Intrinsic aging
Natural aging process
What happens to our skin as we age? As we age, our metabolism slows down and cells regenerate more slowly. Our skin loses the ability to retain moisture and becomes less elastic. Collagen production slows down and the skin appears thinner.
These changes are controlled by our genes and hormones; therefore, these changes are inevitable. The term for this type of aging is “intrinsic aging”.
Extrinsic aging
While we cannot control intrinsic aging, the lifestyle choices we make and our environment can also affect our skin. As we can take actions to slow down this type of premature aging, the term for it is “extrinsic aging”.
Exposure to Sun
UV rays from the sun destroy the collagen and elastin in the skin. This causes the skin to lose its strength and elasticity, leading to wrinkles. Exposure to the sun can also give rise to age spots.
Smoking
Smoking decreases blood flow, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients the skin receives. This causes the skin to look dull and wrinkled.
Alcohol
Alcohol causes dehydration of the skin and reduces skin elasticity, leading to dry skin, wrinkles and sagging skin.
Poor sleeping habits
During sleep, the skin rebuilds collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure. With poor sleeping habits, the skin will not have time to recover.
Stress
When we are stressed, the body produces a stress hormone, cortisol, which can increase the incidence of acne breakouts and accelerate skin aging.
Facial movements
Repeated facial expressions and movements such as frowning or squinting may cause the lines to become permanent, giving rise to the lines and wrinkles on the face.
