Ageing skin – how and why?
As we age naturally, new cell growth slows and the healing of damaged cells is less efficient, cell DNA is changed which means that the new cells being replicated are also damaged.
As a consequence, the amount of healthy collagen and elastin fibres in your skin are decreased, the areas in and around your cells hold less water and so our skin looks and feels increasingly dry, saggy and, of course wrinkly. It’s all part of natural and normal ageing.
The rate that cellular ageing occurs is influenced by various factors throughout our life:
- diet and water intake.
- genes and hormones
- pregnancies
- UV exposure
- health, if we have been ill and any medications we’ve needed to take.
- lifestyle, including if we smoke and alcohol consumption
- skin care routine – lack of or the type of products we have chosen
- our management of stress
- exercise and sleep routines
At menopause the decrease in oestrogen also causes less water retention, so our skin becomes dehydrated more easily.
Photo-aging? Is it part of the normal ageing process?
Photo-ageing is sun damage from too much UV radiation in any specific area of the body. It causes the onset of premature ageing, meaning that all the signs of ageing will be apparent in that area of your skin earlier than your genes are programmed for. The common areas are the face, decolletage, backs of hands and any other areas frequently exposed to the sun.
UV light is absorbed by the skin; this causes a photochemical reaction, which in turn causes oxidation to occur in the cell – damaging the cell. The UVB affects the epidermis (outer layer) and UVA the dermis (inner layer).
Over time the dermis thins, and with this we have a decreased blood flow to the area; and that’s when we start to notice all the signs of our skin getting older.
Why do wrinkles occur?
Wrinkles form as the skin loses its elasticity from the reduction in collagen production. Irregularities form in the dermis because there is less water being retained in the epidemis and these “lines” over time become wrinkles as the collagen fibres are slowly worn down until they break and permanent lines appear.
What causes pigmentation?
Pigmentation or skin blemishes are caused from either hormonal influences (melasma) or from overexposure to sunlight over a period of time. They can be patchy, multiple or single areas of darkened skin varying in size. They can also increase over years.
Melanin production is the way our skin naturally protects us from free radical production and subsequent damaged-cell DNA. This leads onto thickening of the epidermis which gives you initially uneven skin tone but will eventually develop into thick leathery skin if UV exposure continues.
There is also thinning of the dermis (where everything is alive in your skin) and a reduction in cell turnover. This causes a reduction in collagen and elastin production, which contributes to fine lines and wrinkles.
Damaged DNA may eventually alter the cell sufficiently to become a skin cancer.
Repair and Rejuvenate your Ageing skin –
Using the latest in skin care science based products significant results can be achieved in reversing many of the signs of ageing.
The secret to helping all your signs of aging is great antioxidants, growth factors and the most appropriate Vitamin A for your skin type and age. Always start at a lower percentage and increase as you finish a bottle. It is essential to use a physical sunblock when trying to change your skin in this way; every day whether inside or out.
Adding in clinic treatments will boost the effectiveness to your home care also. Enjoy a good diet, drink lots of water, stop smoking, limit alcohol and find some work/life balance; these will all help.
Once your skin begins to show the signs of aging, it is wise to be using an eye cream and a neck cream if you haven’t already started. Always add the remnants of serums and creams into the backs of your hands when you have finished applying them to your face. Waste nothing, and don’t expect miracles overnight.
Everyone needs a cleanser, a sunblock (essential every day!) and a DNA repair serum – Osmosis MD Catalyst AC11 and or Rescue serum. We recommend combining these with specific products for your skin type.
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