Acne Treatments Guide - Articles

The changes that occur as we get older are both in appearance and in how we function. However, aging is not a process that occurs at the same rate in all people, although all of us do age. The part of aging that occurs just because we are older is called intrinsic.

An example of an intrinsic change that occurs in the tissue itself is the graying of hair. Hormonal changes, such as the change in the secretion of sebum in the skin, occurs because of decreased production of androgen hormones elsewhere in the organism.

But there are several features of the aging process that are the result of external or extrinsic factors. Prevention is avoiding these extrinsic factors that may accelerate the aging process. And, of course, there are specific treatments that we can have done, which will alter appearance.

Aging of the skin is called atrophy by doctors. Visual and microscopic changes appear with a decrease in the connective tissue of the skin. Skin seems rougher, finely wrinkled, soft, and dry. The deeper layer of the skin, the dermis, becomes thinner. Veins and other structures in the skin can appear much more evident because of this change. Small, red blood vessels can show in numbers. The skin can bruise easily, look fragile, and doesn't heal as readily. The skin has less elasticity, and is less firm, with sagging.

The color or pigmentation of the skin varies as we age. Discolorations appear as darker pigmented spots, on chest, hands, face, back, and legs. Studies have shown that more than 50% of population over the age of 45 acquire these spots. And studies done in heavily pigmented people show that pigmentation augments with age in sun-exposed skin and affects men more than women.

Effects of Aging on Skin

Sebum production in the skin decreases, as do underarm secretions, resulting in less odor. Spontaneous sweating in the rest of the skin also decreases. Nail growth starts to decrease early, after the age of 25. The sense of touch decreases, and this may result in an elevation in the capability to bear pain. The immune system is less reactive, resulting in greater risk of chronic skin infection.

Prevention

At least for skin changes, slowing down the aging process can be achieved by avoiding sun exposure and applying sun blocks. This process will also decrease the likelihood of acquiring a sun-induced skin cancer. Importantly, smoking is as injurious to skin as the sun is. Smokers face a five-fold (500%) greater risk of dermal abnormalities at any given age than do non-smokers. Smoking cessation is thus a crucial part of looking younger.

It is also important to nourish your skin with antioxidants applied topically. Nowdays, there are skin care ingredients that act as antioxidants and can help to reduce the damage that oxidation causes to our skin.