Anti aging articles
Our skin changes constantly from infancy as a result
of internal and external factors. As we mature we are faced with
specific, uninvited structural and functional changes that occur,
both within the epidermis (outer visible layer), the supportive
dermis layer as well as other surrounding components.
Biological aging is a natural process engendered by hormonal changes
and genetic factors. The skin’s natural functions and metabolism
decline, causing a reduction in circulation and a decrease in the
oxygen and nutrient supply. Skin cells are unable to replenish themselves
properly and gradually loose its natural oils, which weaken the
skin’s natural protective hydro-lipid film. This translates
into a complexion prone to dryness, wrinkles, loss of elasticity,
and sensitive skin.
Visible aging of the skin commences around the age of 25, with the
normal regenerative process beginning to slow down. The skin replaces
old cells more slowly and turnover of the surface skin cells is
less rapid. Wound healing also becomes reduced. After the age of
45, thinning of the skin starts – rendering the skin more
vulnerable to damage caused by surface-abrasion and an increase
in sensitivity to environmental factors and allergens.
With age, the main proteins that contribute to
elasticity, texture and tone (collagen and elastin) become chemically-altered
and damaged, corresponding to a loss of skin strength and elasticity.
The moisture holding compounds (proteoglycans and GAGs) naturally
decrease with age and present a dryer, looser skin. The oil-producing
(sebaceous) glands also become more sluggish, further contributing
to skin dryness. This in turn leads to a more sensitive skin, whereby
harsh soaps and disinfectants can more easily damage your skin.
The layer of fat under the skin also diminishes,
revealing greater sagginess and looseness. The skin can easily lose
its glow with age, as the number of blood vessels in your skin become
reduced.
Skin Aging Caused By External and lifestyle factors
If all this isn’t enough to deal with, there
are a host of external and lifestyle factors that can exacerbate
the aging of your skin. Many signs of aging such as dry skin, roughness,
blotchiness, pigmentation, brown spots and wrinkling are self-inflicted,
due to poor diet, prolonged stress, excessive sun exposure, environmental
pollutants and poor quality skin care products. The good news, however,
is that the external and lifestyle factors are in your control.
A diminution or elimination of all these factors can decelerate
the aging process and protect the physical beauty and health of
your skin
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