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Understanding complexion behavior through the years
 Skin
changes as we
age. Although everyone’s skin changes differently according to genetics,
exposure to harmful substances such as ultraviolet light, lifestyle choices, and
just plain luck, we can usually accurately guess a person’s age within a decade
simply by noting some of the signs talked about here.
 Your
teens
Some teenagers are lucky: their skin stays smooth, blemish-free, small-pored,
and without a slick of oil anywhere. I have yet to meet one of these fortunate
creatures, yet I am told by dermatologists that they do exist, for most people;
however, the teenage years are about
problem skin.
Blame it on puberty, which causes the body’s sex hormones to go wild, creating
body hair, deeper voices, breasts, larger hips, ovulation, and other signs of
maturity. Of course, some of these things happen to boys, some to girls. At the
same time, sex hormones also cause
skin to pump
out more sebum. Produced by the sebaceous glands surrounding the hair follicles,
the sebum travels to the skin‘s surface via the pores. This sebum, combines with
the dead skin cells called the epidermis. Constantly shedding clogs
pores,
creating blackheads,
whiteheads,
and pimples.
SKIN DURING PREGNANCY
Pregnancy not only affects a woman’ figure, it can also affect her skin.
Whether you’re pregnant or just thinking about it, here’s what your skin can
expect:
1. During the first trimester, you may get “the glow” associated
with early
pregnancy. This radiance comes from newly created blood vessels just under the
skin that carry an abundant supply of rosy-making oxygen to the skin.
 2.
Sensitivities manifesting them rashes or dry patches on your skin may develop.
Just as you may become nauseated by certain foods or odours, you skin may
develop sensitivities to any or all of the ingredients. In your normal
skin-care products.
3. Acne commonly occurs any time there is hormonal upheaval- puberty,
menstruation, and yes,
pregnancy. Ask your doctor and pregnancy-care provider about treating acne;
many commonly prescribed antibiotics, such as a tetracycline and Roaccutane®,
cause birth defects. Tretinoin may also be linked to birth defects, making it
sensible to avoid products containing this vitamin A derivative. Formulas with
salicylic acid, a skin-care ingredient related to aspirin, are another no-no.
However, some doctors say the topical antibiotic erythromycin is safe, as are
alpha hydroxy acids.
4. Melasma – the “mask of pregnancy” – commonly occurs during the second
trimester. Caused by hormone activity, the condition consists of brown patches
on the forehead, cheeks, or above the lip. The hormonal changes of pregnancy
make your skin more likely to develop dark pigment when exposed to sunlight. The
common dermatologic prescription is sun-avoidance and use of
hydroquinone bleaching creams once the baby is born
and breast-feeding has stopped.
5. Broken blood vessels are common during pregnancy; they are caused by an
increase in the body’s blood volume, which will disappear after pregnancy.
Others can be treated by a laser-wielding dermatologist.
 Your
20s
The 20s are a transitional period for skin. Some people continue suffering
from the spots that marked their teenage years. Other peoples skin becomes
normal, for the most part; not to oily, not too dry, with only an occasional
spot. You may find you need a light eye cream or even an occasional
moisturizer, but your skin is still taut and dewy-fresh. For those prone to
them, new moles may begin appearing.
The most surprising changes that may occur during this time are signs of
childhood and teenage
tanning, such
as freckles,
maybe a few small broken capillaries, fine lines around the eyes, and even faint
discolored patches. Those of you who avoided the sun-lucky you- will probably
see none of these signs.
Your 30s
 The
30s are a funny time for skin. The complexion still looks firm and youthful, but
as you move further into this decade, you’ll notice “things” which seem to
appear out of nowhere. I’m referring to fine lines around the eyes, maybe a
furrow between the brows the beginning of lines between the nose and mouth, or a
subtle looseness under the jaw. More evidence of past
sun damage
may appear- such as freckles and tan patches—even though you’ve worn sunscreen
religiously and kept out of the sun since your 20s.
You may have some oversized pores left over from your teen years or 20s, but you
will notice that your skin doesn’t produce the same volume of oil it once did.
In fact, your complexion may range from slightly to very dry.
 Your
40s
If you’ve taken good care of yourself and your skin (or if you come from
youthful genetic stock), now’s the time you conscientiousness (or luck) will
show. Your contemporaries may have the beginnings of under-eye bags, deep folds
between the nose and mouth, looseness in the cheeks and jaw, slackness at the
upper eyelids, furrows between the brows, not to mention possible mottled
patches from past sun damage. You, however, may have only a few of these things,
and none as severe as your friends.
 Your
50s and 60s
As you move into your 50s, the skin glitches that appeared during your 40s
grow more exaggerated. Your skin is thinner and less pliable than it once was.
This makes it easier for deep folds to settle into those mobile areas of your
face, such as the corners of your mouth, between the nose and mouth, and between
the brows. If you quickly pinch and release skin on your cheek or under your
eye, it takes a while for the skin to return to its original position. Also
normal for these two decades: discolored patches and as unevenly colored,
mottled skin.
No matter how you’re aging, expect an increase in that soft, fine facial hair
older ladies have.
 Your
70s and beyond
In your 70s, all the folds, slackness, wrinkles, thinness, and discoloration
you noticed in your 50s and 60s grow more exaggerated. Though gravity has been
in effect throughout your lifetime, you’ll notice its consequences most strongly
in your 70s. As a result, your
facial and
neck skin will have a looseness about them. Your skin will be dry and have a
rough texture. Sensitivities are common during this time, and your may find
products you used only a decade earlier may now cause a rash or itchiness.
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