Genetic make up may initially dictate how we age, but if we introduce certain factors into our life, we will age faster. Likewise, if we avoid certain factors we can slow down the hands of time.
Our skin, the biggest organ in our bodies is affected by two different types of ageing:
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Intrinsic - the natural ageing process which will happen whatever we do. How and when this happens to you is influenced by genetics.
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Extrinsic - the skin's response to external damage which is controllable to a very large degree by the lifestyle choices we make every day
Extrinsic skin ageing is made worse because your body's ability to repair itself declines with age. We are all subject to the process of ageing and our skin will naturally go through five key changes as we age:
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Drier skin - from about the age of 30 less oil is produced by the sebaceous glands every year so your skin will gradually get drier.
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Less melanin - melanin production declines with age so from your late thirties onwards your skin will be less able to fight sun damage.
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Reduced collagen and elastin - bringing a loss of elasticity and firmness to your skin.
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Reduced ability to heal and repair skin damage - no problem when you were a child but in your 50s this is much slower.
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Thinner skin - from around 40 the dermis and your skin's fat layer begin to thin producing sagging and loss of plumpness. It will happen first where the skin is thinnest naturally.
The natural process of skin ageing can be accelerated or reduced depending on the lifestyle choices you make. Here are some recommendations:
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Eat a diet full of raw fruit and vegetables and rich in vitamins A, C and E, Omega 3 and folic acid
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Don't smoke
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Consume alcohol in moderation
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Protect yourself from over exposure to the sun
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Get enough "beauty sleep"
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Drink plenty of water
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Avoid toxins and pollutants
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Manage your stress
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