Try pinching yourself and pulling up your skin. Notice how it regains its shape. The ability of the skin to stretch and then attain normality is its elasticity. Now try this act with persons from various age groups.
You will notice that the skin of a ten year old kid attains normality within no time, but that of an elderly person of, say, seventy years takes a few extra seconds. This is because the elasticity of the skin reduces as we grow older. A face full of wrinkles has lost its elasticity. The elasticity of the skin can be measured clinically, but there is also a method by which you can determine the functional age of your skin. Pinch your skin and hold it tightly for about five seconds and then release it. Notice the time taken for it to flatten back completely. If it takes merely couple of seconds your skin reflects a functional age of under thirty. If it takes nearly a minute to become normal, it is time for you to be alert because your skin is nearing a functional age of seventy.
Our skin is the mirror of our age and it is best shown on our face. We all want to beat aging and look young all our lives. There are number of ways from cosmetic surgery to facial make up by which this can be achieved. The market is full of products that guarantee to put a brake on our aging signs. These products contain collagen and elastin, the two skin proteins that are responsible for holding our skin tighter and maintaining its elasticity. Silica, Zinc, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Selenium and certain Vitamins are good for our skin.
Things you can do to maintain a healthy skin and look young:
1. A dehydrated skin is most likely to succumb fast. So, naturally moistening the skin is the best way to keep it healthy. Wash your face with water as much through the day to rehydrate your skin. You could also apply coconut oil once in the day. Coconut oil contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) or Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA) that are helpful in making our connective tissues stronger thereby increasing softness or elasticity.
2. Some fruits and vegetables are the best source of Silica, Zinc, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Selenium and certain Vitamins; the five vital nutrients for our skin. Include these in your diet.
a. Silica can be obtained from strawberries, mangoes, cucumber, and asparagus.
b. Fresh oysters, ginger, pumpkin seeds, and oat are the good sources of Zinc.
c. Flax seeds and fish oils are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
d. Wheat germ, garlic, tuna, eggs, and brown rice are abundant in Selenium.
e. For vitamin E rely on red and green bell peppers, broccoli and parsley.
3. Avoid toxic chemicals which are used in the so-called skin care products. Use natural herbal products as much as possible.
4. Apply some good sunscreen lotion to avoid damage from UV rays. You may consult your dermatologist for a proper advice.
5. Avoid smoking â active or passive. Its repetitive motion has an opposite effect on our skin.
6. Free yourself from stress and tension. A scornful face itself is major drawback.