One of the marked characteristics of youth is plump hydrated glowing skin. As we age, our skin tends to appear less full, not quite as bright, and possibly become wrinkled, dryer and even sag a bit.

What causes this? And is there anything that can be done to prevent it?

There are a number of factors that play into skin condition.

Health: Skin is an outward reflection of our internal health. Lack of hydration, nutrition deficient diet, taking pharmaceutical medications – all can contribute to poor skin condition and dryness. Recent studies show that lack of protein can cause tears, wrinkles, and cracks in your skin. Eating high level inflammatory foods in excess can also contribute to skin issues: margarine, red meats, white breads, sugary or processed foods.

Recommendations: To help prevent premature aging and dryness, its beneficial to eat foods rich in omega-3’s and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) such as flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, olive oil, avocados, bone broth soup and salmon. Additionally, fruits and vegetables boost collagen and help fight free radicals. Taking care of your skin health from the inside out is the best course of action.

Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking alcohol, using non organic skin lotions, chemically based perfumes, chronic lack of sleep, excessive sun exposure where sunburn has been involved and excess stress levels – all of these can create and or exacerbate the problem.

Recommendations: If you smoke… quit, drink only socially and at a minimum if you must, spray perfume on your clothing rather than directly on your skin, switch to organic lotions or those prescribed by a qualified skin care specialist and limit time in the sun to avoid burns.

Age: As we age skin naturally begins to lose elasticity and suppleness. Dry skin is estimated to affect between 30% to 60% of all older adults. It is important to note that genetics also play a major factor in how our skin ages.

Recommendation: Aging is not purely physical. Ageing has a lot to do with the mind and how we view ourselves so choose proactively to see yourself as healthy and ageless.

Weather: living in a seasonal environment can wreak havoc on your skin. As winter months’ approach humidity levels, along with temperature, drops drastically causing many peoples skin to lose moisture. Switching environments or traveling can also throw your skin for a loop. The use of the term “weathered skin” is aptly named.

Recommendations: Use a humidifier during dry months in the room where you sleep. It will not only help your skin it will benefit your sinuses as well.

Environment: Poor air quality can cause issues as well both indoors and out. Pollution from fossil fuels, manufacturing, VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), dust, mold spores, pet dander, there is a lot more than oxygen that we breath in daily and what we take into our bodies can show on the outside.

Recommendations: Change you’re A/C filters regularly. Ionic air filters are also fantastic to use in the home, just remember to wipe them down to keep them working at peak efficiency.

If you follow these recommendations and find that your skin still needs additional moisture or could benefit from some extra attention, see your dermatologist for the best and most up to date recommendations in skin care.

To locate the best dermatologists in your area please visit Independent Physicians Association of Lee County http://ipalc.org/ and search their database of qualified, verified and trusted physicians.