The ageing process and the environment has a huge impact on the skin and can contribute
to many underlying problems
The aging process is a natural phenomenon and unfortunately there is nothing we
can do to stop the passage of time. However there are preventative measures that we can
carry out to slow the effects of the aging process down and help to retain a youthful look for as long as
possible.
So what happens within the skin as we age?
- Skin becomes drier
- Fine lines and wrinkles appear because of decreased levels of collagen and elastin
- Muscle tone slackens as gravity prevails
- Discolouration occurs from sun exposure
- Dilated capillaries are present as skin becomes thinner and over exposure to the
environment
- The skins metabolism slows down so cell renewal is less efficient
- Healthy glow is lost
- Tissue repair becomes slower
The reasons for the above changes have a number of contributing factors such as
- Blood circulation slows down
- Metabolism slows down
- Chemical changes take place
- Hormone Production slows down (Menopause)
- Fibroblasts diminish
- Oil glands diminish
- Environmental factors
- Lifestyle
- Self inflicted abuse
Most of the above are a natural progression of ageing, but for those that are not,
we can change our lifestyle and adapt to our environment to slow the signs of ageing
Environment - Sun
Sunlight has a profound effect on the skin causing premature skin aging, skin cancer,
and a host of skin changes. Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight
accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Many skin changes that
were commonly believed to be due to aging, such as easy bruising, are actually a
result of prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
- UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis causing premature ageing as the collagen
is broken down, therefore wrinkling results.
- Sun damage also thickens the epidermis by accelerating mitosis as a defence against
UVB. The skin looks ‘leathery’, uneven & pigmented as a result.
What is UV Radiation?
The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation that we divide into categories based on
the wavelength.
- UVC - 100 to 290 nm
- UVB - 290 to 320 nm
- UVA - 320 to 400 nm
UVC Radiation
UVC radiation is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not affect
the skin. UVC radiation can be found in artificial sources such as mercury arc lamps
and germicidal lamps.
UVB Radiation
UVB affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible
for sunburns. It is the most intense between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when
the sunlight is brightest. It is also more intense in the summer months accounting
for 70% of a person's yearly UVB dose. Ordinary glass blocks about 90% of UVB.
UVA Radiation
UVA was once thought to have a minor effect on skin damage, but now studies are
showing that UVA is a major contributor to skin damage. UVA penetrates deeper into
the skin and works more efficiently. The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant
than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also
not filtered by glass.
Environment - General
The moisture content of the epidermis can be affected by factors such as central
heating, which creates a dry environment. This causes moisture to be lost from the
epidermis, leading to dehydration. Air pollution from industry, car fumes etc harm
the skin and also causes dehydration. When moving between extremes of temperature
the blood capillaries must keep adjusting by contracting or dilating.
This leads to the capillary walls becoming weaker with the resulting risk of permanently dilated capillaries
at the skin’s surface. This is most commonly found on the cheeks and nose.
Lifestyle - Diet, smoking, medication
Your skin like the rest of your body needs a well balanced diet to ensure it is
healthy. Your daily intake should have a good source of vitamins and minerals such
as A, B3 (niacin), and C. Natural sources are abundant. Supplements
are also readily available.
For Vitamin A, sources include Cod liver oil, Fish oil, Fish, Shellfish,
Liver, Eggs, Butter, Cheese, Whole Milk.
For Vitamin B3 (Niacin) sources include Bran, Grain, Nuts, Yeast, Milk, Meats.
For Vitamin C major sources include citrus fruit. Other items include
tomatoes, brocolli, spinach, green and red peppers, berries.
Smoking is also a common cause of premature ageing as
it interferes with cell respiration. It slows down the blood circulation, as nicotine
is a vasoconstrictor. Nutrients are unable to reach the skin cells as easily and
for waste products to be eliminated as quickly. Cigarette smoking also releases
a chemical that destroys Vit.C. This interferes with the production of collagen
and so contributes to premature ageing.
Certain medications can have a profound
effect on the skin such as antibiotics, Hydrocortisones and Contraceptive. They
can cause dehydration, swelling, pigmentation and thinning.
Self-inflicted abuse
Unfortunately we live in a world that is fast paced and that is media driven and
as individuals we get caught up with bad patterns such as crash dieting, lack of
exercise, poor sleep patterns, stress and alcohol, all having a detrimental effect
on the skin.
to be continued.....