How the Skin Ages

How the Skin Ages and Tips On How To Slow Down the Aging Process

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and the first thing people see when they look at you. However, over time, it can begin to reflect the various signs of aging, including dull, lackluster, and discolored skin, wrinkles, dry patches, and sagging, which can cause you to not feel like yourself. 

Fortunately, unfavorable skin isn't your fate as there are some things you can do today to help stave off the signs of aging. You can also correct existing aging issues by eating right, drinking plenty of water, and applying sunscreen to address the effects of aging. 

How Our Skin Ages

Our skin naturally breaks down on three different levels, which can be further accelerated by various factors, including Ultraviolet rays. 

The first level of aging typically occurs within the dermis or the inner level of the skin. Within the dermis, we have cells known as fibroblast cells, which are responsible for producing proteins, such as collagen and elastin, which helps keep our skin plump and pliable. 

As a result of decreased cell division, and chronic inflammation, the fibroblast cells begin to lose their connection with these proteins. Enzymes slowly wear away, limiting protein production in the fibroblast cells. As the cycle repeats, it dramatically reduces elasticity, which causes the skin to lose its tone and strength. 

On the epidermis level, which is the exterior layer of skin that helps safeguard the body from environmental threats, such as bacteria, when the skin cells are exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, they respond by releasing chemicals that further contribute to the release of enzymes in the fibroblasts cells. Researchers believe this accelerates the aging process, leading to deep wrinkles, and more. 

The third factor in aging skin is caused by the loss of fat tissue. Over time, the layer of fat beneath the skin begins to shrink, which naturally causes the skin to lose volume. This fat loss can be accelerated by UV damage, as well as by the chemicals released in the epidermis, which destroys fat cells that are then replaced by scar tissue. 

Factors That Make the Skin Age Faster

Excessive Exposure to the Sun - As we just observed, UV radiation damages the skin in various ways, which accelerates the aging process, from the breakdown of elastin, collagen, and other proteins in the skin that help keep it strong and supple to spurring the release of enzymes and other chemicals that are responsible for premature aging. The longer or more your skin is exposed to the sun, the greater the affects. 

Free Radicals - Free radicals are reactive molecules that are generated by various environmental factors, such as pollutants, solar rays, and even toxins found in many of the foods and drinks we consume. These incomplete molecules attach themselves to the body's cells in search of other atoms to help make them complete. When this occurs, it results in oxidative stress that damages many parts of our cells, including DNA, which leads to premature aging. This attachment of free radicals also causes the tissues and cells to become weak, which can leave you more susceptible to various health risks and illnesses. 

Poor Diet - What you eat and drink can also contribute to premature aging. For instance, eating too many processed foods, like white pasta and bread and even processed cheeses and meats, damage your skin's collagen and make you more prone to wrinkling and saggy skin because they are often high in saturated fats, sodium, and sulfite, which have been shown to weaken the skin. 

Furthermore, research shows that another common preservative in processed foods called phosphate has also been shown to accelerate the aging process and has also been linked to severe skin atrophy, chronic kidney disease, and more. 

Dry Skin - Anything that contributes to the loss of oil glands and lipids, such as overexposure to the sun, overheated indoor air, excessive hot baths, and overuse of skin-drying soaps, can cause the skin dry out. Dry skin shrinks plump skin cells, which weakens the structure of the skin, thereby, decreasing its resilience and making it more prone to cracking, wrinkling, fine lines, and dry patches. 

How To Help the Skin Age Slower

Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods - Though research shows that good skin is mostly attributed to genes, it is still possible to eat for good skin. Therefore, steer clear of processed foods, which are stripped of all their nutritional value, and instead, opt for foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, which are rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and keep your body functioning properly. 

Drink in Moderation - You should also consume alcohol in moderation as not only does excessive drinking dry out the skin, but alcohol also contains toxins that when consumed in high levels can generate free radicals in the body, which can cause premature aging. Excessive drinking has also been linked to some cancers. 

Avoid Smoking - Research shows that cigarettes contain more than 6,000 toxic ingredients when lit, which not only ages your skin and internal organs prematurely but can also lead to cancer. It also contributes to smoking lines around the mouth, which can make you appear older. 

Drink Plenty of Water - Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin cells hydrated and plump and also helps flush out toxins, which can lead to premature aging. 

Enjoy the Sun in Moderation - A little bit of sun helps the body absorb Vitamin D; however, too much sun can be harmful to the skin. Enjoy the sun for no longer than 15 minutes a day, but apply sunscreen for periods more extended than this. You should reapply sunscreen about every 30 minutes after that. 

Exercise - Exercise increases oxygen and blood flow, which helps keep the skin healthy and nourished for a healthy, youthful glow. It also helps build muscle, which helps prevent lax skin. 

Sometimes adjusting your lifestyle, isn't enough to reverse the signs of aging. You may wish to consider undergoing one of today's many scientifically proven, advanced skin treatments, such as a Red Light Facial. The science of light therapy has revealed that the effect of LEDs at specific wavelengths provide energy to your cells to produce Adenosine Triphosphate, ATP, also known as the energy currency of life. This effect is anti-aging, treats acne, wrinkles, and blemishes, and improves skin tone and elasticity with long-lasting results. 

Another option would be a Cryofacial which is a soothing and invigorating therapy that enhances your skin's ability to heal. We use sub-zero CO2, in a controlled mist that is gently sprayed over your face, neck, and scalp. Repeated sessions influence collagen production giving you a more youthful appearance and improved skin quality.

About the Author

Dr. Josh Kantor is the owner of Chill Space NYC, a popular Manhattan Health Spa. Learn more about their services by visiting their website.