Aging not only affects our physical body but also our psychological state of mind and our quality of life. For this article we will look at the aging of our skin. Did you know that there are infact two aging processes involved in our overall aging? One which we have no control over, while others we do not have any control over.
1 General (internal) aging: The aging process is due to the genes we inherit from our parents
.2 Extrinsic (external) aging: Given that you have a normal healthy genes and external aging is responsible for premature aging. It is that aging is caused by environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature aging.
intrinsic AGING:
This is a natural process of aging that we all go through in our lives. Do our early 20-We are in our growth period. General aging begins in our mid-20-by at the cellular level, although the actual results can be visible to us years later. The aging process affects all 3 layers (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layers) on the skin. Let's see what happens to each of them.
Epidermis: This is the most top layer of skin and it is this layer that our skin pigment, melanin is produced. With the aging of the inner epidermal cells become thinner and less sticky. Thinning of the skin layer does look thinner. By becoming less sticky, effective barrier function of this layer decreases, and thus can not effectively retain water in the skin. This leads to increased TWEL (trans epidermal water loss), which causes dry skin. Also the surface dead cells do not shed as quickly and cell turnover can be reduced.
Dermis: This is the middle layer of skin. It is the structural layers of the skin. It is here that the structural components such as collagen and elastin products. On the internal aging of the skin gradually loses its ability to effectively repair itself. Collagen and elastin production decreases, causing skin to lose its structural integrity and elasticity. This leads to wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and sagging. Also, the number of sweat glands decreases and the amount of sebum is reduced. Both these factors further contribute to skin dryness.
subcutaneous layers: fat cells provide a cushion and insulation. With the aging of the internal fat cells shrink, the more noticeable wrinkles and causes 'sink' into the skin causing the hollowed cheeks.
Basic Signs of aging:
1.Fine fight
2.Thinning skin
3.Dry skin and itching associated
4.Loss underlying fat: a hollow cheeks and eye sockets.
5.Hair loss and graying.
6.Growth unwanted facial hair
extrinsic AGING:
and aging is caused by external environmental factors and lifestyle habits, and is responsible for premature aging. Sun exposure is a major cause of premature aging. Other factors that contribute to premature aging of the skin, smoking, repetitive facial expressions, sleeping position and gravity. Let's see what each one does.
), sun exposure: Aging due to sun exposure is also known as photoageing. As this is the main cause of extrinsic aging, we'll look at it in some depth.
How the sun damages our skin? damage done by sun radiation. those engaged in the ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are 3 types of UV radiation:
1 UVA radiation: Aging: - This is the main factor to skin damage and photoageing. It penetrates deeper into skin than UVB radiation. It is a pity skin cells mainly through the formation of free radicals. Its intensity is very much determined by time of day or season. It does not penetrate glass. So it is able to enter our homes and offices through the glass window. And even by being inside, we will continue to photo-aging. Therefore, it is important to use a moisturizer that protects against UVA, while indoors.
2 UVB radiation: Burning; - It affects the epidermis, the outer layers of skin. It is mainly responsible for sunburn, but also contributes to skin damage. It is most intense when the sun is brightest, 11:00 to 15:00. It was more intense in summer months. This however does not penetrate glass.
3 UVC radiation: the most dangerous and can increase the risk of cancer. Fortunately it was blocked by the ozone layer of the skin.
impact on the different layers of the skin:
1 Epidermis: UV radiation causes a thinning of the epidermal cells. It also leads to skin damage such as actinic keratoses, and even skin cancer.
2 Dermis: UV radiation increases the rate of destruction of the structural protein collagen. Also, she is also responsible for the creation and accumulation of abnormal elastin. accumulation of abnormal elastin stimulates increased production of enzymes called metalloproteinases. Usually, this enzyme is responsible for repairing sun damaged cells to produce collagen and remodeling. However, when excessive amounts of this enzyme is formed, it also breaks down collagen and unhealthy forms of collagen. abnormal repetition of the process contributes to wrinkle formation. UV radiation causes free radicals that are high energy molecules that can damage cells and even DNA in cells, leading to mutations.
Signs Photoageing:
1.Fine fight
2.Thinning skin
3.Age site or also know as the spot (no connection to the liver)
4.Actinic keratoses
5.Rough leathery skin
6.Solar elastosis. Thickened skin with deep wrinkles are usually seen on the back of the neck
7.Skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer)
the degree of photodamage in an individual depends on the color of his skin and the amount of sun exposure they had. Darker skin people have better protection than lighter skin individuals in the sun. Photoageing occurs during a period of years. With repeated exposure to skin loses its ability to repair the damage accumulates.
B) Smoking: Studies have shown that smoking accelerates the aging process. This can lead to deep wrinkles and leathery skin. Some long-term smokers, and even may develop a yellow color of its flesh. It is interesting that studies have shown that smokers who quit, notice an improvement in their skin tone.
C) facial expressions: repeated movement of facial muscles, usually a habit of expression can lead to wrinkles. As the lines on the forehead and around the eyes.
D) sleeping position: an individual can develop a "sleep lines" over a period of years, if a person rests his / her face in the same place every time he / she goes to sleep. Sleep lines are seen on the chin cheeks and individuals who sleep on their sides.
E) Gravity: As our skin loses its youthful elasticity as we age, gravity effect becomes visible .... parts of our bodies begin to sag, like eyelids drooping, elongation of the ear, etc.
What can we do?
For those of you who still have a young and healthy skin, you are now better prepared to protect your skin from aging prematurely. And for those of you who already have some degree of accelerated aging due to external factors, do not lose heart. There are still things you can do to prevent further damage:
1 Balanced diet: skin cells as well as any other cell in the body of nutrients necessary for energy production and function effectively. healthy balanced diet will ensure a constant supply of essential nutrients that cells require. Fruits and vegetables are also an excellent source of antioxidants.
2 Sun protection: The importance of proper sun protection can not be stressed enough. Knowing what we know about the dangers of sun exposure, it is necessary to use appropriate sun protection to prevent photodamage to our skin. We can do this by using a broad spectrum sunscreen with high SPF (SPF 15 or higher), a wide brim hat and sunglasses. The most important thing is not to try to get a sunburn. Of skin cancer, malignant melanoma is the most dangerous because it often spreads to other parts of the body. If you notice any changes in your moles or any unusual changes / bumps that appear on the skin always see your doctor, especially if you have had prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is equally important to educate our children about the dangers of UV radiation, as well as visible signs of sun damage takes years to show up. Until then May be too late. Skin cancers take a long time to develop.
3 Lifestyle factors are: i) if you have not started smoking, do not. If you are already a smoker, there are many options out there that will help you quit smoking. You can even talk to your doctor if you have found it difficult to give up the habit in the past. ii) Try to change your sleeping position. Try sleeping on your back. Of course, once you are asleep you do not have control over your sleeping position. iii) Regular exercise increases the oxygen our body.
sun damage is cumulative. Knowing what we know about the harmful effects of UV sun rays, I feel it is very important to us, not only to protect, but also to educate our children about the dangers of sun exposure without adequate sun protection. Remember the kids in all their innocence love the outdoors. And with the right knowledge, they will still be able to enjoy nature, but it will be better equipped to protect themselves from the dangers of sun exposure, such as premature aging of their skin, and more serious skin cancer. Let's take care of the skin we are in, for it is the only one we got in this life :)
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