SKIN PROTECTION FOR AFRICAN WOMEN - PART II

What causes acne (Chunusi)?
No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin. Under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria, which live in everyone's skin and generally cause no problems, to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed.


If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a pustule; if it's deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil becomes oxidized (that is, acted on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead."


Factors Affecting Skin 

Maintaining the beauty and youthfulness of our face tends to be a daily preoccupation for many women and men. Skin, particularly your face is in constant contact with the external environment and is also significantly affected by internal factors like your health and lifestyle.

The results of damage is evident, as skin will becomes tight, uncomfortable, wrinkled, red, rougher and loses its glow and elasticity . In the hope of avoiding/delaying the deterioration and aging of our skin, we flock on mass to the latest scientific discoveries and beauty treatments.

Please soma hii chat hapa kwa umakini sana:!!

Sunlight Through UV exposure DNA in the cells of our skin is damaged. UV is the major cause of à -  pigmentation:  The most noticeable sun-induced pigment change is a freckle or solar lentigo. - Texture Changes:  thickening and thinning of the skin. Thick skin is found in coarse wrinkles especially on the back of the neck. These wrinkles do not disappear when the skin is stretched. - Blood Vessel Changes: i) the walls of blood vessels become thinner leading to bruising with only minor trauma in sun-exposed areas. ii) the appearance of telangiectasias, tiny blood vessels, in the skin especially on the face. - Moles:  an increased number of moles in sun-exposed areas. - Skin Cancer	Age Our age is something that we cannot change. Therefore in order to care for your skin, you need to be aware of the inevitable changes that will occur to it over time. The effects of age on skin:-  -  Early 20's: skin is young, fresh and at it's best. This is the time to start looking after it. - 20's / early 30;s: skin tends to start loosing the 'bloom' of youth and my start showing signs of dryness. If this occurs try switching to a  richer moisturiser.  - Mid / late 30's: If you have dry skin, you may begin to notice the emergence of fine lines, this occurs in oily skin at a later stage. At the same time tiny blood vessels may appear  around the cheeks and nose. These can be skilfully hidden with make-up.  - 40's: Skin begins to loose it's tone, strength and elasticity. Wrinkles and bags from, also the skin dries leaving it loose and flabby. - Older: Skin is fragile and shows everything more. It is inelastic and flushes easily. Pores become enlarged, and lines deepen around your eyes, mouth and forehead. Older complexion is dull and the skin is dry. There are often broken capillaries on the cheeks and nose. Exercise and Ageing Skin
Cold and Wind The cold and windy conditions of winter à often result in itchy, dry skin. Skin responds by increasing oil production to compensate for the weather's drying effects. A good moisturiser will help ease symptoms of dry skin. Also, drinking lots of water can keep your skin hydrated and looking radiant.	Hormones Oestrogen: Oestrogen's helps to keep the skin hydrated soft an subtle. - High levels (pill)  à Uneven pigmentation - Falling levels (after menopause) as cell renewal levels fall à  dry and           susceptible to environmental damage Testosterone: - Falling Oestrogen levels (above) results in relatively high levels of testosterone à larger pores, increased oil production and facial hair.
Smoking Nicotine constricts the small  blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the epidermis  à i) is one of the main causes of wrinkles, especially around the mouth. ii) increases the time it takes the skin to recover from wounds iii) stains the skin See Save your skin...stop smoking	Stress Adrenal gland secretes hormones àstimulates increased oil production from the sebaceous glands.
Air pollution  Pollution is problematic for your skin for several reasons. à Dust can clog pores and increase bacteria on the face, both of which lead to acne or spots. à Invisible chemical pollutants in the air can interfere with your skin's natural protection system, breaking down the natural skin's oils that normally trap moisture in your skin and keep it supple. Studies show that pollution can actually cause reactions in the skin that inhibit the way it builds and repairs itself. Remember to thoroughly cleanse your skin each evening to wash away dirt and grime.	Alcohol Heavy drinking à constant dilation of the tiny blood vessels in the face, which can lead to a permanent network of reddish capillaries, particularly across nose and cheeks.
Climate Control, Modern living forces our skin to cope with sudden temperature and humidity extremes. à i) Winter - We go from cold windy and wet to hot central heated homes and offices and visa versa. ii) Summer - During the summer, we escape the hot dry heat by taking refuge in dry, cold air conditioned rooms. Skin is able to adapt to these sudden changes, but it takes it toll.	Diet Diets poor in nutrients e.g. weight reduction diets à  dehydration,  malnutrition, skin, hair & nail loss and increased susceptibility to infections. Conversely eating a healthy nutritiousdiet can improve and maintain healthy skin.
	Exercise Increases circulation and aids the distribution of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. Sweating will also helps to release the dirt from your skin àhealthy glow.
	Skin Care Improper skin care can exaggerate any skin condition or skin type. Excessive exfoliation or application of heavy, rich moisturisers on oily skin will stimulate oil production. Bathing or showering in excessively hot water or not using a good moisturiser will dry skin out. Using skin care products that contain harsh or irritating ingredients will increase skin sensitivity. Every skin type benefits from proper skin care. Maintaining a good skin care regimen will help skin achieve maintain balance.

Sasa basi tumeshaona chunusi ni nini na zinaweza kusababishwa na nini. Na pia tumeona mbali na chunusi, ngozi inaweza kuharibika kutokana na sababu nyingine mbalimbali.

For that matter, let's stay tuned for PART III on Skin Care and Protection tuone ni jinsi gani sasa tutafanya kutatua hili. 

"Where Style Is A Pleasure"

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