Factors that Promote Skin Aging
• Smoking causes the development of wrinkles. It lowers the level of vitamin C in the body, a vitamin that is important for maintaining the skin moist and plump. Smoking causes the release of free radicals that damage the skin. So, it is better to avoid smoking.
• Another important factor that leads to the development of wrinkles is sun exposure. Overexposure to sun causes skin drying and saggy skin, both of which eventually lead to development of fine lines. So, try to avoid excessive sun exposure and apply a sunscreen lotion when your out in the sun.
• Exercises play a prominent role in anti aging process. Exercises help in maintaining proper muscle tone and they also enhance the rate of blood flow to the skin. They help in energy rejuvenation and makes you feel younger.
• Cold weather can also be the reason for development of dry skin which ultimately causes aging skin. So, use a good moisturizer to prevent skin drying.
• Excessive sugar intake is responsible for wrinkle development. High sugar in the blood tends to attach to proteins and produces harmful molecules called as advanced glycation products. These products cause damage to proteins collagen and elastin that maintain skin elasticity and structure. Collagen once damaged produces a brittle, dry and sagging skin.
• Alcohol consumption dilates blood vessels and is known to increase blood flow at skin’s surface. As time progresses, blood vessels are damaged permanently and pose a flushed and broken appearance.
• Apart from the above factors, certain other factors such as excessive stress, lack of sleep etc also causes skin aging.Skin Care
Our skin reflects the state of our inner health!
We often spend $100s, even $1000s on skin care products, cosmetic laser treatments and other beauty products and never consider the general state of our body’s health. There is so much more to radiant, healthy looking skin than just external treatments. Here is a list of additional factors that affect our skin’s health and appearance.
Causes of wrinkles, dryness and dehydrated skin:
• Smoking
• Extensive sun exposure and tanning beds – longterm exposure to ultraviolet light increases the formation of Free Radicals in our bodies which leads to early aging.
• Poor diet and Nutritional Deficiencies– the foods we ingest are crucial for our skin and general health. Our skin requires specific nutrients in order to maintain a healthy appearance:
o Anti-oxidants combat Free Radicals. A deficiency in the following anti-oxidants promotes early signs of aging:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
o Vitamin Bs – among the US population is an almost epidemic deficiency in Vitamin Bs. The following B-Vitamins are necessary for healthy skin:o Minerals – The following minerals are essential for radiant skin:
- Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin
- Vitamin B3 – Niacin
- Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine
o Essentially Fatty Acids – Omega-3s, found primarily in fish oils, are crucial for maintaining optimal cell health and preventing dryness and eczema. Choose a high-quality medical grade fish oil that has been tested for heavy metals and other toxins.
- Zinc – prevents break-outs and acne
- Selenium – combats Free Radicals
- Magnesium – prevents cell dehydration and aids in body’s detox
o Healthy Fats – the human body needs saturated fats to maintain healthy cell membranes and arteries. It is not the saturated fats that cause plaque in the arteries or but rather the highly unstable poly-unsaturated fats from vegetable oils. These isolated plant fats quickly become rancid and change into Free Radicals when exposed to light, heat and oxygen. Their consumption affects the elasticity and permeability of our cell walls and causes hardening of the same. Saturated fats from dairy, meats, poultry and eggs, coconut and palm oil on the other hand, are very stable and highly beneficial for the body. They help maintain healthy cell membranes, arteries and smooth skin.
• Hormone Imbalance – Balanced hormones are crucial for brain, bone heart and skin health. Let’s look at the primary hormones affecting skin health:
o Testosterone – too much leads to acne; too little causes skin to become loose/lax;o Estrogen – maintains healthy collagen levels, prevents thinning of skin (remember grandma’s paper-thin skin?);o Thyroid – imbalances can cause dry skin, brittle nails and hairo Cortisol – elevated cortisol levels from stress and anxiety lead to premature aging
• Lack of sleep – Insomnia is often caused by the following:
o elevated nocturnal cortisol levelso Low progesterone – progesterone is our ‘sleep hormone’o imbalanced brain chemistry – Low Serotonin levels, for instance, contribute to depression, anxiety, and mind-racing, which are all affecting our sleep. At night, while we are sleeping, the body heals and restores; lack of sleep leads to premature aging and weight gain.
• Dehydration - for optimal detoxification and many other functions our body requires adequate water intake every day. Drink half your body weight in oz of water.
• Too much alcohol – alcohol causes general body dehydration and affects the liver and, hence, our body’s ability to detoxify. Alcohol also raises blood sugar which increases androgen production and,promotes acne.
• Lack of exercise – Regular exercise improves blood flow and rejuvenation of skin; sweating is a form of detox and increased secretion of sebum, our body’s natural moisturizer.
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