Older Skin: You're still marvelous, Darling, absolutely marvelous

Older Skin

All I want for my birthday is some estrogen to make my older skin look young again. Wouldn’t that be nice? Well, of course, it is available in hormone therapies (and some alternative natural remedies which I’ll talk about later).

Younger looking skin is definitely one of the major benefits of HT. Numerous studies have shown increased skin thickness and hydration in women taking female hormone supplements. Of course, the side effects of HT are nothing to sneeze at, and that’s why most of us won't be taking it.

Estrogen stimulates cells in the hypodermis to retain fat. During perimenopause our estrogen levels decline which breaks down the fat so that the skin thins and loses its plushy look. The skin contains a large amount of estrogen-responsive Type 1 Collagen which also declines during perimenopause. Don't buy expensive collagen creams

Unfortunately collagen is too large of a molecule to be absorbed through the skin. So, save your money and don't buy expensive anti-aging creams touting collagen.

Whether or not your doctor recommends HT for you, you will also want to consider the beautiful skin care action list below.

There are other ways to improve and maintain the look of your skin

• Stop smoking. Nicotine accelerates collagen loss and it constricts blood vessels.
• Enjoy life. Relax. Laugh. Rest. All of these methods are proven to improve the look of your skin.
• Moisturize. It is a good idea to moisturize twice a day with products that include essential fatty acids.
• Vitamin C stimulates the growth of new collagen and it is an antioxidant.
• Vitamin E prevents wrinkles and smoothes fine lines and it is an antioxidant.
• Drink eight glasses of water a day. As we age our sweat glands shrink and work less effectively. When we drink lots of water, our sweat glands work better and lubricate the surface of our skin.
• Exercise. It brings oxygen to your skin.
• Drink in moderation or not at all. The typical alcoholic flush can become chronic.
• Eat enough fat and protein. Protein helps to replace lost hair and skin cells. Eating healthy fats will improve the look of your skin.
• Avoid cosmetics containing dyes and phthalates. (I have to check my cosmetic drawer). These are chemicals associated with a disruption in hormone function.
• Avoid drying products such as alcohol-based lotions, soaps and creams.

To go to an external link: A collection of inexpensive skin care recipes and natural remedies that I recommend, click here

To go to an external link: Here's a website I found that offers great ideas on how to look and feel your best. Dump the old ideas and find a refreshing new perspective on life at Anti Aging 4 Mature Women

To read about the Best Vitamins for Skin

To go from Older Skin to Natural Skin Remedies on a budget click here

To read about Rosacea

To read about the Other Signs of Menopause click here.

To go from Older Skin to NursingMenopause Home