"The normal changes associated with facial aging are the result of both intrinsic (age related fat and bone loss known as atrophy, and skin laxity for example) and extrinsic factors (like ultraviolet light / sunlight, chemicals, and smoking).

" - ....Dr Bryce J Cowan BSc MSc MD PhD FRCS(C)

As the body gets older so does the skin but there are ways to slow this aging down with good nutrition and applying the right creams and lotions topically.

Why the skin ages

The skin ages due to two reasons. Firstly intrinsic factors such as bone structure changing with age and the skin losing its elasticity due to a decrease in collagen and elastin. Secondly extrinsic factors like free radicals which include the sun and pollution. The function of young skin which reproduces new healthy skin cells more quickly, are eventually slowed down due to repeat damage from free radicals such as the sun and smoking. This in turn limits the availability of essential nutrients delivered to the skin from the body. As the skin ages (sped up by the damage from free radicals) losing collagen and elastin, the signs will start to show with wrinkles.The skin, with a decrease of blood flow to the surface as it ages, will leave the skin looking discolored. It will also retain less water with aging and leave the skin feeling dry and rough.

What to avoid

Smoking- A study by dermatologists shows that smoking activates the genes responsible for a skin enzyme that breaks down collagen in the skin which holds skin structure. Therefore quitting smoking is a must if you want to retain young looking skin without paying for expensive procedures like botox.

Sun- The sun and its UV radiation account for most cases in premature skin aging. It interferes with dna repair in the skin and breaks down collagen fibers which keeps the skin from wrinkling. The UV light is a free radical which is a molecule with only one electron and because of this has to look for another electron disturbing the balance in the skin formation. The change in the dna structure is thought to be the main cause of skin cancer.

Pollution- People living in the city are most likely to suffer from skin problems due to pollution. Using a skin cream with vitamin E in it will help as it is thought that car fumes and various other pollutants can cause the skin to lose the essential vitamin whilst intoxicated. Without vitamin E your skin can become easily irritated and can even lead to dermatitis.

Alcohol- While depleting the body of vitamin A, which plays a part in skin repair, alcohol also dilates the blood vessels which allow oxygen to reach the surface of the skin. Drinking excessively and on a day to day basis will lead to skin aging prematurely.

Lack of sleep- To put it simply while we sleep our body's regenerate more effectively, including skin cells. A continuous lack of sleep will lead to skin formation being interrupted and aging quicker.

Antioxidants

To fight the free radicals which speed up the aging of skin you need the helping hand of antioxidants to aid you in the fight. As discussed on our home page, nutrition taken internally and applied externally can help wonders. The anti-oxidants neutralize free radicals before they can make any lasting damage to the skin. Including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C and E, Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Copper will give the skin an optimum amount of anti-oxidants to fight off free radicals.

Conclusion

Apart from avoiding the cause of premature skin aging like the skin, leading a healthy life, balanced meals with lots of exercise and a good sleeping regime, will keep you looking as young as your genes will let you. There are procedures like botox which let you cheat aging but can be expensive and are needed regularly. Facelifts are another option but even more expensive!

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