Take care – Wrinkles and pains are the dark side of the summer sun.

Oh – finally. Bright days, strong sunshine, birds singing and a the air seems clear and fresh. Outside the life-giving sun beckons with promises of warm holiday time, outdoors, impromptu gatherings and experiences. No doubt about that the life-giving force of light is of great importance for our mood and wellbeing. But no roses without thorns, and no sun without a shadow side.

The sun is harsh on the skin – and the series of threats ranges from itching, dehydration and increased wrinkle formation to severe burns and increased risk of cancer. But you can do much to get the full benefit of the sun, while you reduce the disadvantages: Common sense, healthy lifestyles and a little extra help for the body – both in terms of protecting and rebuilding. So taking care of your skin is something you should not take lightly.

20 square feet of sensitivity

The skin, which covers an area of approx 20 square feet, is your body’s largest organ and it is more than just surface. Indeed, the skin consists of three very different layers – and wrinkles that appear on the skin’s surface is actually formed due to changes under the skin’s surface. The three layers are called the epidermis, the leather skin (dermis) and the subcutaneous tissue, which is a layer of fat. Between these layers there are both blood vessels, hair roots, sweat glands and sebaceous glands.

Elastic – but not forever

The subcutaneous tissue consists mainly of a protein (collagen), which gives the skin structure and of fibers (elastin) that makes skin elastic. Vitamin C is an important part of the process of forming fibers. The elastic fibers are challenged over time due to various influences, both outside and inside: sun, wind, drying, smoking, diet, air pollution, X-rays and pesticides. Free radicals, which is aggressive oxygen, is a major cause of skin aging. But you can, to some extent neutralize the free radicals with antioxidants, both through your diet and through skin care.

Diet and care

Greedy vegetables, berries and fruit contains a large number of important antioxidants in the form of bioflavonoids, also called P-vitamin. In nature there are numerous – perhaps up to 20,000 different – bioflavonoids. They are water soluble and easily absorbed quickly into the body and has numerous beneficial features – including a halt to the wrinkle formation. So the battle against wrinkles starts with a good diet, and the best followed up with the right skincare products and dietary supplements.

Sun is not just light

Age, diet and external factors are crucial for the formation of wrinkles. And during summer the sun is an additional, external threat. Sun damage is mainly due to the invisible ultraviolet rays – and there are several types of them. They affect the skin differently and require different protection. The body builds self-defenses, among other things the skin becomes thicker, and pigments will be “induced” by the production of melanin. But the process takes time – and burdens, moreover, the skin, which risks being “overworked”. This is why you should help your skin with serious and consistent skin care. Before, during and after the sun’s challenges.

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