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What is Skin and How does it Age ?
Our skin is the largest organ in the human body. It protects us from environmental factors, the sun's rays, regulates body temperature and helps the body produce vitamin D.
It is made up of 3 main layers.
The top layer is known as the epidermis. This is a layer of flattened skin cells which mainly, give us protection from water seeping in. The cells in this layer started life deep down within it and have gradually migrated to the top over a period of 14 to 30 days. This is called cell renewal. This process starts winding down as we age.
The next main layer is known as the dermis. This is made up of about 70 % collagen. Collagen is what gives our skin a youthful and velvety feel to it. Sort of like a mattress really. Held together with elastin. Collagen is at its peak in our teenage years, levelling off until again starting to wind down as we hit our late 30's and beyond.
Elastin is also contained within the dermis. These stretchy fibres are what helps skin 'snap' back into place. Over time and especially with prolonged sun exposure, these break down.
The next layer is the Fatty layer. This is mainly made up of fat cells and varies in thickness depending where on the body it is ( hips and tummies have far more than the face for instance). This protects our inner organs from harm.
Signs of Aging Over Time
1) Due to the oil producing glands not working as hard to keep the skin moist, dry and dehydrated skin is the result.
2) Over time collagen and elastin production slows down. This leads to wrinkling and sagging. This is exacerbated by the constant facial expressions we make in our lifetimes (smiling, forwning etc). Wrinkles start to appear more pronounced in these areas.
3) Collagen and elastin loss also produces more enlarged pores making the skin appear less youthful.
4) Cell renewal slowing down causes a dull complexion, wound healing times also get longer.
Lifestyle Influences
1) The Sun. The sun's ray's destroy collagen and elastin over time. It also causes the skin pigment cells within to become over active in an attempt to protect it from damamge. This leads to liver spots.
2) Nutrition. Food contains all manner of natural anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. Not eating a nice balance of food types can make it harder for the skin to function 100% as it needs. Too much fatty foods also contribute as clogged arteries reduce proper blood flow.
3) Smoking. Obvious really. Reduces circulation, and induces all manner of toxins into the system. Collagen production is slowed as a result.
4) Not Geting Enough Sleep. Our body uses our sleep time to regenerate itself and this includes of course the skin where cell renewal is constantly taking place. Dull skin and dark circles under the eyes is the result.
In a nutshell, time and external influences all contribute to the aging process and how it affects you personally.
Don't panic though there is lots you can do both at home and, by perhaps by more invasive routes should you choose, to combat these.
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