As we enter our thirties, the first signs of aging begin to appear on the surface of the skin. Initially fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. Over a period of time reduced volume and elasticity become visible.
What happens to the skin as we age?
Over the years, the production of collagen decreases and the levels of elastin and hyaluronic acid change. This causes the skin to lose its elasticity, elasticity and moisture level, which in turn leads to the skin becoming thinner, wrinkled and less elastic.
There are various reasons why our skin ages. Some of the causes like genetics are completely natural and cannot be changed. But there are many factors that can cause the aging of our skin and we can influence them.
We need to take a holistic approach to lifestyle and skin care. This can reduce the signs of skin aging and prevent premature aging of the skin.
What are the signs of skin aging?
Wrinkles: Wrinkles appear on the face, hands and neck. These are the first signs of aging. Crow’s feet, also called laughter wrinkles first begin to appear in the corner of our eyes. They can appear in some people in their thirties depending upon hereditary factors and lifestyle.
These lines are followed by head wrinkles. At first they appear only when we change our facial expressions, but they become more prominent as we age further. Hand and neck wrinkles also start to form due to the aging process.
Reduction elasticity: As the skin begins to mature the skin loses firmness and elasticity. The skin begins to become dry and loses the lustre that we associate with youthful skin.
When these changes will happen depends on the individual, but most people will see these changes in their mid-fifties.
What causes skin aging?
The rate at which our skin ages depends upon a process called oxidative stress. This process releases molecules called free radicals. They consist of an unpaired electron in an outer shell.
Free radicals cause premature aging by damaging the skin's cell structures and breaking down constituents in the skin such as hyaluronic acid, collagen and functional elastin.
Under normal circumstances, the antioxidants in our bodies manage to capture and neutralize the free radicals. However as we age the ability of our body to deactivate them reduces.
Causes of oxidative stress?
Exposure to the UV radiation of the sun is the primary cause of oxidative stress. This type of skin damage by the sun is called photo aging.
When we live in cities we are exposed to a number of pollutants which result in the formation of free radicals. Hence exposure to pollution also leads to oxidative stress.
As mentioned above antioxidants are the molecules which have the capability to neutralize free radicals. Hence a diet poor in antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress. Fruits and vegetables consist of antioxidants.
There are many chemicals that are produced by smoking which have free radicals. Hence smoking can also lead to oxidative stress.
How to reduce oxidative stress?
By avoiding the above factors which produce free radicals.
Firstly use a good sunscreen when you move out of your house in the sun. This habit must begin in your teens, but it’s never too late to use a sunscreen when you are in the sun. Also if possible cover your hands with gloves when you are out.
You can’t do much about the pollution in your city but secondly you can surely eat a diet which is rich in anti-oxidants. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables as these food items produce lots of antioxidants.
Our body produces its own antioxidants but by eating more fruits and vegetables we can get rid of the free radicals caused by the pollution in our cities.
Thirdly quit smoking. These may sound easy. If you have problems in quitting then consult your doctor or use some nicotine replacement products.
Best skin care for aging
The skin changes in the different stages of life and the way we take care of it should reflect its changing needs.
A good skin care routine for aging skin must take a holistic approach to treating the different signs of aging like wrinkles, reduced elasticity and dryness of skin.
Clean to remove makeup, dirt and chemicals from the skin. This is important because chemicals from contaminants on the skin can cause oxidative stress.
Moisturize your skin to hydrate it. The type of moisturizer needed depends on your age or skin type. Approach your skin doctor for suggestions regarding a good moisturiser.
Also as mentioned above use a good sunscreen with SPF of 30 whenever you are out in the sun.
A good skin care regimen with proper diet can reduce the formation of free radical. These can lead to reduction in oxidative stress which will finally make you look younger.