Skin is a dynamic surface that measures around 16 and 22 square feet and makes up 10% of our total bodyweight. It is a barrier to our environment, important for detoxification, and regulating our temperature and hormones.

Here I talk about what skin is, how it can age prematurely as well as common skin conditions (how to treat and prevent them).

My top six tips for aging gracefully are:

1. Avoid dietary and lifestyle factors that negatively impact your skin

Certain foods can irritate your skin and not all the same foods are irritants for everyone. Work with your Naturopathic doctor to help determine which foods are best (and not good) for you. Studies show that sugar, alcohol and smoking significantly accelerate signs of aging and should be used in moderated or avoided.

Water is important for detoxification and rejuvenating the skin. See my posts for how much water you should drink each day here.

2. Avoid stress

Emotions can have a significant impact on our skin. The stress hormone cortisol increases oil production and causes inflammation. Regular exercise can help decrease with stress management. This page has posts on how much exercise you should get each day.

3. Get a good night of sleep, consistently

While you sleep, your body creates collagen which makes skin strong and elastic. Sleeping also helps with improve rehydration making puffy eyes, fine lines, and wrinkles less visible. Six to nine hours of sleep is recommended as it has been shown to reduce inflammatory risk. Falling asleep before midnight counts for an extra hour.

4. Consider appropriate vitamins and topical herbs

There are many natural tools to help keep your skin looking healthy. Fish oils are known to help reduce inflammation. Vitamins A, C, E and zinc help with collagen production and healing skin tissue. Topical herbs like calendula, chickweed, licorice, neem, chamomile and oats can be helpful for reducing signs of aging and healing certain skin conditions. Talk to your Naturopath to find out which vitamins and topical herbs are best for your skin.

5. Avoid excessive sun exposure

We all know that sun and UV radiation can be damaging to our skin. As we age, we become more susceptible to UV damage. A bit of sun exposure is good for our vitamin D intake but only 10 minutes is necessary, especially between the 10am to 2pm time frame in the middle of summer. Shea butter provides a natural sunscreen option of approximately six spf.

6. Try PRP and Meso-therapy, natural skin treatments (for more see the posts here)

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma (a Natural “Face Lift”). Conditions treated with PRP include fine lines and wrinkles, scars (including acne scars), stretch marks, slow healing wounds, and thinning hair and hair loss (alopecia). For best results, 2-3 treatments are needed with 2-4 months between treatments. PRP creates a smooth, tighter, glowing skin improving texture and tone within 3-4 weeks.

Meso-therapy. Conditions treated with Meso-therapy include stretch marks and scars, cellulite reduction, sun damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and thinning hair and hair loss (alopecia). Results of this treatment are typically seen within five treatments.

For tips to improve overall health and wellbeing, visit this page.