There's more to aging than creams and serums. Understanding how your skin ages can help you become better prepared for the years to come: You'll learn how to tailor your skincare routine to successfully target each type of aging.
Inevitable intrinsic aging
What it means: It's the kind of aging that normally comes to mind when you think about getting older — wrinkles, loss of moisture and dull, sagging skin with more pronounced imperfections. According to RealAge, a number of physiological processes contribute to one's aging skin.
"What happened to my perfectly plump cheeks?" you might ask yourself. Well, you can thank two main contributors for your newfound thinness: the loss of subcutaneous fat underneath the dermis and epidermis — which previously provided skin with fullness — and menopause. Less estrogen (and the reduction in oil and sweat glands) also means more dryness.
Blame a dull-looking complexion on poor circulation, which reduces how much oxygen and nutrients reach your skin; wrinkles and sagging skin on diminished cell turnover and decreased collagen and elastin synthesis; and a drop in melanin production for shining a spotlight on various imperfections like under-eye circles and blemishes.
How to treat it: Determined by genetics, intrinsic aging leaves us with little control in halting it. Thankfully, though, you'll find an array of products that target its symptoms. For instance, Dr. Brandt Lineless Cream - Age Inhibitor Complex addresses the main components of aging — the breakdown in collagen and elastin ‐ by preserving elasticity and preventing collagen loss. Also try Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer to firm and hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
See also:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Botox Alternatives for Lines and Wrinkles
Vitamin A: Retinoids
Non-Surgical Rejuvenation: Dr. Novick on Non-Surgical Facelifts (Part 1)
The elements of extrinsic aging
What it means: Extrinsic aging results from environmental factors. In fact, sun exposure causes the majority of premature aging, a.k.a. photoaging. Ultraviolet rays break down collagen and elastin, making skin loose and weak. Even spending a short amount of time outdoors with unprotected skin can result in freckles, age spots, spider veins and fine lines and wrinkles. Skin also becomes discolored, rough and dry. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (ADA), even people in their 20's can show these signs of photoaging.
Other external factors include facial exercises — no they aren't the next non-surgical facelift — gravity, how you sleep and smoking. Lighting up, for instance, is such a powerful contributor that, like the sun, it can cause wrinkles in smokers as young as 20, according to the ADA.
How to prevent it: Avoid indoor and outdoor tanning, wear protective clothing and try to avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when rays are strongest. No matter the season, always apply sunscreen. Try Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Sun Block SPF 32, formulated with zinc oxide to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
To target other extrinsic factors, sleep on your back, forgo the facial exercises and stop smoking. Even if you've been smoking for many years, it isn't too late to stop: Once you discontinue smoking, you'll still notice an improvement in wrinkling and a healthier skin tone, explains the ADA.
See also:
Zinc Oxide
The Sun's Hidden Impact
Vitamin C
Give your skin a fighting chance against intrinsic and extrinsic aging by developing a routine that focuses on both. Your reward? Healthy, beautiful skin for years to come.