The first step to understanding skin aging requires a basic appreciation of the physiological changes that take place in the human body leading to aging or senescence, he decline of biological functions and the ability to adapt to metabolic stress. To be fair, it is a highly complex biological process caused by a combination of factors from the body itself, a production of free radicals ,as well as environmental influence, uv sun damage and pollutants, that becomes more and more evident as we see the years pass by… The cumulative effects of these intrinsic and extrinsic factors are the cause of progressive changes in each skin layer, resulting in physiological and structural alterations of the skin cells. In fact, this kind of changes happen in all the cells of our organisms, but while the aging of the internal organs usually stays hidden, the skin provides the first visible signs of the passing time, especially on its sun-exposed areas.
Based on whether we can control the factors that affect skin aging, we can separate this process in two different categories – intrinsic or natural and extrinsic or environmental aging, and they are both equally responsible for the onset and development of skin aging . Still, keep in mind that the risk factors from both categories largely interfere with each other, and the purpose of this classification is to only simplify the understanding of the matter. The natural skin aging process is, sadly, one thing that we are not (yet) able to change or inluence. It is determined by our cellular metabolism, hormone and metabolic processes of the cells which are all controlled by genetics. Our genes largely control when these changes start to occur, as well as the dynamics of the whole process.
However, good news is that we are in charge for most of the extrinsic factors such as sun exposure, eating habits, physical activity, consumption of cigarettes and alcohol and proper anti-aging skin care. Anti-aging products are nowadays widely available as a variety of creams, serums, lotions and food supplements. These products tend to slow down the process of extrinsic aging by moisturizing the skin, providing adequate sun protection, delivering essencial nutrients and vitamins to the skin as well as anti-oxidants that protect skin cells form the damage caused by free radicals. The effects of the anti-aging products are visible after a longer period of use, and they improve the look of your face by reducing the sagging of the skin, slowing down the process of wrinkling and minimizing the effects of photoaging such as redness, discoloration and distorting of the skin texture.
One of the most frequently asked question is when should you start using anti-aging skin care products. If the person reading this article is older than 20, probably the best answer to that question is – yesterday! The second best option for you to prevent premature skin aging is to start using anti-aging skin care today, by adjusting your daily skin care routine and the products you use to your age and your skin type. If you are in your early 20s, you are probably still blessed with smooth and healthy skin. In order to keep it that way for as long as possible you should start using anti-aging products even if you have no visible signs of skin aging yet. Proper moisturizing, skin hygiene and of course broad spectrum sun protection are crucial for keeping your skin young, healthy and wrinkle-free. As you approach your 30s, you might want to consider adding another high quality skin care product that contains active ingredients such as retinol, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and other precious substances that keep your skin vital and healthy. In your 40s and 50s your skin gets drier as your sebaceous glands produce less oil than they used to, which is why you need to keep track of its dryness and substitute it with moisturizers and anti-oxidants to slow down the aging.
As you can see, every period of life has its unique characteristics, so it’s important to keep track of the health of your skin as well as being up to date with the newest trends of dermatology and anti-aging medicine. Nowadays beauty stores and pharmacies worldwide are filled with all kinds of anti-aging products, so in order to get the best results you need to choose what is suitable for your age, as well as your skin type. If you feel confused and overwhelmed by all these products, do not hesitate to contact a dermatologist or an esthetician to help you find the right anti-aging skin care product for you.
