All Major Adults Skin Problem

Almost all major adult skin problems - fine lines, age spots, surface roughness, skin dryness, a dull yellowish complexion and wrinkles - are attributed more to sun exposure than to the natural effects of ageing. The good news is that even as you continue to age, further damage can be minimized and your skin tone can actually improve with the correct treatment.

If you compare the skin on your face with the skin along your inner thighs, you will be surprised that the skin on your thighs is relatively smooth and wrinkle-free. This is true even among 90-year-olds. The reason for the difference is largely due to the different levels of sun exposure. In fact, up to 90% of the skin problems we think of as the inevitable result of ageing are caused by exposure to the sun. This is also known as photo-damage or photo-ageing.

Once the skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes, the skin's pigment-production cells, start to produce melanin, the protective darkening pigment which results in a tan. In the early stages of photo-damage, the melanocytes lose their ability to distribute pigment evenly and you start seeing signs of damage - freckles and areas of darker pigmentation. All skin types face the risk of this damage; the process just takes longer in darker skins. The sun's rays also break down collagen and elastin fibres which give the skin its firm tone. Just one episode of bad sunburn during your childhood can result in seriously damaged skin later in life. Damage also results from a lifetime of accumulated sun exposure.

Totally avoiding the sun is impossible but you can limit exposure and protect yourself as much as possible to prevent further damage to your skin. It is important to constantly take steps to prevent sun damage. Steps that can be taken include avoiding sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm when UV rays are the strongest, applying sunscreen to all exposed skin and wearing make-up with SPF 15 or higher. You should also refrain from smoking, avoid second-hand smoke. And use moisturizers to combat skin dryness.