Aging begins at the moment of birth, but that fact is far removed from our conscience during our younger years. Biologically the skin changes as we age beginning as early as our twenties. The average skin cell takes about 28 days to reach the surface of the skin to be sloughed off, but as we age this process begins to slow down which in turn decreases collagen and elastin production producing skin that is loose and saggy. This decline in cell turnover also creates rough skin with an uneven appearance and dry texture. The true struggle for aging skin typically begins in the 40's with the onset of menopause for women. The lack of estrogen within the skin causes both a decrease in suppleness and thickness of the skin, but perhaps the most profound effect of decreased estrogen is the increase in unopposed action of testosterone. This increased action of testosterone creates an increase in facial hair and larger pores. The sebaceous gland secretion is controlled by estrogen so without it secretion is increased resulting in the return of acne. Hormone replacement therapy has a positive effect on the skin even for women whose loss of collagen is only slight. A physician skilled in hormone replacement therapy can best determine whether hormone replacement therapy is correct for you.
Lifestyle choices are an area that we can control and these choices have a major impact on how we age. Sun tanning hastens the breakdown of collagen and elastin leading to thinner skin and the formation of wrinkles. Smoking is another lifestyle choice that accelerates the aging of skin. Smoking restricts blood flow so vitamins and oxygen are not delivered to the skin. Our skin is protected by the supply of vitamin A and the absorption of vitamin C, but smoking reduces these processes. Smoking increases the production of enzymes that breakdown collagen thus decreasing skin's firmness. Smoking is a leading cause of skin aging as evidenced by the wrinkles surrounding a smoker's mouth. Lack of sleep slows down the repair process that naturally occurs as we sleep leaving our skin dry and wrinkled. Improper skin care using soaps that leave the skin feeling tight and dry ages the skin as well. The proper cleanser should be at a pH around 5.5 to closely mimic the skin's natural balance. Proper skin care treatments include moisturizing products that contain proper nutrition for the skin. Finally, eating a healthy, balanced diet filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants protects the skin and enables it to repair and maintain itself.
Using products that contain the most effective ingredients such as glycolic acid, retinol, peptides, and vitamin c among others is the best tool in fighting the aging process. Combining effective products with professional facial care will generate the best benefits for your skin as you age. It is never too late to start a skin care program, but the earlier you start the better your skin will age. Start today making favorable lifestyle choices combined with high quality products and your skin will benefit.
A chemist would define aging as "reduction in reduction potential" at subcellular level (mitochondria), cellular level, organ level and at organism level. Although, hydroxy acids are good choice, preventing aging from within complemented with topical creams is the key. In this context, vitamin C analogues from natural sources such as Emblica or Amla extracts from India which have Vit C like molecules called emblicanins are very powerful in terms of regenerating back the Vit C-like molecules after scavenging free radicals. Powerful oral and topical antioxidants such as green tea catechins, grape seed proanthocynadins, Asiaticosides from Centella asciatica, ginkgo procynidins and flavonoids, Boswellia gum, curcumins from turmeric and importantly thiol regenerating garlic will be very useful. In addition to their conventional anti-oxidant, anti-metalloproteinase activity, these natural will have immuno-priming activity, which in my opinion is essential for skin sentinels to be in an active state of vigilance against any abnormal cells and response. Above all this, regular meditation and yoga will naturally complement by synchronizing multi-level co-ordinated anti-aging lowering the accelerated reduction in reduction potential.
ReplyDeleteI agree that anti-aging requires a vast array of approaches to produce the desired effects. Topical products are only one approach in fighting the signs of aging skin. Combining appropriate supplements with cosmeceutical products is an excellent regimen in the fight against aging. Thank you for your comment.
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