Aging of the skin is a natural part of human life, but there are many factors that can accelerate or slow down the process. Intrinsic aging is the inevitable process of natural aging we all experience, while extrinsic, or photo-aging, is induced by external environmental factors. Genetics play a large role in skin structure, texture , and elasticity , but excess sun exposure is a major cause of photo-aging.
Deep wrinkles and photo-aging are common on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, chest, arms, and hands. Wrinkles are the lines that form in the skin and can become deeper around the eyes, mouth, and neck. With continued aging, the body makes less collagen and elastin, which keep skin strong and firm. There are many holistic ways to delay this process, and even reverse damage already done.
With the correct skincare routine that uses optimal ingredients for skin repair, your aging skin can make vast improvements to its appearance and condition. Skin at Peace has researched many topical ingredients that have scientific studies to back up their efficacy and use them in their fresh formulas. In the absence of harmful preservatives and fillers, the active ingredients can create positive change in your skin. Preservatives, parabens, sulfates, and fragrance, just to name a few, can not only do further damage to your aging skin, but can prevent helpful ingredients from performing to their highest potential.
A closer look at aging skin-
The progression of aging skin to “mature” skin is characterized by becoming less resilient and more delicate. Decreased production of natural oils dehydrates the skin and more wrinkles appear. The skin becomes thinner and adipose tissue (fat) in the deeper layers of skin decreases. This causes sagging and drooping skin, and more noticeable lines and depressions. The disruption in moisture levels, proteins, and enzymes can lead to dry skin. Many great skincare products on the market today help prevent TEWL (Trans-Epidermal Water Loss), which is the external environment pressing moisture from your skin. Creating a lipid barrier will help seal in the water and protect your skin from future damage by creating this lipid barrier, the skincare products can then repair itself .
Key ingredients for preventing and reversing aging skin-
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most recommended ingredients for adding moisture into skin, due to the fact it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid occurs in the body naturally to lubricate joints and tissues. Products that have hyaluronic acid help smooth and plump skin. It works great with Vitamin C and E for preventing photo-aging.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) contains antioxidants that increase the production of collagen and minimizes fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, (unstable oxygen molecules) that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. This is also referred to as oxidative stress, which includes UV radiation, or sun damage. It is proven that vitamin C, when in its fresh and potent form, can protect the skin from further sun damage by strengthening it.
Green tea extract is loaded with polyphenols, catechins, and EGCG, which are super antioxidants. Many plants contain these nutrients, which can fight free radicals that can damage skin. Damaged skin cells speed up aging, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark under-eye circles.
Lactic Acid is part of a group called alpha-hydroxy-acids, (AHA’s) that gently exfoliate the skin, reducing fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and hyper-pigmentation. Using lactic acid in a toner prepares your skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers and promotes the growth of collagen. Lactic acid is a gentle AHA, and is ideal for sensitive skin. It is also a humectant, and can bind moisture into the cells which decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a vitamin and potent antioxidant that regulates cell metabolism and regeneration. It helps to reduce water loss, (TEWL) and improve elasticity to promote firm and lifted skin. Niacinamide balances oil production and can stimulate renewal of sebum. Loss of oil and water in the skin is a main cause in the progression of aging.
Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol. It is a plant that has shown epidermal anti-aging effects when applied topically. Studies have proven that bakuchiol is as effective as retinoids, as both substances induce similar gene expression in the skin, improving photo-damage. Bakuchiol and retinol both significantly decrease wrinkles, although retinol users reported more peeling and irritation. Bakuchiol also is an antioxidant, unlike retinol. It provides a holistic and safe approach for skin aging as it improves cell regeneration with no side effects.
Ceramides are oil-based molecules that are essential in the lipid barrier of the skin. They prevent moisture loss and help to defend the skin from oxidative stress, such as UV damage. The body naturally produces ceramides, but with aging they decline. As the skin changes through life, the amount of collagen, elastin, and keratin decreases, thinning the skin. Thin skin causes sagging, showing dark circles under the eyes, and more prominent lines. Using ceramides in serums and moisturizers can protect the skin against UV damage by strengthening the skin barrier, improving skin hydration levels, and promoting healthy cell turnover. Topical ceramides work well for all skin types, are safe for most skin conditions. They have been proven to help dry skin dramatically.
Zinc Oxide is one of the leading safe ingredients used in sun protection. The top reasons for rapid skin aging is UV damage and smoking. Exposure to UV light breaks down the connective tissue in the skin, causing significant wrinkling much earlier than skin that is not exposed. Without adequate connective tissue, skin loses firmness and elasticity, leading to sagging. Zinc oxide is an effective way to block out these rays to prevent damage. You can find this ingredient in the serum and moisturizer in one, called Day, from Skin at Peace.
So, now that you know more about aging skin and how to prevent it, what are you going to do? We are sure there are plenty of things on your list that need tending to--maybe even some new habits or routines. But don't let that stop you from making this one important change today.
Work Cited
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Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors. Reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD on August 10, 2021
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