Aging is a complex process that each of us experiences in a distinctive way, especially when it comes to obvious aspects of aging like our skin or hair.
Genetics plays an important role in our skin’s appearance. If both of your parents have maintained firm, smooth skin, chances are good that you will too. This is part of the intrinsic aspect of aging, which combines with cell function and hormonal changes to affect the skin’s appearance. Studies suggest our genes account only partially for our skin’s overall aging process. Skin aging is a natural, inevitable process that occurs as we grow older, but it can also be influenced by external factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and lifestyle habits like smoking and poor diet. There are two types of skin aging: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic Skin Aging
Intrinsic or chronological skin aging is the natural aging process that occurs within the body. It is influenced by genetic factors and affects the structural and functional properties of the skin.
Causes
Intrinsic skin aging is caused by a combination of factors such as:
- Genetics: Our genes determine how quickly our skin ages and how well it is able to repair itself.
- Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels that occur with age can affect the skin's elasticity and moisture content.
- Oxidative stress: This occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, resulting in damage to the skin's cells.
- Decreased collagen production: Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. As we age, our body produces less collagen, leading to sagging and wrinkles.
- Reduced skin cell turnover: The rate at which skin cells regenerate decreases as we age, resulting in a dull and uneven skin tone.
Symptoms
The symptoms of intrinsic skin aging include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Thinner skin as a result of gradual dermal atrophy
- Uneven skin tone
- Dryness and roughness
Treatment
Treatment options for intrinsic skin aging include:
- Antioxidant-rich diet: Foods that are high in antioxidants can help protect the skin from oxidative stress and reduce the signs of aging.
- Topical retinoids: These are derivatives of Vitamin A and can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Chemical peels: These can help improve the skin's texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Microneedling: This procedure involves using tiny needles to create small punctures in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing response and stimulates collagen production.
- LASER resurfacing.
Extrinsic Skin Aging
Extrinsic or environmental skin aging is caused by external factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and lifestyle habits like smoking and poor diet.
Causes
Extrinsic skin aging is caused by a combination of factors such as:
- Sun exposure: The sun's UV rays can cause damage to the skin's cells, leading to premature aging.
- Pollution: Exposure to pollutants in the air can cause oxidative stress and damage to the skin's cells.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all contribute to premature aging of the skin.
Symptoms
The symptoms of extrinsic skin aging include:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Age spots and pigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Dryness and roughness
- Loss of elasticity, laxity
Treatment
The most effective treatment for extrinsic aging is prevention. Avoiding excessive sun exposure, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help slow down the aging process. In addition, there are a number of treatments available to address the symptoms of extrinsic aging, including topical treatments such as retinoids, antioxidants, and sunscreen, as well as minimally invasive procedures such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
In my opinion, preventing is always much easier than treating - and this is true also for skin aging.
Of course, we cannot be forever young, but there are many things we can do to slow the aging process, prevent premature aging and age gracefully. Here are some tips to be considered:
Protect your skin from the sun every day. Sun protection is essential, independent of your daily activity. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with sun-protective clothing — such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, hat, and sunglasses with UV protection — and using broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing.
Avoid tanning. Every time you get a tan, you prematurely age your skin. This is true if you get a tan from the sun, a tanning bed, or other indoor tanning equipment. All emit harmful UV rays that accelerate the aging process of the skin.
If you smoke, stop! Smoking speeds up skin aging. It causes wrinkles and a dull skin.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.There are studies suggesting that eating a high quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging and also, that a diet rich in sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging.
Drink less alcohol. Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us look older.
Exercise most days of the week. Moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin.
Wash your face twice a day and after sweating heavily. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, irritates the skin, so you want to wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizer preserves the water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
