In mature skin the lines of expression tend to become more and more marked until they become wrinkles through a natural process. However, there are natural cosmetics that can slow down the process and prevent premature skin aging. Let's find out better.
Causes of skin aging
Looking closely at the skin we can see the presence of lines that, intertwining, divide it into a geometric spider web. In addition to the texture that appears on the surface of the whole body, on the face there are also the lines of expression, that is, skin deepening typical of each individual that is formed between a series of collagen bundles and the other.
Over the years these lines tend to become more and more marked until they become wrinkles through a natural, inevitable and irreversible process that we know as aging and which depends essentially on two factors: the constitutional characteristics of each of us (intrinsic aging) and the external aggressions (extrinsic aging).
The most involved internal factors are genetic and hormonal or may depend on disorders affecting the liver, kidneys or gastrointestinal tract.
Among the intrinsic factors, the amount and depth of wrinkles is determined by the type of skin, the shape of the face, the correct functioning of the microcirculation and the amount of estrogen that the body produces, which make the level of collagen produced by the cells vary of the dermis.
Even the dermis is the site of profound changes, and it is from about thirty years that the activity of fibroblasts is reduced and the quantity of elastin and collagen decreases.
With increasing age there is also a slowing down of the circulatory activity in the dermis, which causes the reduction of the supply of nutrients to the cells of the epidermis and a decrease in the cutaneous immune defenses. The back of the hands and the face are often also affected by another phenomenon linked to aging, the formation of dark spots, called age spots, caused by an accumulation of melanin in the basal layers of the epidermis.
Extrinsic aging does not depend on age, but is determined by other factors and a correct lifestyle can slow down the process, keeping the skin healthy for longer.
Prevent skin aging
The most important environmental factor is exposure to UV rays, which cause dryness, thickening of the skin, wrinkles and pigmentations of the epidermis. Ultraviolet rays also stimulate the formation of free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules that contain an unpaired electron in their outermost orbit; this makes them particularly reactive and unstable and, to reach equilibrium, they bind to neighboring molecules to equalize their electromagnetic charge.
This mechanism gives rise to new unstable molecules triggering a chain reaction; our body produces free radicals every day whose action is counteracted by the action of enzymes and antioxidants that block this process.
The problem arises when the free radicals that are formed are to a greater extent than the quantity that our body manages to counter; at this point, free radicals, by binding to other molecules, are able to damage the structure of cells causing changes within them that can lead to the development of serious diseases, in addition to premature aging.
Other factors that increase the level of free radicals in our body are stress, smoking, exposure to toxic substances (alcohol, drugs, drugs) and alterations of the protective barrier of the skin .
It is therefore possible to prevent skin aging, at least that related to external factors, leading a healthy and active lifestyle: nutrition is essential to prevent the formation of free radicals and counteract the harmful effects; a balanced diet rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins, has an antioxidant action on the body that can slow down the aging process.
In addition to treating the diet, to slow down the aging process it is necessary to eliminate smoking, limit exposure to substances that are harmful to the body, carry out moderate but constant physical activity and choose suitable cosmetics to preserve the health of the skin.
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What are the anti-wrinkle cosmetics
From the cosmetic point of view it is important to avoid detergents that are too aggressive to keep the epidermis barrier intact; even hydration is important to leave the skin's hydrolipid film unaltered. The anti-wrinkle creams that guarantee good hydration contain film-forming, sebum-like substances capable of retaining water, such as collagen, mucilage, waxes, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, aloe juice.
To stimulate cell repair and fibroblast activation, microcirculation can be promoted with manual massages using products that contain vitamins and amino acids; facial gymnastics then helps regain muscle tone and counteract the relaxation of facial tissues. To promote cell renewal of the epidermis, masks and scrubs are useful, which smooth the skin by removing the older cells of the stratum corneum.
During sun exposure, a sunscreen suitable for your skin type should always be applied to limit the harmful effects of UV rays.
In the event that the signs of aging are now evident, it is possible to apply to the beautician or dermatologist for smoothing or filling treatments based on glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and collagen.
