Is aging less prematurely even possible? The answer is YES. To work towards accomplishing this, we first need to understand our skin’s aging process as we advance in age. A host of factors like genetics and hormonal changes affect intrinsic aging which this Blog does not attempt to cover. External factors like environmental damage and lifestyle choices influence the premature aging of the skin to a very great extent. As a first step, this Blog will focus on controllable, preventable and premature skin aging, also known as extrinsic aging.
The most obvious signs of extrinsic aging are well publicized:
– fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and lips
– furrows on the forehead and in between brows
– pigmentation be it sun spots or Melasma
– loss of skin tone and firmness as in sagging jowls
COLLAGEN
Fine lines and wrinkles, furrows, loss of skin tone and sagging jowls are caused by the diminishing production of collagen which begins in our mid-20s, at the rate of 1% per year. Yes, it’s that early and that consistently.
UVA and UVB
It is widely known that sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation, or UV. UVA accounts for about 95% of the sun’s UV rays, while UVB accounts for 5%. The most obvious sign of UVB damage is a sunburn and blistering on the top layer of the skin also known as the epidermis, whereas UVA damage reaches deeper into the dermis, or second layer of skin cells. The long-term effects of UVA and UVB damage can lead to premature aging, even skin cancer.
While it will seem logical to protect our skin from UV damage by avoiding extended exposure to direct sunlight and artificial sources of UV radiation, this is not always possible for many of us where our vocation or even social settings require us to be outdoors during the day. Being mindful of a good skincare regimen of protection and repair becomes a good habit to form. When a daily routine is good, let’s make it a habit.
The above is only a very general overview and basic understanding of skin aging. In the forthcoming Blogs, we will go deeper into our recommended daily skincare routine to form a good habit of.
No part of this article is intended to give any medical or health advice, or seek to cure any skin diseases.
