Our skin is a big deal – literally. With a total area of around 20 square feet and a weight of several kilos it is not only the most visible but also the largest organ in the body. In fact, each inch is made up of 19 million skin cells, 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels and 1’000 nerve endings. Taking good care of our skin is important for more than just the appearance. Our skin is essential to our general health. If we take care of it, it can help take care of us.
What's the skin's job?
Our skin is divided into three layers known as the epidermis, dermis and subcutis. The epidermis is the outermost, cellular layer of the skin. It renews itself constantly, with new epidermal cells arising from the lower cell layer of the epidermis. As the epidermal cells mature, they gradually rise to the surface of the skin where they ultimately die and are shed.
Beneath, multiple times thicker, lies the dermis giving the skin its integrity, strength and elasticity. Finally, below the dermis rests the subcutis, a specialized lower layer of adipose (fat) and fibrous tissue. It cushions the body from external trauma, insulates from the cold and stores energy.
The extraordinary array of functions performed by our skin is respectable:
- It protects against the outside world
- Helps regulate the body temperature
- Serves as UV-protection
- Acts as immune defence
- Synthesizes vitamin D (which de facto is a hormone)
- Takes care of our wound healing
- Contains nerve receptors that allow us to touch, feel pain and pressure
Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA
If life is about change, skin is the proof. As we age, our dermis loses collagen and elastin causing the skin to sag and develop wrinkles. Other visible signs of aging include thinning of the skin, age spots, inflammations, redness, areas of dryness and enlarged pores. Also, the blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile which leads to bruising bleeding under the skin.
The reason collagen decreases is complex. Partly it is due to the reduced function of the cells that build collagen and an increase in the enzyme that breaks down collagen. This in turn leads to an accumulation of cellular ‘waste’ causing a shift of the cellular milieu. Imagine a pond where the water no longer flows. We silt up, so to speak. This is also the reason why the communication between the cells sometimes no longer works properly. Also, inflammatory mediators are getting increased and cell division is slowing down.
But intrinsic factors are not the whole story. Environment, lifestyle and daily habits play an even more important role in skin aging and have a big impact on what we see in the mirror. In fact, changes induced by external factors count in with solid 80%.
Sun exposure is one of the most harmful influencers. UV light breaks down elastin in the dermis, causing saggy, stretchy skin. The skin also bruises and tears more easily and takes longer to heal (learn more about UV damages and how to prevent them here).
Smoking on the other hand results in insufficient oxygen supply to the skin and blocked blood vessels. It reduces immunity and increases the level of an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Smoking also increases wrinkles around the mouth, as well as dryness, coarseness and a dull appearance of the skin.
Alongside with nutrition, stress and a lack of sleep it can also play a role, how we sleep. Commonly seen on the side of the forehead as well as on the middle of the cheeks, sleep creases result from the way the head is positioned on the pillow. Sleeping on your back is your best bet for avoiding skin crinkles. If that is not comfortable, at least alternate which side of your face you sleep on at night.
How to slow down skin aging
As we all know one cannot rewind the clock. But we can take steps to reduce and slow down time’s unwanted effects on our skin. While protection and prevention are a lifelong process here is how you can keep your skin looking younger for longer:
- Limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when outdoors, even in the winter.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet, give vegetables in rainbow color a go to nourish your skin from the inside.
- Choose a diversity of foods including fermented foods to keep your microbiome diverse since this impacts how you and your skin age.
- Drink more adequate fluids and less alcohol.
- Manage your stress level. Relax and try meditation.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
- Provide your skin with actives that improve cell function with effective ingredients such as vitamin A (retinol) and C (ascorbic acid) as well as peptides. Moisturize well if needed to keep the skin barrier healthy.
- Care for your skin gently by using soaps, body washes or shampoos that are ‘neutral’ or rather pH-balanced and sulfate free
- Perform facial yoga. Ensure good face posture. Face muscles also release cytokines that are beneficial for your skin. Try not to frown.
- Consider anti-aging supplements like Resveratrol, NMN,
- Calcium-alpha-ketoglutarate, Glucosamin, Fisetin, Quercetin etc.
- Consult an anti-aging specialist who can guide and help you implement skin longevity lifestyle changes as well as set up a individualized plan for you.
These lifestyle changes not only are beneficial for our skin health but also help improve our overall health and well-being.
Anti-Aging treatments that really work
Today, there are several effective non-surgical youth enhancers that address the age-related changes occurring over time. Anti-aging treatments like microneedling, ultrasound, lasers, peels, and photobiomodulation are some of the best non-invasive ways to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and minor skin discolorations. As you age, you may choose to include some of them as part of your skincare regimen.
- Zürich,Dezember 16, 2022