Is your skin changing as you age?

I was doing some stretching the other morning and I noticed on my thighs that my skin had a texture that looked crepey. So, what is crepey skin? I thought to myself, “oh this is what crepey skin is”. I stopped what I was doing and looked it up LOL. Crepey skin is thin and looks finely wrinkled like crepe paper. It sometime might be saggy. While crepey skin is similar to common wrinkles, the condition tends to impact larger areas, and this skin feels noticeably more fragile and thinner. Yep, this is what was on my thighs. I guess this is something that comes along with aging. I have always been fairly good at taking care of my skin but now that I have just turned 62, I think I am going to step it up. I spent a couple hours yesterday reading about skin care for aging women. I have written a blog before on skincare but wanted a refresher after noticing my crepey thighs..

Skin care tips for aging bodies....beautiful but aging:

• Avoid sun exposure: Sun exposure can prematurely age your skin, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and other skin problems. I think we all know this. Use your sunscreen every day! I used to be a sun worshiper but not anymore! Be sure to take you hat when you attend sporting events. One bad burn can really do damage.

• Use anti-aging products: Over-the-counter creams and lotions can help rejuvenate your skin and enhance your natural beauty. Look for products that contain pentapeptides, retinol, and hyaluronic acid.

• Cleanse, moisturize, and protect: A basic skin care routine should include cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun. Use a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, and a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Always remember to wash gently, using warm water instead of hot. There are some professional treatments if you're looking for more dramatic results such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy. These treatments reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. I have not tried but have friends who have and believe in them. Yes, these help reduce the appearance but they don't go away.

• Get your sleep and: Lack of sleep and dehydration can make your skin look dull and tired. We need to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. I am ready more and more about how sleep is so important. When reading up on my husband's kidney cancer I was amazed at how sleep is so highly recommended for improving over health. GET YOUR SLEEP.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. I tell my clients on day one to drink their water.

• Reduce shower time to 5-10 minutes. I was shocked at this. I had no idea. I always take quick showers but did not realize that long showers dry out our skin. Also, it is recommended that we do not take hot showers. Use a physical or chemical exfoliant. As you age, your skin slows down replenishing itself. Dead skin cells aren’t replaced by fresh cells as quickly, which means your skin starts to look dull and uneven and may even crack. Exfoliants are a great way to help get dead cells off your skin. There are two main categories of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Be careful with harsh physical exfoliants, such as sugar scrubs and cleansers with beads, because it makes your skin more susceptible to sagging. Instead, choose a washcloth or a soft sponge.

To wrap it up, avoid the sun, drink your water, and get your sleep are most valuable players for you skin. Use your hat. I now have one to garden in as well!

Hope you find this helpful!