www.womanthismonth.com January 2016 44 BEAUTY | review Reversing the Clock We might not have access to the Fountain of Youth, but what we do have are innumerable products and treatments containing the same promise. WTM takes a closer look at skin-aging and ways that can actually slow it down. “You are never too old to become younger!” – Mae West In the past few decades alone, the market for anti-aging products and services has grown into a giant global industry, the value of which is expected to reach USD191.7 billion by the end of 2019. This figure includes money spent on anti-aging cosmetics, plastic surgery and dermatology, and aspects of traditional medicine, such as anti-aging disease management. The number of botulinum toxin (BOTOX) treatments has risen up to 700 per cent in the USA alone since 2000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. With increasingly stressful lives which see us battling deadlines, performance ratings, fast food, chronic pollution and sleep deprivation, the aging process seems to be starting earlier and at an accelerated pace. Add to this constant presence on social media and the need to look beautiful, young and celebrity-style glamorous has never been greater. Yes, market shelves are filled with products that claim to be elixirs of youth, but take a moment to understand what makes some of us look younger, despite our age. Genetics has a major role to play but beyond that a lot lies in your own hands, in terms of how much care you take of yourself to stall fine lines and wrinkles. Yes, the operative word is ‘stall’ because aging is inevitable – It. Will. Happen! As we grow older the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining skin’s integrity and tone, decreases. Loss of elasticity, decrease or change in colour, fine wrinkling, thinning of layers and increased itchiness are all signs that your skin is aging and taking the rest of your body down (sagginess) with it. But managing this process with a good skin care regime and healthy lifestyle can work wonders, keeping you looking radiant for years. Here are some essentials you need to remember (and practise) to slow down signs of aging. 1) Wear Sunscreen: Rain or shine, this is one part of your skin-care regime that you absolutely cannot ignore. Apply a broadspectrum sunscreen that contains both UVA and UVB protection every day, half an hour before you step outside. This is your first line of defence against any sun damage or skin cancer. 2) Quit Smoking: In addition to several other much serious conditions, such as heart
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