Final answer:
The skin becomes drier and less elastic as we age. To combat these changes, it is recommended to moisturize regularly, maintain hydration, and include antioxidants and nutrients like zinc in the diet to promote skin health. Keeping the skin clean and protecting it from excess sun exposure also helps to preserve skin condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two health-related changes in our skin as we age are increased dryness and reduced elasticity. First, as we age, our skin tends to become drier due to the reduction in natural oils. To prevent or mitigate this, one can use moisturizers to hydrate the skin and drink plenty of water to maintain internal hydration. Second, our skin loses elasticity due to decreased collagen production, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Mitigation can include using skincare products that stimulate collagen production and incorporating antioxidants in the diet, which can help fight the damage caused by free radicals.
In addition to these measures, healthy skin can be maintained with proper nutrition, which plays a vital role. Important nutrients for healthy skin include vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc, which can be found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean protein sources. Zinc, in particular, is crucial for wound healing and collagen synthesis. Keeping skin clean is fundamental to prevent acne, while protecting skin from excessive sun exposure helps prevent skin cancer and premature aging, as melanin provides natural sunblock. While the aging process cannot be completely stopped, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly slow down its signs on the skin.