Goal #1 Increase turnover – This process involves migration of cells upward to replace to top layer of the stratum corneum. It is important to be aware that as a teenager or adult, the skin cell turnover rate is approximately 30 days. As one ages, this process is stretched out, so that the turnover rate looks more like 50 days. The best solution is exfoliation. This can be accomplished by the use of chemical or mechanical exfoliants. The chemical exfoliants are retinoids, alpha hydroxyl acid, and beta hydroxyl acids. The most common example would be salicylic acid, which is found in many facial cleansers. The mechanical exfoliants easily found in your everyday drug store facial products like apricot or papaya scrubs.
Goal #2 – Decrease free radical damage – Some of the more commonly known sources of free radicals include cigarettes, air pollution, and UV rays. Free radicals can damage collage, which gives skin it’s resiliency, softness and elasticity. Antioxidants are great at counteracting free radicals. They can be applied on the skin or taken orally. Some common antioxidants are Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Green tea is another antioxidant that is gaining spotlight in skincare.
Goal #3 – Decrease sun damage – Sun exposure does not only lead to exposure to free radicals, but it triggers an inflammatory process to occur within the skin cells. It is important to note that sun damage sometimes takes up to ten years to appear on the skin. Be sure to apply sunscreen on your children and teenagers. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a minimum of SPF 15. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays. There are chemical sunscreens like octylcrylene, avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, oxybenzone, and homosalate. The mineral sunscreens have zinc oxides or titanium dioxide.
Goal #4: Decrease inflammation – skin that is under a constant state of inflammation will show signs of aging sooner than others. There are many sources of inflammatory triggers, such as diet or current skin care (if it contains harsh chemicals). Niacinamide is a chemical used in acne and exfoliants, but it has been thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and will brighten up the skin. MSM is a chemical often used in conjunction with glucosamine chondroitin for joint inflammation, but this is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties when MSM is compounded in a skincare product. Others examples of chemicals that may be associated help with inflammation are green tea and aloe.
These are just a few goals to get you started with you anti-aging skin regimen. Start incorporating some of these into your daily skin care and you will have all four of these goals down in no time!
