5 Things Women Over 50 Should Know About Their Skin
No one’s denying that our skin needs much more attention than it used to. Whether it’s wrinkles, fine lines, or unsightly bruising—there’s always something we want to improve. We asked board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Roger Ceilley, to help us understand how our skin changes over time, and what we can do to keep it looking radiant.
1. Your skin changes on more than one level, not just what you see
on the outside.
“Gravity exerts its force on us every moment of the day, and it can make skin sag as we age. You can see the pull of gravity everywhere, under the arms, buttocks and thighs. The underlying structure of the skin also changes. When we’re younger, the outer layers of the skin, 
called the epidermis, are supported by the lower layers, called the dermis, where collagen formation takes place.
As we age, many factors influence collagen production. Too much unprotected sun exposure over a lifetime, for instance, can weaken the collagen-producing cells and cause fine lines and wrinkles, as well as jowls and a less defined jaw line.”
2. Your everyday habits can affect your skin.
“Protecting yourself from the sun is of utmost importance. UVA rays can be especially harmful to collagen formation. Moisturize immediately after bathing and before bedtime, using creams and lotions containing retinol, ceramides and glycolic acid. Exercising regularly helps blood circulation and the right exercises can help firm up flabby skin.”