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What is Skin how does it age?
Our skin is the largest organ in the human body. It protects us from environmental
factors, the sun's rays, regulates body temperature and helps the body produce
vitamin D.
It is made up of 3 main layers.
The top layer is
known as the epidermis. This is a layer of flattened skin cells which mainly,
give us protection from water seeping in. The cells in this layer started life
deep down within it and have gradually migrated to the top over a period of 14
to 30 days. This is called cell renewal. This process starts winding down as we
age.
The next main layer is known as the dermis. This is made up of about
70 % collagen. Collagen is what gives our skin a youthful and velvety feel to
it. Sort of like a mattress really. Held together with elastin. Collagen is at
its peak in our teenage years, levelling off until again starting to wind down
as we hit our late 30's and beyond.
Elastin is also contained within
the dermis. These stretchy fibres are what helps skin 'snap' back into place.
Over time and especially with prolonged sun exposure, these break down.
The next layer is the Fatty layer. This is mainly made up of fat cells and varies
in thickness depending where on the body it is ( hips and tummies have far more
than the face for instance). This protects our inner organs from harm.
Signs of aging over time :
- Due to the oil producing glands
not working as hard to keep the skin moist, dry and dehydrated skin is the result.
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Over time collagen and elastin production slows down. This leads to wrinkling
and sagging. This is exacerbated by the constant facial expressions we make in
our lifetimes (smiling, forwning etc). Wrinkles start to appear more pronounced
in these areas.
- Collagen and elastin loss also produces more enlarged
pores making the skin appear less youthful.
- Cell renewal slowing down
causes a dull complexion, wound healing times also get longer.
Lifestyle
Influences
The Sun : The sun's ray's destroy collagen and
elastin over time. It also causes the skin pigment cells within to become over
active in an attempt to protect it from damamge. This leads to liver spots.
Nutrition : Food contains all manner of natural anti-oxidants, vitamins
and minerals. Not eating a nice balance of food types can make it harder for the
skin to function 100% as it needs. Too much fatty foods also contribute as clogged
arteries reduce proper blood flow.
Smoking : Obvious really. Reduces
circulation, and induces all manner of toxins into the system. Collagen production
is slowed as a result.
Not Geting Enough Sleep : Our body uses
our sleep time to regenerate itself and this includes of course the skin where
cell renewal is constantly taking place. Dull skin and dark circles under the
eyes is the result.
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