The skin is not only a reflection of the soul, but also of the nutrient and vital substance supply.Despite a rich, wholesome food supply, however, a sufficient individual vital substance supply is not always guaranteed. An insufficient supply of vital substances can, for example, be caused by incorrect food preparation or by an individual need for additional vital substances. This can not only be noticeable in the form of physical health problems, such as a decrease in performance, but can also leave its mark on the skin. Skin problems such as dry or oily skin, rashes and itching or hypersensitive skin can also be caused by an insufficient supply of nutrients and vital substances (see “Nutricosmetics”).The appearance and condition of your skin have a particular impact on your self-image and thus on your self-confidence. Pay attention to the following skin signals:
- Skin flakes
- Skin tightens more often
- Skin itches frequently
Look younger through proper skin care and makeup that suits your type. For a smooth, firm and fresh complexion, the skin needs moisture, nourishment and protection.
General measures
- Avoiding factors that promote skin dryness (frequent washing and bathing, dry climate, sauna); bathing time maximum 20 minutes.
- Use replenishing soaps, oil baths or shower gels containing oil for bathing or showering. They leave a nourishing film on the skin and smooth it. For cleaning the face are suitable skin-friendly milks, emulsions or creams with refatting substances.
- If the skin on the arms and legs is particularly dry or itchy, then you should cream them especially intensively. There are now shower oils that contain additional moisturizing substances, itch-relieving and skin-soothing substances. Occasionally, there is a hypersensitivity to wool fat and its esters.
- If your skin is taut, you need to put cream on it – preferably with a cream that has a higher fat content. The “winter cream” should supply the skin mainly fatty substances and moisturizers that improve the water-binding capacity of the horny layer.
- Skin care products containing the following ingredients have been shown to reduce signs of aging or make the skin appear younger:
- Α-Hydroxycarboxylic acids (synonyms: alpha hydroxy acids; English : alpha hydroxy acids, AHA); belong to the natural fruit acids (malic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid and citric acid); effect: opens the skin pores, so that fewer comedones (blackheads) are formed (fruit acid peeling).
- Azelaic acid (English : azelaic acid); Effect: antibacterial acne agent for external treatment.
- Hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene, a phenol); Effect: bleaching agent (carcinogenic in animal studies).
- Kojic acid; Effect: reduction of pigmentation and significant skin whitening.
- Retinoids (substances related to retinol (vitamin A) in their chemical structure or biological activity); effect: opens the skin pores, so that fewer comedones are formed; for the treatment of hyper- and parakeratotic skin diseases and severe acne.
- Salicylic acid; action: keratolytic (detachment of horny cells) and antimicrobial action.
- Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use).
- Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day).
- Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.
- Avoidance of psychosocial stress:
- Stress
- Avoidance of environmental stress:
- Irritants (chemicals, solvents)
- Air conditioning (dry air)
- Overheated rooms (maximum 21 ° C)
- UV-A and UV-B rays (sunlight; solarium) accelerate skin aging (photoaging) → sunscreen!
- Winter (cold) – cold-dry climates; dry heating air (→ reduction of sebaceous gland secretion); in addition, the following recommendations:
- Air space humidifier
- Wear gloves from < 10 °C outdoor temperature
How to clean the mature skin?
The first step of care is cleansing. The correct cleansing technique is not to irritate, tug or stretch the skin.For facial care, use only agents that lead to gentle cleansing of the skin. When using chemical soaps or syndets, we recommend using only cleansers in the slightly acidic range with a low pH around 5.5. The use of these special soaps supports the protective acid mantle of the skin. Cleansing creams are best suited for cleansing the skin. In contrast to other cleansing preparations, these contain particularly high levels of fat and thus protect the skin of the elderly. These creams are gently massaged in and removed according to instructions. The skin should then be gently dried with a soft terry cloth or with cosmetic tissues. Please use only fragrance-free cleansing products.
How to take care of mature skin?
The task of skin care is to restore moisture to the skin. Moisturizing factors from creams retain the added water in the stratum corneum. Emulsions can be of the water-in-oil type or oil-in-water type – with a correspondingly high lipid content. In mature skin, primarily the hydrolipid mantle is disturbed. The horny layer is essentially intact. The skin care treatment should therefore replace the missing hydrolipid mantle. Use only mild, alcohol-free facial toners for facial care. As a rule, aging skin does not tolerate alcohol, because it further dries out the skin and causes irritation.Note: Day creams are used to care for and protect the skin, while night creams have the task of repairing and regenerating the skin. The number of cell divisions is particularly high in the first hours of the night. Night creams therefore contain a particularly large number of nutrients and vital substances that support these repair and regeneration processes. Please note that aging skin in particular has three problem areas that betray age especially quickly, as they are particularly prone to wrinkles and pigment disorders. These regions include the front of the neck, the eye areas (eye care) and the palms of the hands. These areas require targeted extra care. The skin in these areas is particularly thin with only poorly developed subcutaneous fat and connective tissue. Furthermore, these skin areas lack fluid- and fat-donating sebaceous and sweat glands.Use nutrient- and vital substance-rich as well as fat-containing care products. Care for the face, neck and the entire décolleté. The problem area of the eyes requires special care. Special creams rich in nutrients and vital substances with intensive active ingredients should be applied here. However, vigorous rubbing and firm massaging should be avoided, as this causes tiny tears in the tissue, which later lead to swelling and bags under the eyes. Sun protection – the most important protection against skin aging (see sun protection below)The same applies to the hands: care, care, care. Do not wash your hands more than absolutely necessary and use soap sparingly. Apply a nutrient-rich hand cream after each hand wash. Protect your hands with gloves while working with skin-irritating substances such as washing, cleaning, gardening, etc. Mature skin needs regular moisturizing. Tips and tricks
Choose a moisturizer according to your skin type. No matter what moisturizer you choose, don’t forget to exfoliate regularly. This will make your skin much softer and more receptive to the active ingredients of subsequent care products.
How does a moisturizer work?
Moisturization only affects the stratum corneum of the skin, a fine membrane that is on average circa 0.02 mm thick. A healthy stratum corneum, which is well moisturized, consists of 10 to 15% water. The horny layer of dry skin, however, contains less than 10% water. Hydrating the skin means providing moisture to the stratum corneum.
How can you tell if your skin is lacking moisture?
Typical signs of lack of moisture are:
- Your skin tightens more often.
- “Dry lines” as well as small wrinkles become visible
- Your skin sometimes peels.
- Her skin looks wrinkled.
- Your skin does not look radiant, but tired.
How do you moisturize your skin?
To moisturize the skin, there are two ways, both of which are indispensable. First, hydration through active ingredients that moisturize the skin on the surface. Here, in a sense, there is an immediate effect. Secondly, the way via the water balance. This means: drink, drink, drink! Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Should you use the same skincare product all year round?
Use your skincare product as long as you feel your skin is receiving optimal care. During the colder months, your skin may need more moisture and oils. In that case, choose a skincare product that has increased nourishing, moisturizing and replenishing properties.
When should you use a moisturizer?
Preferably after bathing or showering. The often very chalky water additionally dries out the skin.
