We all know that our skin changes as we get older, but do we really understand why, and importantly, have we made allowances for this change in our skincare routine, or, do we continue to use the same products we did when we were younger?
The two central causes which result in skin ageing are a combination of intrinsic genetic ageing, which happens naturally to all of us, and secondary ageing due to photodamage. Often however, the signs of natural ageing are masked by those of photodamage, primarily caused by external factors attacking the skins structure. This article will help to explain some of the key factors affecting our skin as we get older and how through the use of topical and oral vitamin therapy, we can achieve positive skin health.
In order to understand how the skin changes with age and what we can do to minimize the deterioration of its physical appearance, we need to look briefly at its cellular biochemistry.
The main integral protein of the skin is collagen, which is produced inside cells called fibroblasts. Once outside the cell, the collagen aggregates into fibres which are a broken down by the enzyme collagenase into two pieces, to become gelatin. This is further broken down and then re-absorbed back into the cellular environment. This example of collagen recycling continues until the natural aging process eventually turns it off, leading to a collagen deficient state, which produces the physical signs of skin ageing such as skin sagginess, loss of springback and elasticity and pigmentary imbalance, with both darker and lighter blemishes.
Skin damage also occurs as a result of acute and chronic ultraviolet light exposure which induces a state of oxidative stress within the skin, characterized by the formation of reactive oxygen i.e. free radicals or superoxide that then produce the destructive agent hydrogen peroxide. Left unchecked this would cause massive tissue damage, with collagen being the main casualty.
Fortunately for us, hydrogen peroxide is inactivated by the skin's naturally occurring anti-oxidants, however we must make sure our body produces enough antioxidants, which highlights the need for such "skin savers" to be included in any active skin rejuvenation program. Both topical and ingestable antioxidants are effective, in the form of skin preparations and creams, as well as internally ingested skin nourishment vitamins, such as those found in the nurture range.
The most important aspect of managing mature skin, is of course sun protection, with high factor sun block applied thickly and repeatedly. This blocks the penetration of UV light into the epidermis and dermis and prevents the triggering of the cascade of biochemical reactions which destroy collagen. Additionally the immunosuppression of the skin caused by UV light encourages the formation of disorderly cell division and cancer formation. Hence sun blocking assumes an even greater importance than merely wrinkle prevention.
Dietary factors are also important in the production and maintenance of healthy vital skin. Green leafy vegetables and yellow and red fruit, all aid skin health by containing retinol esters which are transformed into retinol in the skin. Such retinoids are crucially important to the skin's wellbeing through being able to activate fibroblasts causing them to manufacture collagen. Use of retinol (natural vitamin A) containing products, both orally and topically will have visible effects on skin texture, tone and wrinkle reduction. Healthspan nurture offers both ingestible and topical products to help stimulate collagen.
In addition to the use of skincare products in the management of skin through the ages, there are also new and exciting cosmetic procedures such as, the newer skin resurfacing technologies including non-ablative lasering for wrinkle and scar reduction, which achieve positive results through stimulating new collagen formation. However, these should only be carried out by a qualified dermatological surgeon.
We live in an exciting dermatological age and The London Clinic of Dermatology and Healthspan are working in partnership to keep you up to date with all the latest therapies, so that your skins health is optimally maintained and improved with leading edge technologies, whatever your age.
