Page 62 - RetailPharmacyAssistants-March2021-Updated

60 SKIN FIX CAN OUR SKIN REMAIN FOREVER YOUNG? It’s no secret that our skin changes as we age. According to the US National Institute on Ageing, with age our skin “becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as ply and smooth as it once did”.1 Not only that, but the ageing process means that “scratches, cuts or bumps can take longer to heal”.2 This month we delve into the tips and tricks to help keep our skin forever young. “ABy Margaret Mielczarek. s we age, our skin deteriorates,” Pharmacy Assistant and Business Development Manager at Direct Chemist Outlet Tori McRae-Field said. “This is a slow process over time. It’s not instant or overnight. It becomes thinner and paler as a result of losing vital nutrients.” She says some of the “common issues that people notice as their skin ages are sagging, pigmentation, age spots, thinning, and change in condition – for example, dry skin and wrinkles”. “As our skin ages, we’re more at risk of things like sunspots and skin cancer,” Ms McRae-Field said. “An easy way to help prevent these conditions is to wear an SPF50 plus sunscreen daily and reapply as directed. I especially like to remind customers of face sunscreens, as this is one that’s often forgotten. There are many options now for mattifying face sunscreens and even spray-on options that are suitable to spray over makeup throughout the day.” Joshua Edye, Pharmacy Assistant from Erindale Pharmacy, ACT, added: “As we age, our skin begins to lose elasticity, the power to retain moisture and the ability to heal quickly after trauma. “Subsequently, we begin to experience skin that’s itchy, dry, and bruises and cuts easily. We also develop wrinkles, dark patches and an increased sensitivity to sunlight. Eczema sufferers may also experience an increased frequency of flare-ups.” It starts with prevention When it comes to maintaining healthy skin that glows as the years go by, prevention is key, with strict adherence to wearing sunscreen, taking off makeup and using a good moisturiser essential. “There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent common skin issues,” Ms McRae-Field said. “These include using an appropriate skin care regimen (cleanser, moisturiser, etc.), wearing a sunscreen daily, taking skin supplements and ensuring that you drink plenty of water,” she said, adding that adequate fluid intake is like “skin hydration from the inside out”. Mr Edye agrees. “While we cannot ultimately prevent the thinning of the skin \\\\\\\[completely\\\\\\\], we can undertake some regular ‘skin maintenance’ to keep our skin as healthy as possible for as long as possible,” he said. His tips for maintaining healthy skin include: • “Using a moisturising or barrier cream will help mitigate dry and rough skin. Using a barrier cream will help to retain the moisture. Select a product that doesn’t contain colourants or preservatives, which can irritate the skin. • “Always apply sunscreen when going outdoors and, wear full-length clothing wherever possible. • “Avoid wearing nylon clothing. Use cotton-based garments instead. • “Avoid adhesive bandages. Opt for advanced gel-based wound- care dressings.” While the above measures may assist with maintaining healthy skin, both the pharmacy assistants agree that a healthy diet goes a long way in helping to keep a youthful complexion. “Ever heard of the saying, ‘You are what you eat’?” asked Ms McRae-Field. “This applies to your skin as well.” “How can you expect your skin to glow and be healthy if you aren’t feeding your body with the appropriate nutrients. Vitamin and mineral supplements also play a part in maintaining healthy skin, as these can help boost \\\\\\\[your nutrient intake\\\\\\\] that you potentially may be lacking \\\\\\\[especially if you have a\\\\\\\] restricted or poor diet.” Mr Edye added: “A healthy diet plays a fundamental role in maintaining healthy skin as we age. Vitamin A helps to maintain skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles. Vitamin B3 and zinc help to mitigate age spots, acne and other skin discolouration. Omega-3 fatty acids assist in retaining skin moisture.” When it comes to skin moisture, both pharmacy assistants again agree that, as Mr Edye puts it, “adequate hydration is critical in maintaining optimal skin health”. “Our bodies are made up of 70 per cent water and our skin is our largest organ,” Ms McRae-Field said, “so if we aren’t replenishing our water throughout the day, our skin doesn’t have anywhere to draw moisture from.” The role of the gut in skin health As new research emerges, it’s increasingly becoming clearer that the gut plays a significant role, not only in overall health, but also when it comes to skin health. “Gut health has been something that’s constantly researched, and new connections are always being found to gut health – skin health being a massive connection,” Ms McRae-Field said. “If your gut health is off or unbalanced, then it can wreak havoc on your skin, causing all sorts of skin conditions or irritations.” While an adequate, healthy diet that includes dietary sources of pre- and probiotics will generally help with maintaining a healthy gut, Ms McRae- Field also points to the probiotic supplements available to support a healthy gut. “There are a lot of probiotics available for gut health,” she said, “but more specifically, there are probiotics that have strains especially for skin health/ skin conditions. By replenishing your gut health, it can work wonders for your skin and help it to clear such conditions.” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • MAR 2021