Skin aging
The concept of skin aging is one that has been studied and researched for many years. The fight against aging is one that the anti-aging industry has made billions of dollars off of each year and there is no shortage of demand for anti-wrinkle creams, serums, and treatments. Of course in order to fight aging skin it helps to know how it works and the effect it has on the skin.
There are actually two types of skin aging that occur in adults: extrinsic and intrinsic.
As the name implies, extrinsic aging happens due to how the environment interacts with your skin. Photoaging (premature aging as a result of excessive sun exposure) plays a major role in the process of extrinsic aging. When your complexion comes into contact with a lot of UV rays, this causes the skin to lose its elasticity and collagen, resulting in sagging, dull skin. Additionally, UV rays also create fine lines and premature wrinkles, as well as leathering of the skin. Many people who experience photoaging tend to have tough and roughly textured skin as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Smoking, lack of sleep and other environmental factors such as wind, extreme cold and extreme heat, and pollutants all contribute to extrinsic skin aging. In order to prevent the onset of extrinsic aging, it is crucial that you stop smoking, get plenty of rest each night, and practice diligent sun care by using sunscreen or sunblock. Wearing protective clothing can also help prevent damage from the sun and other environmental factors.
On the flip side, intrinsic skin aging is the type of aging that occurs naturally with the progression of time. Over time, the majority of us will experience wrinkles and sagging skin. Although some factors of extrinsic aging can produce these same results, the signs of intrinsic aging happen regardless of the effects of extrinsic aging.
The older we get, the more our skin changes. With time, the skin starts to naturally lose fat and firmness. The loss of progesterone in the female body also results in the skin becoming drier. As the production of collagen and elastin slows down, the more prone your complexion becomes to fine lines and wrinkles. Poor circulation can also mean dull-looking skin. While these all seem like problems that are impossible to overcome, there are some ways you can improve how you will age intrinsically. Anti-aging products are the most common solution and you can find just about any type of product needed for your specific aging concerns. Be sure to find a product that works well with your skin type and will provide nutrients, hydration and other ingredients that encourage the production of elastin and collagen.
The greatest indictor or how intrinsic skin aging will affect you in the future is genetics so you may want to turn to your family for a glimpse into how your complexion may potentially age years from now.
