Staying fabulous

A good sleep is important.

IN the fabulous forties, if you haven’t already done so by then, you discover the importance of maintaining good health. Linked to this a healthful appearance is also desirable. The relationship between what you eat, what you do or don’t do on your health or lack thereof takes on increased meaning. That is when you realise that if you are to stay fabulous, you need to take care. And good care for that. One of the major concerns is your skin.

It is not too late by the way to take good care of your skin. But one important question to ask yourself is whether or not your lifestyle is negatively affecting your skin. First and foremost it is important to note that your skin does not only protect your body, but it is also the face you present to the world. When healthy, it is a source of beauty. The choices you make every day — what you eat, where you go, how you feel — affect how your skin looks.

Experts point out the following as some critical points to note. Want good skin? Watch your diet. Higher intakes of vitamin C and a lower intake of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better appearance as your skin ages. Changing your diet will help your looks. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fish, fruits, and vegetables, seem to help protect skin. Some studies suggest that to avoid breakouts, go for complex carbohydrates like whole grains and pasta and healthy protein.

Sleeping too late? Burning the candle at both ends for a few nights, and you may see it reflected in your face: Dark circles under the eyes puffy eyes and so on. Getting seven to eight hours a night will keep your body and skin in great shape. It matters how you sleep, too — rest your face on the pillow in the same position for years, and you’ll get wrinkles where the skin is pressed against the pillow. Sleeping on your stomach will worsen bags under your eyes. Solution? Sleep on your back as much as you can.

Stretch marks from pregnancy. Some 90 percent of pregnant women get them. They may fade after delivery. Moisturizers can slightly improve the appearance of stretch marks. Prescription vitamin A creams or laser therapy can help, too. Acne is another common skin problem, caused by the extra hormones in your body. Your best bet for avoiding breakouts is to wash your face twice a day and use an oil-free moisturizer

Too much alcohol is bad for your skin. Alcohol is a diuretic; it causes the body to lose water. That can contribute to dry skin. It also dilates blood vessels. That’s why drinkers often have flushed faces. Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, so that skin stays red. Alcohol, especially red wine, can also trigger some break outs of flare-ups on the skin.

Smoking is bad for your skin. Experts say it is second only to the sun in causing premature wrinkles and dry skin. In fact, under a microscope you can see wrinkles in smokers as young as 20. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and contributes to the breakdown of collagen. Less collagen means more wrinkling. And yes, pursing your lips repeatedly encourages wrinkles, too. You can’t reverse the damage, but you can stop it by quitting smoking.

Wash the day away. Every day, your skin comes in contact with pollution — cigarette smoke, car exhaust, or smoggy air. Keep skin healthy by keeping it clean. Depending on the needs of your skin, you can cleanse your face with a gentle soap or wash, or exfoliate nightly with gentle scrubs and toners to remove dead skin cells, and then apply a moisturizer. Whatever, your inclination ensure your skin is clean.

The Fabulous Forties column is a celebration of an age that benefits from lived experiences, opinions, observations and sentiments associated with the “coming of age”. Contact: maggiemzumara@yahoo.ie
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