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 RISING
WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
Summer has taken its toll on my skin. What can I do to prevent further
damage?
Nothing compares to the damage the sun can do to your skin! No matter what
time of year, it is vital that you keep it protected. Make it the golden
rule to only use moisturizers and makeup base that have a sun blocking
ingredient.
A lesson in sun damage: The sun activates free radicals, or molecules, that
attack the lining of all the cells within your skin. Free radicals are
commonly known as a major cause of aging. Smoking, alcohol and stress also
activate free radicals, but the sun is said to be the greatest instigator of
these damaging molecules.
Free radicals alter the skin structure effecting the way it looks. For
example, the sun causes the top layer of “dead” skin to thicken in response
to protecting the skin. However, the sun can still easily penetrate this
“protective layer”. In fact, the sun can penetrate through to the living
epidermis, thinning it from its natural 20 cell layers to as little as two!
This can result in a ‘thin-skinned’ or uneven textured look.
Wrinkles and sagging are other symptoms resulting from the sun breaking down
the lower layer of skin known as the “elastin” - the stretchy net that holds
your skin in place. The sun ultimately destroys “collagen”, which is the
protein, or basic substance, that the skin is made of. The sun is also known
to attack the network of capillaries that feed the skin nutrients and
oxygen. When the capillaries become sparse and distorted, the blood supply
to your skin is cut off and cannot be healed!
To speed up cell regeneration and fight the damaging effects of the
environment, feed your skin super foods:
- Avocados: Vitamin E is a major neutralizer of free radicals and
avocados contain more vitamin E than any other fruit. The avocado is also a
prime source of the antioxidant glutathione, responsible for deterring the
development of skin cancer, as well as staving off premature aging.
- Green Tea: Green Tea is loaded with plant chemicals known as
polyphenols that inhibit inflammation associated with exposure to
ultraviolet light. Polyphenols also are said to prevent the growth of
cancerous cells.
- Sweet Potatoes: Packed with vitamins C and E, sweet potatoes are
one of nature’s greatest sources of beta-carotene. Once digested,
beta-carotene converts to vitamin A which is critical to maintaining skin
integrity and warding off wrinkle-causing oxidative stress.
Are your beauty questions unanswered? We can help! Email our Experts
at experts@risingwomen.com
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