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Your skin, and how to keep it youthful
The skin is one of the body's major organs and accounts for 12 to 15% of total body weight. It comprises two primary layers of tissue: epidermis and dermis.
The epidermis is the skin's outermost and thicker layer, serving as a first line of defense against the outside world, and it includes melanocytes, which give the skin its color. Nerve endings can also be found in the epidermis' lowest layer. The epidermis is renewed from stem cells but lacks blood flow and must rely on the underlying dermis for sustenance.
The dermis is the connective tissue layer underneath the epidermis that supports it. It is made up of a diffusely coiled and woven pattern of dense irregular collagen and elastin. The dermis layer is where blood vessel and nerve endings are found.
The hypodermis is a layer beneath the skin that is also known as the subcutaneous layer. It invaginates into the dermis and is connected to it by collagen and elastin fibers directly above it. It is mostly made up of adipocytes, which are cells that specialize in storing and accumulating fats. The hypodermis serves as a source of energy. During intensive exertion or when there is a limit of energy-providing substances, the fats housed in adipocytes can be reintroduced into circulation via the venous pathway and converted into energy. Because fat is a heat insulator, the hypodermis also assists in passive thermoregulation.
Skin-associated exocrine glands are the sweat, sebaceous, ceruminous, and mammary glands. Sweat glands are found all throughout the body and excrete sweat to control body temperature. The apocrine glands are found in the axilla and pubic area and create milky protein-rich sweat. The sometimes bad odor produced by sweat is because of growth of bacteria that release organic molecules. An oily material, called sebum, is secreted and consists of a combination of lipids that produces a thin film on the skin that provides a protective layer, reduces fluid loss, and acts as an antimicrobial.
The aging skin
Depending on lifestyle and diet the skin of many people can also undergo premature ageing. The skin ages due to a variety of factors: some things we have no control over, while others we can affect. Most people develop visible lines in the facial skin over time. The faces naturally lose some its youthful fullness as we age and this is primarily determined by our genes and is referred to as intrinsic aging. However, another form of aging that affects the skin is influenced by lifestyle, the environment and diet, and can result in the skin to age prematurely, and this is referred to as extrinsic aging.
Skin becomes thinner, less elastic, drier, finely wrinkled and more fragile during ageing. Exposure to sunlight can accelerate wrinkling and can make the skin rough and blotchy with time. The skin can also become drier with ageing due to a decrease in natural oil production.
Collagen, that gives skin its strength, and elastin which gives skin its flexibility, become chemically altered and less flexible as people age, and the body produces less collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin becomes more prone to tearing.
The fat layer under the skin becomes thinner with ageing. This layer protects and supports the skin by acting as a cushion. The fat layer also aids in the preservation of body heat. When the layer becomes thinner, wrinkles appear and cold tolerance decreases.
Blood flow in the deep layers of the skin decreases as the number of sweat glands and blood vessels decreases. As a result, the body's ability to cool down by transferring heat from inside the body to the surface through blood vessels is reduced: the body becomes unable to cool itself as effectively. As a result, the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke, rises. In addition, as blood flow is reduced, the skin heals more slowly.
Melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin decrease in size with aging. As a result, the skin is less protected from the sun's UV radiation. Brown spots (age spots) appear on sun-exposed skin, possibly due to the skin's reduced ability to remove waste products. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it is less able to produce vitamin D. As a result, the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency rises with aging. People who have had a lesser exposure to the sun usually appear as far younger than their actual age.
The number of nerve endings in the skin also decrease with ageing, and people become less sensitive to pain, temperature and pressure, and accidents can become more common.
Common signs and symptoms of aging skin
Itching & Dry Skin
Dry skin affects many older people, particularly on their lower legs, elbows, and lower arms. These patches of dry skin can feel rough and scaly. Dry skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
• Not getting enough fluids.
• Too much sun exposure or UV-based tanning.
• Dry air.
• Smoking.
• Stress.
• Sweat and oil gland loss.
• Dry skin may also be caused by medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
• Taking hot baths and using too much soap, antiperspirant, or perfume can also promote dry skin.
• Some medications can irritate the skin.
• Scratching can cause bleeding and infection in older people because their skin is thinner.
Ways for soothing dry, rough & itchy skin are:
• Using moisturizers on a daily basis, such as lotions, creams, or ointments.
• Using milder soap and take less baths or showers.
• Washing with warm water that dries out the skin less than hot water.
• Use a humidifier, which is a device that adds moisture to a space.
Bruising
People who are older are more likely to bruise than those who are younger, and these bruises will take a long time to heal. Bruising can also be caused by certain medications or illnesses. If bruises appear on areas of the body that aren't normally hidden by clothes and it’s not clear how they appeared, a doctor should be consulted.
Age Spots
Age spots, also known as "liver spots," are flat brown spots caused by years of exposure to the sun. They are larger than freckles and can be mostly found on the face, neck, arms, back, and feet. Age spots can be avoided by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against the UVA and UVB types of sun rays.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are elevated, minute, flesh-colored growths on the surface of the skin. They become more common as people get older, especially among women. The eyelids, throat, and body folds like the armpit, stomach, and groin are the most common places to find them. Age spots, as skin tags, are not harmful, but they can irritate the skin. If bothered by age spots or skin tags, a doctor should be consulted to remove them.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is a very common form of cancer, and the sun is the leading cause. Skin cancer can also be caused by sunlamps and tanning booths. Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. However, people with fair skin who freckle easily are the most vulnerable. If skin cancer is discovered before it spreads to other areas of the body, it can be cured. There are three types of skin cancer:
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Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two forms of skin cancer that develop slowly and seldom spread to other areas of the body. These cancers are most commonly found on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun the most, such as the head, face, neck, hands, and arms.
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Melanoma is the third and most severe form of skin cancer. Although it is less common than the other forms, it can spread to other organs and be fatal.
The skin should be checked once a month for something that may be cancerous. It is uncommon for skin cancer to be painful, and therefore not easily noticed. One should look for changes like a new growth, an unhealing sore, or a bleeding mole.
Maintaining youthful and healthy skin
Infrared Light Therapy is a form of light therapy that uses infrared light to energize and rejuvenate the skin, and has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, It's a good way to improve your looks while also reducing tension and recharging your batteries.
Facial massage. Facial massages are becoming increasingly common and have been claimed to reduce lines, raise the face, counteract sagging skin, reduce pore size and get rid of puffy eyes and under-eye bags. The muscles in the face will also deteriorate with ageing, so these massages can help keeping them toned and also promote blood circulation in the face.
Microcurrent facial. Microcurrent therapy has been used as a medical treatment for various medical conditions, but is more recently also used as a "non-invasive facelift. The procedure involves a low-grade electrical current to "exercise" the facial muscles, making them look fuller, firmer and toned. The effects are noticeable even after only one session, and also for younger people, a microcurrent facial once a month will make a significant difference.
Cryo facial. Cryo-facials, or ice therapy, improves blood circulation, decrease pore size, and reduce inflammation. Cold therapy may be as easy as massaging the face with ice, by wrapping an ice cube in a thin cotton handkerchief and slowly running it over the skin's surface.
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Cryo-rollers are among the newest biohacks to reach the beauty industry, and they resemble a jade roller, but it's made of a substance that can be frozen or refrigerated and kept cold as you massage your face. These tools also claim to depuff the skin and reduce inflammation, giving the face a kind of localized cryotherapy. Cryotherapy also boosts collagen production and slows down collagen breakdown. The enzymes and hormones that degrade collagen are basically inhibited by the cold. While cryotherapy reduces inflammation it also activates the immune system, thereby fighting blemished, acne and other skin problems. For the best results, this form of facial is often combined with infrared light therapy.
Do it yourself Microneedling (also known as dermarolling) is a technique that involves the use of tiny needles that puncture the very first layer of the skin (epidermis). This procedure rejuvenates the skin by increasing collagen production, which in turn decreases the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while also improving the overall texture and tone of the skin. Microneedling will result in a smooth and silky skin. A mild numbing cream can be applied before beginning the procedure. Even as little as four procedures, spaced one month apart, can result in a 400 percent rise in collagen and elastin six months later. Rolling a dermaroller over the face also activates growth factors with antiaging effects. Microneedling can be done at home, and the consumer dermarollers are easy obtain and come with different needle sizes. Use a clean, sterilized roller on freshly washed skin to prevent infections, and the dermaroller should obviously not be share with others. People commonly use a vitamin C, or other, serum after microneedling.
Professional microneedling is a little more elaborate. A dermatologist, or naturopathic, doctor usually incorporate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or a live stem cell serum into the treatment after the microneedling procedure. To obtain this platelet-rich plasma, the doctor will draw blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. Extra platelets containing growth factors are packed into the yellowish liquid at the end. Both before and after the microneedling, the doctor will add the serum to the face, and these growth factors function in combination with growth factors induced by the needling to rejuvenate the skin. When compared to at-home-microneedling, the procedure at a medical professional usually yields noticeable results with fewer procedures.
Facial acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, employs the ancient art of acupuncture to yield a variety of cosmetic benefits. Facial acupuncture uses the same procedure as microneedling, except the tiny needles can go deeper and are positioned with precision at specific locations. While cosmetic acupuncture can be considered a natural alternative to other aesthetic treatments, it also pairs well with injectables that restrict muscle movement. Acupuncture can improve oxygenation levels in the skin through microcirculation, which can aid detoxification and help minimize facial puffiness.
Thermage is a treatment that involves the heating of the inner layers of the skin using radiofrequency technology. Thermage is very efficient in tightening the skin by promoting production of collagen. The heat tightens existing collagen, giving the skin instant firming results while also promoting production is more collagen. Most people perform a thermage treatment every year and a half, making it simple to keep up with.
Dermal fillers are used to “fill” the skin and thereby improve its appearance. These treatments target the thin and sunken appearance of skin that many people develop as they age. Many different types of fillers may be used to plump up these areas and restore their youthful appearance.
Neuromodulators are drugs that act on the nervous system. Although Botox is the most well-known, Dysport and Xeomin are also effective options. By smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, these injections give you a more youthful look. These treatments will also prevent future lines from forming because they prevent muscle movement.
Skin anti-aging cosmetics
Many anti-aging skincare products can help reduce aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C are all effective ingredients that can make the skin look younger and healthier. Your skin may develop discoloration (dark spots) as a result of sun exposure, wrinkles and fine lines may appear, and your skin may lose volume due to a lack of collagen. Hyaluronic acid aids the skin cells in retaining more water, resulting in a plump, dewy complexion that makes you appear younger. Retinol is known for its ability to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and vitamin C can brighten dark spots. These are all simple measures that you can start early for prevention and perform from the comfort of your own home.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan present in connective tissue throughout the body. HA is the key component that provides the skin structure and gives it that plump, hydrated appearance. It plays an important function in wound healing and declines as we age, making us more susceptible to sagging and wrinkles. The advantage of HA is mostly in wound healing, moisturizing and general skin anti-aging. HA has the ability to bind 1000 times its weight in water, so it acts as a humectant, attracting water molecules to the surface of the skin to keep it moisturized. A well-moisturized skin as a high-water content. Transepidermal water loss is what dries out the skin, and it can be measured as how much water evaporates from the skin; the evaporation rate. Hyaluronic acid reduces the rate of water evaporation. Apart from being an excellent hydrator, it has also been shown to aid in healing of wounds.
Argireline is a acetyl hexapeptide-3 or acetyl hexapeptide-8, and these peptides promote collagen and elastin production in the skin. Argireline, similarly to Botox, also inhibit the ability of nerves to trigger muscle contractions in the skin, and as such they will limit movements that result in wrinkles. It is one of the closest things to a Botox cream. Argireline also boosts collagen production in the skin and improves collagen function, which helps to reduce fine wrinkles and enhance skin hydration.
Matrixyl is a matrikine called palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 that promotes the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which helps to naturally minimize wrinkles and fine lines in the skin.
Retinoids are vitamin A-derived compounds, or molecules, that appear and act like vitamin A, and are applied topically to the skin to help repair it and keep it looking young. They can be either natural or synthetic forms of vitamin A. They're commonly found in skin care products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Retinol is eventually transformed to retinoic acid when applied to the skin. Retinol has several beneficial effects on the skin; it increases elastin and collagen production which plumps up the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It neutralizes free radicals in the dermis and will stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in the skin to remove age spots, UV spots and other symptoms of sun damage, such as uneven skin texture, melasma, and other types of hyperpigmentation. It promotes skin cells to naturally renew themselves and exfoliates the skin's surface, which can assist enhancing texture and tone. It may also aid in the treatment of severe acne and scarring. Retin-A is a retinol over-the-counter (OTC) retinoid.
GHK-Cu is a peptide that, among other things, decreases inflammation, improves brain function, and decreases oxidative stress. Yung people have high levels of GHK-Cu in their bloodstream, but during ageing the mount decreases. GHK-Cu can also stimulate muscle growth. It also increases collagen production, which decreases the occurrence of dark spots and wrinkles by thickening, tightening, and elasticizing the skin. Skin creams containing 2% GHK-Cu or more will remove years from ageing appearance. GHK-Cu can also be injected for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, tissue regeneration, as well as beneficial brain effects.
Skin anti-aging diet
Carrots are high in beta carotene that can help reducing sun sensitivity, and vitamin C which promotes skin repair.
Nuts and seeds contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are beneficial for skin health. These fats keep the skin moisturized, firm, and flexible while also promoting health in other physiological systems. They give the skin a healthy “glow”. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that the body cannot produce but that is required for cell wall formation, and they help in reducing inflammation.
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Fatty fish like sardines, salmon, herring and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein that aid in the reduction of inflammation causing skin redness and acne. Fatty fish is also a good source of the mineral zinc. Low zinc levels have been linked to skin irritation and acne.
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Avocado fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) are an essential macronutrient for skin health. Avocado also contains high levels of vitamin E, which is beneficial for skin health. Avocados also include the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may protect the skin.
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Berries are high in antioxidants and flavonoids, which may aid to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. They are also rich in vitamin C, which is an important ingredient for collagen formation.
Supplements with skin anti-ageing effects
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for the skin. When sunshine is absorbed by the skin, vitamin D is produced through conversion from cholesterol. The liver and kidneys absorb vitamin D, which is subsequently distributed throughout the body including the skin, where vitamin D is critical for skin tone. Calcitriol is a synthetic form of a vitamin D that has been shown to lessen the level of skin inflammation and irritation in persons with psoriasis. A daily vitamin D intake of at least 600 IU is recommended and people over the age of 70 may require more. One can get vitamin D by 10 minutes of daily sun exposure, and by consuming breakfast cereals, orange juice, yogurt, salmon, tuna, and cod that are examples of foods that naturally contain vitamin D.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is abundant in both the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and the dermis (inner layer of skin). Its cancer-fighting (antioxidant) capabilities, as well as its involvement in collagen production, contribute to skin health. Vitamin C is one of the major ingredients in many anti-aging skin care treatments because of these properties. Taking vitamin C orally can help sunscreens work better to protect from the sun's harmful UV rays. It is believed to accomplish this by reducing cell damage and assisting cell repair. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the body's natural collagen synthesis, and it can therefore help prevent aging by boosting collagen production. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote general skin restoration, and prevent dry skin. Citrus fruits, kiwi fruits, strawberries and broccoli are all plant-based sources of vitamin C.
Biotin is one of the B complex vitamins that aids in the body's ability to turn food into energy. The ancient Greek word "biotos," which signifies "life" or "sustenance," is where the word "biotin" originates. B vitamins, and particularly biotin, support the health of your liver, neurvus system, skin, hair, and eyes. Studies have shown that biotin may enhance the moisture, smoothness, and look of skin. Brittle nails, hair loss, and skin rashes are symptoms of a biotin deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is required for the growth of skin cells as well as other types of cells throughout your body. B12 has been reported to be useful for treating and preventing skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is believed to minimize skin cell inflammation and dryness.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant just like vitamin C, and its primary role in skin care is to protect the skin from sun damage. When applied to the skin, vitamin E absorbs the sun's damaging UV rays. The ability of the body to reduce the damage produced by UV rays is referred to as photoprotection. This can help prevent wrinkles and dark spots. Since the 1950s, dermatologists have employed vitamin E to help protect the skin from aging, inflammation, and UV damage. Vitamin E is normally produced by the body through sebum, an oily material secreted from the pores of the skin. Sebum helps keep the skin conditioned and avoids dryness when it is in the appropriate balance. Vitamin E may be able to help you compensate for a lack of sebum if you have especially dry skin. Vitamin E can also be used to alleviate skin irritation. While vitamin E is found in a variety of skin care products, its benefits may be diminished when exposed to the sun. It is recommended to consume adequate vitamin E through the diet.
Vitamin K is necessary for the functioning of the body's blood clotting mechanism, which aids in the healing of wounds, bruises and scars. Vitamin K's core functions are also suggested to help with a variety of skin disorders, including scars, spider veins, stretch marks and dark circles and blemishes under the eyes. Vitamin K can be found in a range of topical skin treatments and can aid in the treatment of a variety of skin disorders. Doctors routinely apply vitamin K lotions to patients who have just had surgery to assist minimize swelling and bruising. Adults require 90 to 120 ug per day. One can enhance your intake by eating green beans, kale, spinach, lettuce, and cabbage.
Protein. The body breaks down proteins into amino acids, which it then recycles to generate new proteins, such as collagen and keratin, which make up the structure of the skin. Amino acids can also aid in the removal of dead skin cells.
Zinc is a mineral that is five times more abundant in the surface layer of the skin than in the deeper layers. When skin gets injured, zinc aids in the healing process. It's required for cells to divide and specialize as they divide, as well as for cell walls to remain stable. Because of the way zinc interacts with other metals in the body, such as iron and copper, it may protect the skin from UV damage. Zinc has anti-oxidant properties as well, and zinc deficiency can lead to eczema.
Selenium is an essential trace element found as inorganic forms in soil, but also in foods such as Brazil nuts and seafood. Selenium aids in the protection of the skin against UV radiation when specific antioxidants are present. Skin cancer has been linked to a lack of selenium.
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