Ageing

Intrinsic- These refer to the internal and less controllable factors. Mainly our physiological decline and genetic programming. 

Extrinsic- These are the external and controllable factors, including sun exposure and sleep. Smoking, stress, and diet, as well as lifestyle factors and choices.

Intrinsic factors 

Skin cells are amazing structures and also very sensitive. These clever cells have the ability to repair themselves, but as we age this process slows, and several elements threaten their integrity. Damage occurs when oxidative stressors like chronic stress, pollution, the sun, smoking, and free radicals penetrate skin cells: where they break down collagen and impact the D.N.A. structure of the cell. As this damage occurs the cell is more likely to replicate it, and the damaged cells multiply over time.

 D.N.A. ageing also impacts the production of collagen, which is the main component of connective tissue and the most abundant protein. It forms in elongated fibrils (fine fibres) in our tendons, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, and skin.

 We know collagen is responsible for limiting the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dull and saggy skin. Unfortunately, the production of this youth-preserving protein decreases as we age. Signs of ageing occur when the fibroblast cells that step in to repair damaged collagen fibres cannot complete their work: a product of ageing cells.

Even though we cannot stop or reverse our internal clocks, but we can help slow intrinsic ageing by educating you on the impact and benefits of a healthy lifestyle.  

Extrinsic factors

By addressing extrinsic factors, we may be able to prolong the timer on our genetic decline. First, let’s examine some of these extrinsic factors and how to stop their damaging effects.

 The most common culprits are sun exposure, smoking, pollution, chronic stress, poor sleeping, diet, and exercise habits. Let’s be honest; we all know these are unhealthy lifestyle choices and are known producers of free radicals. In case you didn’t know, free radicals are unstable molecules that leave you vulnerable to all sorts of nasties. Since they are missing an electron, free radicals seek to steal from stable molecules in order to right themselves. 

More recently, free radicals have also been linked to poor sleeping and eating habits, exercise, and overall lifestyle.

Smoking and Toxins

 One puff of cigarette smoke emits 40,000 free radicals, and recent studies have revealed there are two types present in cigarette smoke. These both conspire to deplete the body of vitamin C and accelerate ageing. 

In the atmosphere free radicals are also in the form of pollution, which occurs when molecules undergo a photo-dissociation process. This reaction plays a crucial role in smog formation and naturally wreaks havoc on the skin. A good defence against these elements is a natural blocker like zinc, and the other obvious one is not to smoke.

Stress and Sleep

Constant worry and stress impact the regulation of hormones and chemicals. This reduces immunity and allows more viruses to enter the body. This ultimately leads to cell damage, which results it in dull skin, slack pores, age and stress lines, and other tissue damage. 

 A major inhibitor of stress is adequate sleep. Proper sleeping habits also help our cells regenerate, so supporting a youthful appearance. With sleep, however, it is not just quantity but quality. The tv and mobile phone should be off; the room should be dark and cool to achieve deep sleep.

Diet and Exercise

Exercise is essential to our health and regulates circulation and oxygen flow to skin cells. However, too much exercise can increase free radical damage. Studies have shown excessive exercise can cause oxidative stress created by free radicals. We produce significantly higher reactive oxygen species (R.O.S.) levels during strenuous exercise and exceed our body’s natural antioxidant defences. Our bodies begin to pull antioxidants from tissue stores and deplete the body’s reserve of antioxidants. Over time damage will occur to our cells and tissues.

 A healthy balanced diet rich in antioxidants and supported by antioxidant-rich topicals will help replenish the loss. Here are a few tips on where to find vitamins in food.

• Vitamin A – carrots, kale, spinach, pumpkin, and liver.
• Vitamin C – broccoli, brussel sprouts, and citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.
• Vitamin E – olive oil, walnut oil, oats, tomatoes, and carrots.
• Polyphenols – berries, tea, dark chocolate, walnuts, peanuts, and pomegranates.

Antioxidant topicals will help firm, tone, tighten, refine lines, and give skin an overall glow. Product ingredients to look out for are: ascorbic acid, tocopherols, goji berry, retinoids, and Lactic acid.

Sun Exposure

As skin care professionals, we must stress how vital exposure to the sun and proper broad-spectrum protection is. I cannot stress this enough; if you have ever watched our stories on social media, then you will know that 80% of the harmful rays are still visible even on cloudy days! Anyway, excess U.V. exposure is responsible for 90 per cent of photo-ageing: wrinkles, brown spots, and slack skin.

UVA rays penetrate the dermis damaging collagen fibres by forming abnormal amounts of elastin and increasing metalloproteinase production. Collagen begins to malfunction and decompose, therefore incorrectly rebuilding the skin and forming wrinkles. This process repeats every time the skin is exposed to UVA rays.