181
Whatever care we may take of our bodies and outer appearance, there always comes the time we notice first signs of aging. Sadly, our biological clock cannot be stopped and the first onset of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin surface is unavoidable. Fortunately, the modern dermo-cosmetic industry has been able to achieve a real revolution in anti-aging products and can literally create wonders for every skin type. How, may you wonder? We are happy to tell you in the following text.
THE REASONS FOR AGING
Yes, there is more than one reason and they are very much unavoidable. The one thing we can do is delay their effect, but to do that we must identify them first.
Nature
In combination with genetics nature determines the colour, type and all properties of the skin. Despite our wishes, it is exactly nature that “programs’’ how and when we encounter our first wrinkles. Generally, they first appear around the age of 25, when the dermis becomes thinner, more susceptible to damage and slowly starts losing the ability to regenerate itself. This is due to the loss of three main ingredients giving the skin its youthful look – collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Without it, the skin less and less often appears smooth and fresh, while more and more undesired wrinkles start to become noticeable.
Dehydration
This is one of the most undesirable effects of the natural course of aging, because without collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid the skin loses an incredible amount of water. When this problem worsens, further itching as well as rough parts on the skin, hands and body become more likely. Dry skin loses its volume, thickness and elasticity and becomes more susceptible to the formation of deep wrinkles. This is the reason why mature skin needs hydrating cosmetics and additional care.
Facial expressions
Indeed, the skin wrinkles each time you are wondering about something, frown, smile or become sad. Facial expressions are highly individual, therefore does every person differ in their wrinkle patterns. Don’t think however that getting rid of emotions can stop their formation. These are physiological processes, which cannot be controlled. So don’t stop smiling!
External factors and unhealthy habits
The list is quite long but includes mainly sun radiation, toxic surroundings, climate changes, unhealthy lifestyle, stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol and usage of wrong cosmetic products. We cannot eliminate most of these factors, we do however have an abundance of cosmetics and practices to defend our skin from aging.
WHEN THE FINE LINES BECOME WRINKLES
Skin wrinkles start out natural and fine, so much so we don’t notice them in a mirror. With the advancement of age though, these lines we always viewed as a natural part of our expression and face become permanent dents. Curiously, many of them are named after the emotions or set of circumstances they are caused by.
Laugh lines
These are called as such due to their ‘’decorative’’ effect of the eye zone every time we laugh. Actually, the laugh lines are the first visible signs of aging and are adored by many, as a result of the happy and welcoming expression they help foster. They appear relatively early, as the skin around the eyes is thinner and finer and therefore more susceptible to wrinkle formation.
Frown lines
They are formed in the space between the eyebrows and appear when we are angry. Usually, there are two or even three, less often one. Frown lines appear mainly after prolonged stress or pressure. Negative emotions cause frowning, which in turn damages the dermis in that particular part of the face.
Nasolabial folds
Visible just below the cheeks, these are lines connecting the nostrils to the edges of the lips. They are formed because of skin relaxation and volume loss, as well because of smiling.
Marionette lines
The marionette lines begin from the edges of the lips and continue towards the chin, forming a closed space below the mouth. They received their name because of the resemblance to the faces of marionette dolls.
Smoking lines
These are vertical wrinkles above the mouth and are also known as barcode lines. They are mostly observed in smokers, as a result of the specific shape the mouth forms while smoking. The smoking lines also appear in people with a more serious character, who often keep their lips tighter.
LET US HOLD ONTO YOUTH LONGER
It is impossible to stop time from advancing but there is a way to delay the onset of aging. We can achieve this with high quality care and professional dermo-cosmetic products.
The main advantage of the modern anti-aging industry is its ability to present medical solutions against skin aging. This includes active therapy, invasive and non-invasive procedures and a rich variety of cosmetic products.
STEP 1: Tan refreshment
An all-known fact is that skin with a lighter colour and an evenly spread tan looks more youthful and overall smoother. To achieve this effect, it is sufficient using toning cremes with colour pigments or tan products, as well as products designed for a fresher appearance. Another possible solution is picking a better suitable base for make-up, one which is applied easily and evenly, while smoothing out imperfections.
STEP 2: Cosmetic care against wrinkles
This includes all dermatological anti-aging products, which mainly aim to hide or delay the appearance of unwanted wrinkles. For the most part, these are innovative products with patented ingredients and complexes tried in practice with proven effects. Pharmacies and drug stores offer a wide variety of cremes and serums, while the best orientation for quality being their price. Additionally, you can look around for some of the following ingredients in products against wrinkles.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Also known as super exfoliants, they break down wrinkles, which retain dry and damaged skin cells. This way they not only eliminate dead skin but stimulate cell regeneration
Hyaluronic acid
It is an irreplaceable part of the skin connective tissue. It is formed by skin cells and its main function consists of enabling hydration. Hyaluronic acids can retain big amounts of water, equal to between 1000 and 10000 the amount of their own weight. The skin ceases to synthesise hyaluronic acid with advancing age, hence the best means against aging is to artificially add it through cosmetics or dermatological procedures, such as the placement of dermal filters.
Coenzyme Q10
Produced in the body, it is stored in the mitochondria, to stimulate the energy creation in cells. These aids all cell functions including the water balance, cell renewal and regeneration. Additional properties include its role as an antioxidant, reducing the oxidative stress in the body.
Panthenol
Hydrating agent, which sustains hydration in the outer parts of the skin and reduces the loss of trans epidermal water. Also stimulates skin regeneration and is incredibly effective during the night.
Arctiine
Acquired naturally from the fruit of burdock, it heals the connective skin tissue in the cell walls and accelerates collagen renewal, thereby restoring skin elasticity and the thickness of mature skin.
Magnolol
Extracted from magnolia trees, it is used for restoring the shape of skin parts with reduced volume by stimulating the secretion of a bioactive ingredient, which in turn stimulates collagen secretion.
Argan oil
Contains up to 80% of irreplaceable fat acids Omega-9 and Omega-6, which the body uses to restore the skin membranes and strengthen the epidermis.
Vitamin E
Also known as tocopherol, it acts as a strong antioxidant and protects the skin from free radicals, which cause oxidative stress. Vitamin E helps the skin increase its natural defence.
Oligopeptides
Extracted from the fruits and seeds of anise trees, they are responsible for the firmness of the skin, as they stimulate the creation of healthy collagen connections in the dermal layers.
Growth factors
These are natural proteins in the human body, responsible for cellular division, the metabolism and immunity. Using products containing growth factors lead to an increased synthesis of collagen, elastin, laminin, hyaluronic acid and other main ingredients of the connective tissue.
STEP 3: Dermatological procedures:
These procedures must necessarily be performed by a specialist- dermatologist with the appropriate qualification and experience in the care for healthy and beautiful skin.
- Chemical peeling: Smooths over various wrinkles on the face, hands, neck and chest. During this procedure several organic acids are applied on the surface of the skin, which eliminate the damaged upper layer of skin cells and stimulate the formation of new collagen in the deeper layers.
- Laser therapy. Stimulates the natural synthesis of collagen without damaging the upper skin layer as opposed to peeling. Laser therapy achieves faster results than all anti-wrinkle procedures and after only 2 weeks leads to visibly less wrinkles on the skin.
- Botox (botulinum toxin). Mostly used to even out and eliminate lines on the forehead and around the eyes, Botox acts by temporarily relaxing and reducing the movement of facial muscles, which in turn hinders the appearance of wrinkles caused by facial expressions. The result however is only temporary and the procedure has to be performed every couple of months.
- Dermal filters. They eliminate wrinkles on the face, lips and hands by increasing skin volume. They consist most often of hyaluronic acids or products that contain them, while the effect is immediately visible after the procedure.
- Surgical procedures for tightening and smoothing of the skin consist of surgically removing hanging or wrinkly parts of the skin.
STEP 4: Self care
Dermatologic procedures and expensive cosmetics are good means for prolonging youthful appearance but cannot effectively hide the signs of age, if you don’t take care of your own health. You don’t need much effort, though it is recommended you part with unhealthy habits and follow a couple of simple rules:
- Don’t go out without sunscreen, even in the winter, to protect the skin against photoaging.
- Forget about soap and water, clean your face with the appropriate micellar water or milk and take care of its hydration
- Go to sleep early and sleep sufficiently for the perfect tan
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol, which have proven to damage all cells in the body and dehydrate the skin
- Eat healthy to acquire sufficient vitamins and minerals
