We all want to stay looking young and healthy for as long as is possible. Yet many of us fall into the complacent trap of thinking of wrinkles and rough skin as ‘just part of getting older’. But how many of us actually go the extra mile to take steps towards preserving our skin and delaying the offset of aging? Here we explain the function of skin, why it ages, and share some simple yet effective techniques and habits for keeping your skin looking fresh and youthful.
What is skin?
Skin is made up of millions upon millions of microscopic cells and tissues. The largest organ of the human body, its main function is to protect the inside of your body and its internal organs from the many damaging elements and bacteria of the outside world. On top of this, it contains the nerves that are responsible for our sense of touch and the ability to feel hot or cold, as well as the sweat glands responsible for cooling our body down. The dermis layer of the skin is found on the inside and contains the important working parts of the skin, while the outer layer is known as the epidermis and is the main protective barrier between the body and what lies outside.
Why does skin age?
The reasons for the skin aging are both genetic and environmental. As the body ages it produces less collagen and other vital substances which are responsible for keeping the skin supple, smooth and elastic. Cell damaging UV rays from the sun are the major environmental reason for aging skin, and the effects of this differ depending on skin tone (fairer skin is affected to a greater degree). The pull of gravity also plays a role in making the skin sag, and the repeated use of the skin for facial expressions and the rigors of daily life contribute to the wrinkling process.
These factors are out of our control, but some other causes of skin aging are within our sphere of influence. Smoking contributes to the aging process by introducing harmful chemicals and free radicals to the skin, in addition to nicotine staining on the fingers. Excessive drinking also damages skin cells. Those who spend lots of time sunbathing or in tanning booths are also prone to rapidly aging skin.
What can you do to keep your skin looking young and healthy?
Despite these factors there are also a good many things you can do to stave off the aging process:
- Make sure you have plenty of vitamins and minerals in your diet- Whether in pill form or from food as nature intended, certain vitamins and minerals are absolutely essential for keeping the skin in good working order. These include Vitamin C, which reduces the damage caused by free radicals; Vitamin A which is needed for the repair and regeneration of cells, and the mineral Selenium which provides protection from the sun’s rays.
- Be mindful of your lifestyle- Smoke if you want, but be aware that it will cause your skin to age more rapidly than that of a non-smoker. Drink is okay in moderation, but binge drinking can result in permanent damage to the skin cells, creating the rosy cheeks and nose often found in heavy drinkers.
- Take care in the sun- Don’t spend excessive amounts of time sunbathing, and if you do go sunbathing, apply a tanning lotion or block. The majority of all visible aging is a result of the sun’s UV rays. It is also a major cause of skin cancer.
- Get plenty of sleep- Not just good for mood and alertness, the right amount of sleep is also necessary for regeneration of the skin cells. This ‘right amount’ will of course differ from person to person, but we all know when we’re getting enough sleep and when we’re feeling run down.
- Don’t worry, be happy- Constant frowning and stress can result in permanent wrinkles and worry lines.
- Get fit- working out regularly improves the blood circulation to the skin and improves the ability of the body to regenerate cells and repair damage.
- Use anti-aging products- Anti-wrinkle creams, firming lotions, vitamin enriched-moisturisers and other anti-aging products can all help turn back the aging process when used as part of a sensible skincare regime.
Science has yet to invent a skin transplant, so until that day it’s a sound idea to take good care of your skin, as it’s yours for life. While treatments such as Botox can be used to temporarily reverse the appearance of ageing skin, these are no substitute for caring for your skin like it’s your own.
