American Skin
American skin is unique, and the skin Americans possess is probably more varied than anywhere else in the world. American skin is physical proof of the “melting pot” adage, and one attribute of American skin is that it runs the spectrum of every nationality and mixture of nationalities imaginable.
Another feature which makes American skin unique is the term itself; That is to say that the term “American skin” is synonymous with a lifestyle that is not always skin-friendly. Less than ideal eating habits, sun exposure and stress are all elements of American life which often manifest themselves in American skin, sooner or later.
Sun exposure plays a major role in how age affects American skin. On some level, most people understand the importance of protecting their skin. Nevertheless, American culture glamorizes a deep, dark tan, mainly because it symbolizes an outdoor lifestyle with abundant leisure time. As a result, men and women bask in the sun for hours without any sun protection whatsoever. Some even use oils to hasten the tanning effect, and still others visit tanning salons for concentrated UVA and UVB exposure. The consequences of this can be dangerous, if not fatal. Even African American skin, and any dark skin for that matter, is equally susceptible to sun damage. Thus, it is imperative that some type of sun protection be employed at all times.
Skin is affected by the food we eat, and American skin tends to clearly reflect this fact. A diet high in refined starches and processed sugars has been linked to premature wrinkles and deterioration of the collagen which keeps the skin plump. Aside from the scientific data which suggest this connection, we can simply compare the skin of elderly individuals in less industrialized places with the skin of elderly persons in America. There is a stark difference, and the reason is simple; Low starch, high fiber, vegetable-rich diet keeps a person looking better, longer. American skin care specialists might lose all of their business if Americans adopted different eating patterns.
Stress is a fact of life for the average American. Skin does not fare well in times of stress, and numerous skin conditions can result from the hormone fluctuations it induces. Acne and premature aging occur more frequently when an individual is “stressed”. American skin is at even greater risk for this kind of damage due to caffeine and alcohol. These common “coping mechanisms” in American culture only serve to further dehydrate and diminish American skin.
Is American skin doomed? Why, not at all. There are healthy changes one can make to ensure that their skin retains its glow for years to come. Avoiding the behaviors outlined above is an important first step, as is proper skin nourishment. An attentive skin care regime is a must, particularly in a world where environmental factors beyond our control threaten our beauty. Consider the use of a regenerative night cream to lessen the effects of daily wear and tear on the skin, and reserve time to care for the body in general. Quiet time is underrated in today’s culture, and for many Americans, skin suffers because of it. That said, love the skin you’re in! You’ll only have one chance to treat it well.