The Science of Aging Skin

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.

Effective Ingredients in Sunscreens

What are the causes of wrinkles? The number one cause is the sun, the source of energy for all of life on earth, the object of worship of ancient religions. As much as we need the sun, we need to protect ourselves from its ultraviolet rays. Presently, the only known benefit from UV light on the skin is the conversion of pre-vitamin D to D3. Vitamin D has long been known as the Vitamin to cure rickets, but today it is known to do so much more than that. Vitamin D controls the absorption of calcium to build stronger bones and teeth, and Vitamin D helps maintain muscle strength. Clearly, there are benefits from the sun but the detrimental effects to our body outweigh these benefits. Wearing sunscreen may increase your concern about receiving enough Vitamin D. Choosing a supplement containing D3 is all that is needed to allay those fears. Wearing a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays is the most important tool in the fight against aging skin and against skin cancer. According to the Sun Safety Alliance, a child born in 2000 has a 1 in 75 chance of developing skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Approximately 70 percent of American adults do not use sun-protective measures. Ratings on sunscreens should be changing soon showing both the UVB rating which is what we see now and also the UVA rating. The UVB rays are the burning rays and UVA rays are the aging rays so a UVA rating would be very beneficial to the consumer. Currently, the sunscreen manufacturers have temporarily postponed the passing of this new FDA labeling requirement due to the increased cost associated with changing all of their labels and the testing required to prove the UVA rating. The consumer should benefit greatly when this new requirement is passed.

What Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating should you use? Well, that depends on your skin type and how much actual sunscreen you are applying. Most of us use about half the amount of sunscreen required to produce the SPF rating of the sunscreen. You should use about one tablespoon of sunscreen on your face alone. How many of us use that much? Your body requires about one and one half fluid ounces or about a jigger's worth of sunscreen. Since most of us do not use the appropriate amount, either use more or choose a higher rating to get the best coverage. Sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or perspiring. Oh, just a note for menopausal women, your skin is especially susceptible to the sun. As you age, the natural protection from the sun produced in our bodies decreases so using a sunscreen is even more crucial.

Sunscreens containing Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide are sun blockers and considered broad spectrum protecting against UVA and UVB rays. They reflect the sunlight away from the skin, but many people find them undesirable to use because of a white residue that is typically left on the skin, but the newer sunscreens that use Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide have really improved this problem To be considered broad spectrum protection the concentration of either Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide should be 7%. Both of these ingredients are considered to be very safe and effective.


Avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789), Mexoryl, and Oxybenzone are chemical sunscreens that are considered effective for protection against UVA and UVB rays. They do not physically reflect sunlight, but they act chemically by absorbing the sun's rays before they cause damage and are considered sunscreens not sunblocks. Since Avobenzone degrades upon exposure to the sun, it is best used in combination with Oxybenzone better known as Helioplex. The addition of Oxybenzone allows the Avobenzone to remain stable thereby increasing its efficacy. The Helioplex combination creates a broad spectrum sunscreen. Mexoryl is not degraded by exposure to the sun, so it is more stable than Avobenzone and it absorbs both UVA and UVB rays. Becoming familiar with the ingredients in sunscreens allows the user to choose a sunscreen that will provide the best UV coverage. Ultimately, the use of a sunscreen is crucial to protect the skin from cancer causing rays as well as the first line of defense in the fight against aging.

It is never too late to use sunscreens. The consumer has many choices available when choosing a sunscreen. Finding the sunscreen that works with your skin type whether it is a foam, spray, gel, or cream that contains the ingredients that protect you from UVA and UVB rays is the most important product you can apply to your skin. Resolve to start a healthy skincare regimen today. Use sunscreen on a daily basis.