satindesire
Queen of Geeks
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2005
- Posts
- 13,101
My skin is sensitive and seems to be getting drier and drier
(I did just turn 41 in Jan, but I do have very good skin...my profile pic is me, but I am blushing that is why I am so pink)
I use Estee Lauder soft clean moisture rich foaming facial cleanser every day for Dry Skin.
I sometimes use EL DayWear advanced multi Protection anti-oxidant cream spf 15 and sometimes use my EL advanced night repair by EL...love that stuff but it is so expensive!
Once every month or every other month I use Olays' Microdermabrasion treatment and I can tell a difference when I do.
I know I started up my soda habit again and I need to stop that and drink more water like I was and sleep better, working on both.
As far as makeup, I wear a light foundation with SPF...I am very pale with freckles and rosy cheeks. The only other makeup I wear would be chapstick or gloss or stick depending on where I am going....light eyeliner, mascara and that is it.
I think because my skin is getting older...it might not be "turning over" for lack of a better word like younger skin does....but I have dry, sensitive skin...so I have to be careful what I use that I do not irritate it or dry it out more....
Any advice?
Thanks!
Absolutely!
Aging skin can really have a detrimental affect on a woman's psychology. Estrogen declines slightly soon after puberty is over, and then even more rapidly once we hit about 35, finally hiting it's peak of reduction at around age 50. Declining estrogen affects the skin in several ways, elasticity, pigmentation and vascularity. Skin also ages by changing thickness, becoming very thin in some areas and thicker in others, wrinkling, and reducing it's ability to retain moisture which can exacerbate wrinkles.
The way Estrogen affects our skin isn't entirely understood by scientists, but we -do- know that it controls Collagen production. Collagen, along with Elastin, is responsible for a good deal of the "dry weight" of our bodies, and gives our bodies structural integrity. That's why, when it's production sharply declines as we age, we seem to start to "fall apart"!
Along with following the steps you already know you need to take (Drink more water, get more sleep) I strongly suggest Hormone Replacement Therapy for your concerns. One of the very -best- ways to prevent the outward side effects of hormonal aging is using a topical Estrogen Cream. They're available by prescription and OTC but the strongest medicines will only be available to you through a doctor. And over the counter natural creams may have fewer quality controls because their products are frequently not subject to evaluation by safety agencies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration.
It’s also important not to see an estrogen cream as simply a benign lotion. These creams are medicines that can impact other medications taken. People should discuss with their physicians the list of drugs they already take before using even an over the counter estrogen cream. Those at risk for cancers or heart disease should also plan to discuss their conditions with doctors before using one of these creams, to determine if benefits outweigh potential risks.
However, possible risks aside, the benefits are outstanding and marked. You could see a -significant- reduction in wrinkles, increased skin elasticity, more even pigmentation with that healthy post-vacation "glow". You'll also probably notice your skin retains water easier and for a much longer time. There are other benefits as well, not just cosmetic, such as a "lift" in your mood!
There is one thing I'd like to address before you take the jump to HRT, though. You must WASH YOUR HANDS after applying the topical medicine, because anything and anyone you touch afterward can absorb the medicine and be affected by it, including your pets! Article about that below:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/25/when-hormone-creams-expose-others-to-risks/
In short, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of HRT. A light Estrogen cream can really help address your concerns much better than any lotion or potion over the counter can. And the best results for these kinds of concerns often comes straight from a doctor!