Causes of ageing skin
It is never too early to preserve its "youth" capital. Cell aging begins on the day we are born. The anti-aging fight must begin as soon as possible, well before the first wrinkles appear. The causes of skin aging are many and we are not all equal in front of it.
There are two types of causes of skin ageing.
The first are the ones we suffer without being able to act on them. They are directly related to genetic capital and heredity. This is the so-called "intrinsic" ageing. The latter depend on us, our lifestyle and our environment. It is the so-called "extrinsic" ageing and we can act on these causes on a daily basis.
Pro-inflammatory foods (sugar and starch)
Pro-inflammatory foods, mainly sugar and starch, accelerate the aging process and the appearance of wrinkles. They cause a loss of skin radiance, dark circles and bags under the eyes, they cause a loss of tone, increased wrinkles, it promotes the loss of facial contours and increases the size of skin pores. These foods also aggravate acne. They must therefore be consumed in an exceptional way.
The sun
Too much exposure to the sun in youth leads to premature aging of the skin of the face, neck, nape and the whole body.
It is important and within everyone's reach to protect themselves from this aging factor. It is advisable not to expose yourself directly to the sun but under a parasol, to wear a hat or cap and glasses and to avoid exposure at the times when the sun is at its highest (between 12pm and 4pm). It is essential to use sunscreens with a high protection factor, even when you are not exposed. This will make your tan more beautiful and long-lasting.
The pollution
The polluted air of large cities "clogs" the skin and gives it a dull appearance. It causes redness, spots, tightness... Our lungs are not the only ones suffering from air pollution, so is our skin. Protecting it daily is therefore essential, with good quality products.
The tobacco
Apart from its harmful effects on general health, which we all know, tobacco causes skin cells to age prematurely. Tobacco produces many free radicals, causing skin dulling. It also causes skin dehydration. It becomes dry, without shine. In addition, it considerably accelerates the formation of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
Alcohol
Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, we are told this often enough so that we know it. Indeed, excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to the whole body but also has a deleterious effect on the skin. Alcohol accelerates dehydration, causes cellular damage, produces the appearance of small blood vessels on the skin (rosacea) which give the skin a red colour, it increases the "dilated pores" effect. All these factors make the skin more prone to wrinkles and fine lines and affect its quality.
Stress
Overwork, anxiety, emotional shocks,... also have a negative effect on the skin. Stress is a destructive force that is pro-age and pro-inflammatory. It causes hormonal changes and alters cell function in vital organs, including the skin. Stress causes the release of a hormone called cortisol, which, circulating in the blood in too large quantities and for long periods of time, is toxic. It reduces muscle mass and causes the skin to thin, causing the premature appearance of wrinkles.
Slimming down
A significant and/or sudden weight loss causes the skin to collapse and causes the face to age considerably: the skin withers and excess skin gives the impression of premature aging. This is why long-term diets must be medically monitored.
Lack of sleep
Good nights' sleep will give your skin a refreshed appearance. Adequate sleep is essential to avoid under-eye bags and maintain "living" skin. Indeed, getting enough sleep and having a good quality of sleep prevents the negative effects of cortisol, which can be high in times of stress. Growth hormone and youth hormone are released during sleep, as well as another hormone called melatonin. These have a positive effect on the immune system and the skin. Sleeping, rebuilding energy reserves and regenerating the body.
Lack of physical exercise
Regular physical activity also improves the quality of your skin, just as it improves the quality of your muscles and bones. In particular, it increases the production of collagen, an essential element to strengthen the skin's structure. Physical exercise increases blood circulation and gives the skin a healthy and radiant appearance.
In conclusion
A healthy and balanced life, a good diet and a good night's sleep are essential factors to keep your skin young for as long as possible. Healthy living is as important as the cosmetic products used to help nature. If you would like the advice of a beauty specialist, we invite you to make an appointment now for a consultation with your Anti-Aging Medicine professional.