CAUSES OF SKIN AGING
Aging of facial skin is a result of natural aging, intrinsic
factors such as diet and smoking and extrinsic factors
such as photo-damage [sun damage]. Aging of the skin largely
results from the same thing that causes aging of the entire
body: free
radicals.
Intrinsic Aging of Skin
Intrinsic genetic factors determine how quickly the
normal aging process evolves. Intrinsic aging of the skin
results from:
- Slowing collagen production
- Reduction in elastin production
- Slowing of the production of new skin cells and the
shedding of old dead skin.
These aging processes commence at 20, but their impact
is not visible until approximately 20 years later. Typical
signs of aging are first noticed in the skin and hair,
including:
- Thinning of the skin, making blood vessels more visible
- Fine wrinkles
- Hollowed cheeks and eyes sockets from loss of underlying
fat, often giving the effect of puffy eyes.
- Loss of firmness and elasticity of skin on the hands
and neck
- Dry skin and itching skin
-
Hair loss – varies greatly in the population,
with significant hair loss as early as the 20’s
-
Greying of the hair – this can be noticeable
as young as 30
- Unwanted facial hair in women
Other visible indicators include:
- Thinning of the fingernail plates, with the appearance
of ridges and loss of half moons.
- Skin shrinks away from the bones due to bone loss,
which causes sagging skin
- Inability of the skin to sweat sufficiently to cool
the skin
Little can be done to alter ones genetic predisposition
to the rate of aging. Extrinsic factors, however are mostly
under our control.
Extrinsic Aging of the Skin
Extrinsic factors include:
All of these factors, other than gravity are controllable.
Photoaging
Photoaging occurs over a number of years as exposure
causes the skin loses the ability to repair itself. Repeated
ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs
the synthesis of new collagen and elastin. The impact
of the damage compounds, with just 15.
Further Reading
Skin Changes with Aging
Skin Changes - Birth to 20 years
Skin Changes - 20 to 40 years
Skin Changes - Over 40 years
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