Elderly Care: Helping You Deal With the Dying Process
Five Things You Didn't Know Were Causing Wrinkles And Age Spots
Julio Carr
We all know that things like excessive sunlight exposure and smoking can detract from the health of our skin and lead to premature aging. However, there are probably a lot of surprising culprits that cause skin to age that you were unaware of.
The following are five things you're probably being exposed to on a regular basis that you probably didn't know were aging your skin:
1. Some chemicals in sunscreens
Although sunscreens protect the skin from aging by blocking out the harmful effects of UV rays, certain chemicals in sunscreen can age the skin by generating free radicals.
Do your research and only use sunscreens that are free from oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene to avoid free radicals. You should look for sunscreens that have a zinc oxide base.
2. Urban atmospheres
If you live in a city, your skin is subject to damage from urban glare. This involves reflections of the sun coming off of urban structures like vehicles and glass skyscrapers and buildings.
3. Pollution
Pollution is not only unhealthy for the body's interior. It is also unhealthy for the body's exterior and can cause cosmetic problems in the skin like premature aging. In particular, exposure to environmental pollution can lead to hyperpigmentation in the skin.
It's unfortunately hard to avoid exposure to pollution in today's world, but there are some things you can do to minimize the resulting damage. For example, you can apply a moisturizer during the day time and make sure you are washing your skin every evening before sleeping to remove impurities.
4. Heat
Simply being in hot weather or in a hot environment can age the skin by stimulating enzymes in the skin that damage collagen. Collagen is an important substance in maintaining skin health.
Heat exposure can also make it harder for the body to produce elastin. This protein found in the skin maintains softness, thus reducing wrinkle development.
Ideally, you should not only stay out of the sun to optimize skin health, but also avoid being outdoors in very hot weather entirely.
5. Dermatology treatments
Creams that you put on your skin to fight cosmetic conditions like acne and rosacea can age the skin by making the it more sensitive to the sun. They can also bring about allergic reactions that lead to permanent skin blemishes.
If you must use dermatology treatments on your skin, be careful to avoid sun exposure. It's best to avoid topical preparations that include benzoyl peroxide, retinal palmitate, glycolic acid, or antimicrobials like sodium benzoate entirely if possible. To learn more about skin renewal in your area, contact a dermatologist near you.
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As an elderly care worker, I have witnessed the deaths of many individuals. I have seen family members become angry, sad, and completely silent at the end. I have also seen individuals refuse to see family members out of denial. People deal with death in different ways, and the strong emotions are often unfamiliar and scary. If you have a parent or grandparent who is elderly, then I want to share with you what I know about end of life care and dying process. We are a society that does not talk about death, and this can cause great pain when a family member dies. Learn about the process and find out how to deal with your own emotions and how to love your family members at the end. If there is only a small amount of time left, then I want you to cherish the final moments.