For effective skincare, one needs to understand the skin
aging process and issues. In this post,
let’s take a quick tour on how our skin ages.
Skin is the body’s largest organ. It consists of three layers: the outer layer
(epidermis), the middle layer (dermis), and the inner layer (the
subcutaneous). When skin ages, change happens
at all three layers and wrinkles result from fundamental changes that occur
beneath the aging skin surface. Human
skin changes throughout the course of life due to both physiological and
external reasons. In general, skin goes
through two types of aging processes, chronological aging and photoaging.
Chronological aging is a natural process of life. Let’s face it—we get older each day, like it
or not. Free radicals are formed by many of the body’s normal chemical
processes. These particles damage cell
membranes and interact with genetic material, contributing to development of skin
aging symptoms such as wrinkles and cancer.
As a result of natural aging process, our skin cells divide more slowly—for
example, skin cell turnover rate drops by about 50% between 30 and 70. The inner skin starts to thin. Fat cells beneath the dermis begin to atrophy. The underlying network of elastin and
collagen fibers that provides scaffolding for the surface layer, loosens and
unravels. Skin loses its elasticity--when
pressed, it no longer springs back its initial position but instead sags and
forms furrows. The chronological aging
process is the cause of only a few primary wrinkles in the face. These are mostly fine lines, such as those around
the corners of the eyes and between the nose and upper lip. Photoaging caused by the sun is the most
important cause of aging skin and wrinkles.
Photoaging is triggered by exposure to UV radiation in sun
rays. It is believed that exposure to UV
radiation accounts for about 90% of the symptoms of premature aging, and it is estimated
that 80% of UV-promoted aging occurs in the first 20 years of life. Research suggests that, when even small
amounts of UV radiation bombard the inner layers of the skin, it triggers a
process that stimulates the production of large amounts of enzymes called metalloproteinase. The normal function of the enzymes is to repair
injured tissues, but in large amounts, they break down elastin and collagen.
As a result of the aging process, the skin performs its
principal functions, such as protection, excretion, secretion,
thermoregulation, and sensory perception, less efficiently. The sweat- and oil-secreting glands atrophy,
depriving the skin of their protective water-lipid emulsions. As a consequence, the skin becomes dry and
scaly. In addition, the ability of the
skin to repair itself diminished with age, so wounds heal more slowly.
So how to prevent premature skin aging—stay out of the sun
and always use plenty of sunscreen. For
other fabulous skincare and anti-wrinkle tips, please check out my past and
future posts.
Thanks for reading.
Connie
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