SUTTON COLDFIELD,
TAKES A LOOK AT HOW TO PROTECT OUR SKIN FROM THE SIGNS OF AGEING
Our skin ages – that’s a fact, but is there anything we
can do to reduce the inevitable impact of time?
As the largest organ in the body, your skin is essential
to health and immune system, yet we often fail to
take proper care of it.
The top layer, or epidermis, is the part of the
skin that shows our age - it is where skin cells are
produced, then moving up through the layers to
eventually flake from the surface. As you age, this
process slows, leading to dull, dehydrated and older
looking skin. Constant exposure to UV light causes
damage, veins become visible as thread veins, age
spots show as pigmented patches, and redness
or rosacea can develop – and that’s before the
hormone-induced breakouts stick their noses in, that
we thought we had left behind in our teens!
Collagen and elastin in our skin, which is vital for
firmness and elasticity, is produced further down in
our dermis layer. These cells are broken down with
age and sun exposure, so our skin becomes less firm,
less flexible and less elastic, leading to sagging, fine
lines and wrinkles. Finally, the layer of fat under
the surface of the skin reduces and the effects of
gravity start to take effect and sagging jawlines and
hollowing of your features is the depressing result.
So, what can you do about it?
The bottom line is there is nothing we can do about
your chronological age. However, most of the visible
signs of ageing can be reduced, and controlled.
A good quality sun-protection factor (SPF) is vital,
every day of the year, to avoid damage to the
collagen and elastin, and reduce the production of
melanin.
Avoiding overly hot showers, baths and saunas can
help to avoid over-dilating the fine veins in the skin,
which causes redness.
Smoking and other pollutants are particularly
damaging, causing additional lines around the mouth
and eyes.
Eating a healthy diet, low in sugar and processed
food, and high in unprocessed food and natural fats,
will help keep your skin bright and fresh, and provide
it with the nutrients it needs to look its best.
What if the damage is already done?
Start using that SPF immediately – the importance
of this was highlighted by the recent BBC 1
programme, The Truth about Looking Younger, and
take advice to get a proper skin assessment. A range
of solutions including skin-tightening, laser and ‘IPL’
treatments and chemical skin peels can all help to
reduce the visible signs of ageing, and leading to
fresh, younger-looking skin.
The other essential weapon in your ‘Anti-Ageing
Armoury’ is retinol – derived from Vitamin A and
used for the development of skin cells. This amazing
ingredient is proven to reduce signs of ageing, and
can dramatically improve lines and wrinkles.
If you look after your skin, it will look after you!
There are no ‘miracle cures’ but a good skin care
routine using effective products, and protection from
UV rays, pollution and a good diet will mean you
always keep ahead of those years!
Xodos Aesthetic is based at Aston Wood Golf
Club in Sutton Coldfield. For more details call
0121 227 4111 or visit www.xodosltd.co.uk.
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