Heredity and aging....here it is at face value....

How much does heredity have to do with how we age? We are a mixture of both of our parents. Consider this when evaluating skin typing. 

Our skin can be typed based on fairness and potential to burn or amount of pigment from one to five.  One being the lightest, fairest with light colored eyes and easy to burn. Five is designated to those with darkly pigmented skin with dark eyes and little capacity to burn. 

The amount of pigment cells in our viable epidermis, the living layer, determines how much natural protection we have against the sun and elements. The more meliorates means you are less likely to burn, possessing more protection against the sun.

But don't let these facts fool you.  One can have a more olive medium skin tone (type 2-3) and still be a candidate for sun damage, aging and skin cancers including the deadliest— melanoma. 

What does all this mean to the average consumer focusing on the safest, healthiest way to prevent sun damage, cellular changes and aging?  The number one thing to do—stay out of the sun. The sun in the major culprit for aging, sun damage and cellar changes predisposing us to skin cancer. 

We must stay protected from sun exposure, particularly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Wear a sunblock (containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide, preferably a 50 spf) daily and apply frequently if going out for long periods of time.

The sun is responsible for 80% of our aging and damage to our skin.  If we have a higher rated skin type, we can endure more sun before showing damage. However, your skin condition is a combination of heredity, environment, lifestyle, and the maintenance of good skin care and a healthy diet.

Besides staying out of the sun, eat foods rich in antioxidants A,C and E. Enjoy dark pigmented fruits and vegetables Remember only a portion of what we eat hits the skin level so it is very important to apply topically. 

What else can we do?  Keep up a good skin care regime with high level cosmeceuticals—glycolic acid based is the most effective. It will help keep our viable protective layer working at the optimal level. Many are going to home glycolic peels and vitamin therapies with additional, scheduled higher level treatments in salon or in an office like Clinage’s. (The Fosnaugh Center in Southfield.)

We all have the opportunity for healthy skin with a slow aging process. Monitor the skin for changes. You can slow the process down, repair and protect as outlined. 

Knowledge is so important when it comes to these aspects.  It will keep you young and it could save your life!