Aging Skin – Concerns & Care - By: Marilynn Syrett

Aging is a natural and irreversible process. However, with intelligent skin care and regular skin care regimen you can not only delay but prevent the signs of aging for a very long time.

Intrinsic Aging vs. Extrinsic Aging

Aging is a holistic process. Not only there are changes within your body, there are changes outside your body as well not to mention the psychological changes you go through.

Intrinsic Aging

One of the most crucial factors that determine intrinsic aging is our genetics. Intrinsic aging is an unavoidable process that is a part of our life no matter what we do. As we age, the levels of collagen and elastin fibers within our bodies deplete. As a result, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity that leads to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, during menopause the oil production slows down in the body which further results in dry skin.

You obviously cant change how our body functions, but by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising and proper skin care you can definitely delay and reduce the signs of intrinsic aging. In addition it is important drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine and stay away from smoking.

Extrinsic Aging

This is self-inflicted aging and there are plenty of things that you can do about it. This is more like premature aging because of prolonged negligence in skin care/

The prime cause of extrinsic aging is damage by the sun. Apart from causing cancer, sun damage also gives rise to the development of sun spots and breaks down the collagen and elastin fibers within the skin tissues. Other factors that promote extrinsic aging include environmental pollutants, humidity, extreme temperatures, use of harsh or unsuitable ingredients.

Aging skin is typically characterized by the formation of sun spots, especially on the face, hands and neck, premature wrinkles, dull and sagging skin and broken skin capillaries.

Science of Aging Skin

As your skin ages, there are a variety of changes and chemical reactions that take place within. Here are 3 prime ones:

Free Radical Damage (Reactive Oxygen Species)

Free radicals are unstable molecules that have lost an electron because of sun damage, oxygen or pollution. Because of the lost electron, they try to steal electrons from other surrounding molecules in order to save themselves. This results in a chain reaction and leads to skin inflammation, age spots and other diseases. However, free radicals can be neutralized by the use of antioxidants. Antioxidants are powerful ingredients that inhibit the damage caused by free radicals. Some of the commonly used antioxidants in skin care products are Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate), Vitamin E (tocopherol), Ginko Biloba Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Pyrus Malas (Apple) Fruit Extract

Product Suggestions:

iS Clinical Poly Vitamin Serum
It is great to increase the micro-circulation of the skin to fight free radicals and provide nutrients to compromised skin. Sugar Cane, Bilberry, hyaluronate and green tea are just some of the components that help hydrate and regenerate your skin.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)

When sugar comes into contact with proteins ie: collagen, a process called glycation happens which disrupts the functioning of the dermis. As a result of this, AGEs are formed that cause skin inflammation, inhibits cell growth, and promotes cross-linking of collagen that further leads to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

In order to control AGEs, you need to use ingredients that bind to sugars in order to prevent the reaction from occurring. Some of the ingredients that can help in this are Glucosamine, Soy Isoflavanoids and Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide.

Product Suggestions:

Obagi Day Lotion
It exfoliates the skin surface and accelerates skin cell turnover. In addition it also keeps the skin well hydrated and protected for flawless looking skin.

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)

MMP enzymes get activated by ultraviolet radiation or by the inflammatory modulators within the fibroblast nucleus. When your skin gets an infection, MMPs break down collagen and elastin fibers along with hyaluronic acid to help the immune system to start the healing process. However, as we age, MMPs break down tissue much faster than your body is able to restore it. As a result, the skin becomes stiff and wrinkles and fine lines are formed.

In order to control this, it is extremely important to wear a sunscreen at all times. Some of the ingredients that can help control MMPs and stimulate new collagen are Polyphenols from White and Green Tea, Soy Isoflavanoids, Magnesium Ascorbal Phosphate and Grape Extract.

Product Suggestions:

iS Clinical Firming Complex
It contains natural fruit acids, antioxidants, and bio-nutrients to increase skin firmness to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. At the same time, it encourages skin regeneration at the cellular level and controls acne.

About the Author

Dr. Marilyn Syrett is a professional physician who has a keen interest in the use and effectiveness of anti-aging skin care products and acne skin care systems. She regularly reviews products from popular skin care brands like Obagi, iS Clinical and La Roche-Posay on her blog.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Marilynn-Syrett/46455

Additional Articles From - Home | Health & fitness | Beauty