SKIN AGING
Everybody's skin ages with time, with no exception. But how?
Intrinsic aging is caused by internal factors in your body,
some of which are beyond your control.
Cessation or interruption of skin cell replication
Your skin cells divide and replicate continually. However,
after a while, they stop the replication process. Surprisingly, the skin cells
do not perish; instead, they accumulate in your skin and secrete substances
that further interrupt the natural renewal process of other healthy skin cells.
Such interruption adversely affects the level of collagen, which is the most
abundant protein in your body. Given that collagen makes up approximately six
percent of your body weight, its breakdown takes away support of the skin, and
thus causing fine wrinkles to appear on your face.
Decline of hormone production
In chronological aging, your body’s production of hormones
declines as you age.
If you are a woman, your estrogen (hormones) level may
decline by as much as 30 percent during the first ten years of menopause. This
significant loss of estrogen not only causes your skin to become thinner and
less elastic, but also prolongs the renewal process of your normal skin cells.
Change in physical structure of the face
Over time, the physical structure of your face changes due
to the loss of bone mass and the decline in the volume of fat under the skin.
Stress
Stress may cause the flare up of acne, eczema (red swollen
skin), and rosacea (a chronic skin disease in people with fair or light
skin)—they damage skin texture.
Extrinsic aging
Extrinsic aging is often within your control because the
contributing factors are no more than a reflection of your lifestyle.
Photo aging
The sun’s UVA and UVB rays cause irreparable damage to your
skin, known as photo aging. Sunrays promote the growth of free radicals in your
skin. Free radicals are damaging agents to youthful skin: they are responsible
for the reduction of collagen (protein under your skin), causing your skin to
become thin and loose; they accelerate the release of copper and iron from your
skin cells, and thus promoting the growth of more free radicals.
Remember, going for that tanned look often comes with a
hefty price.
Tobacco smoke
The nicotine in tobacco generates free radicals, which
damage your skin.
Quit smoking immediately. Smoking is no longer “cool” when
you look much older than your chronological age.
Excess alcohol consumption
Too much alcohol damages your liver. A dysfunctional liver
cannot efficiently remove body toxins and waste products accumulated in your
skin, and a damaged liver gives you a yellowish complexion, instead of a
healthy glow.
Always drink moderately. More importantly, learn how to
cleanse your liver to rid your body of toxic waste materials.
Pollutants from the water
Install a filter system (e.g. a home reverse-osmosis
drinking water system) to filter out chemicals
and pollutants from the water you use for drinking and bathing. Do not buy
bottled water (unsafe plastic bottles).
Poor diet
Avoid all processed foods, which are loaded with chemicals,
such as food colorings, food emulsifiers, and food preservatives, among other
chemicals.
Go organic and eat only super foods. Eat a balanced diet
with abundant antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C, and E) to ameliorate the
oxidative stress of free radicals, which are the main agents for skin aging.
Dehydration
Dehydration dries up your skin. Water and body fluids form a
major component of your body. They serve several important functions for your
skin:
Cushioning skin cells for protection
against external damage
Enhancing communication between skin
cells, thereby maintaining skin sensitivity
Moistening skin tissues to prevent
problems of dry skin
Transporting nutrients and oxygen to
skin cells
Research studies have shown that 75 percent of Americans are
chronically dehydrated due to the following reasons:
Dry artificially heated or cooled
living environment
Regular consumption of dehydrated
beverages, such as alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated sodas
Install a humidifier in your home.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Your body produces water
when it turns foods into energy. At least 25 percent of your daily water
requirement should come from fruits and vegetables. Of course, drink only pure
water, and drink more—not just eight glasses!
Wind and heat
Extreme wind and heat may also damage your skin, especially
in a work environment outdoor, or with regular close proximity to fire,
furnace, and stove, such as working in a kitchen.
Protect your skin from dehydration with lubricant, such as
Vaseline pure petroleum jelly (no need for expensive body creams and lotions).
Gravity
Gravity, over time, weighs down your skin, causing it to
sag. Gravity begins to have its toll on your face in your 40s and 50s.
The bottom line: Make yourself look younger and healthier for longer.
Nora Wise
Copyright© by Nora Wise
