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Aging Skin
Human skin, like all other organs, undergoes genetically programmed chronological aging. In addition, unlike other organs, skin is in direct contact with the environment and therefore undergoes aging as a consequence of environmental damage. During the teen years the overall appearance of the face is 'convex' and smooth. As age advances wrinkles begin to appear and the overall appearance becomes 'concave' rough and sagging. Lipoatrophy or fat loss, or adipose loss occurs in the face. There is loss of volume in the buccal fat pads and throughout the dermal layers, exaggerating the appearance of wrinkles and leading to sunken cheeks and temples, accentuated facial folds with shadowing, and protruding facial musculature and bony landmarks. The primary environmental factor that causes human skin aging is UV irradiation from the sun. This sun-induced skin aging (photoaging), like chronological aging, is a cumulative process. However, unlike chronological aging, which depends on the passage of time per se, photoaging depends primarily on the degree of sun exposure and skin pigment. Individuals who have outdoor lifestyles, live in sunny climates, and are lightly pigmented will experience the greatest degree of photoaging. Smoking is also known to be a contributory factor for skin aging. Excessive exposure to sunlight leads to skin cancers apart from many other protective as well as degenerative changes. Cell senescence may be one of the protective mechanisms against cancer. One of the better-known DNA changes that have been shown to be part of an aging response is progressive telomere shortening as cells continue to divide. Telomere shortening has been shown to correlate with cell senescence. Telomeres are extensions at ends of replicating chromosomes. Telomeres keep getting shorter with each cell division. The more a cell divides, the shorter the length of the telomeres on either end of the chromosomes. Photoaging may accelerate the shortening of telomeres, and hence push cells into senescence sooner. Emerging information reveals that chronological aging and photoaging share fundamental molecular pathways. These new insights regarding convergence of the molecular basis of chronological aging and photoaging provide exciting new opportunities for the development of new anti-aging therapies. [1] Intrinsic aging and photoaging of the face are constantly ongoing, and eventually result in the typical "aged" face, with visible lines and wrinkles at rest, a variety of discoloration and a tired, dull and lax epidermis over poorly organized elastotic dermal architecture characterized by many interfibrillary spaces. [2] Aging involves dermal changes such as damage to elastic and collagen fibers giving thickened, tangled, and degraded non-functional fibers. The numbers of melanocytes decrease with age and the irregular melanocyte density results in freckles. [3] Chronological skin aging involves progressive decline in the rate of formation of neutral lipids; causing dry, pale skin with fine wrinkles. Intrinsic skin aging is determined primarily by genetic factors and hormonal status. The hormonal influences include reduced pituitary, adrenal and gonadal secretion. The hormonal changes of aging lead to the development of a specific body and skin phenotype. Individuals in developed lands spend up to a third of their life (women-post-menopausal) or perhaps 20 years (men-partial androgen deficiency of the aging man, PADAM) with oestrogen or androgen deficiency. Other hormones whose levels decrease with aging include melatonin, growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone und insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). [4] Many older individuals use products and procedures to conceal or delay the signs of aging. For most, this provides a helpful ego boost, but some suffer from pathologies such as eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. The impact of aging skin may include social anxiety and social isolation. Poor self-image is associated with chronic illness and fewer preventive health behaviors, such as exercise. Aged appearance, especially in women, is also associated with workplace discrimination. The advances that have been made in the past 25 years in our understanding of the clinical, biochemical, and molecular changes associated with aging have led to the development of many different approaches to reduce, postpone, and in some cases, repair the untoward effects of intrinsic programmed aging and extrinsic environmental injury. [5] Prevention and Treatment Approaches A lifestyle of proper nutrition and exercise is one of the best ways to slow down the aging process. To prevent skin aging, diets high in antioxidants (carrots, green tea etc.), limited exposure to harsh sunlight and sunscreens are useful. Various non surgical and surgical procedures are now used. Medical rejuvenation methods use Antioxidants, Retinols, Alpha Hydroxy acids, growth serums and a variety of other products. Cosmetic procedural rejuvenation of aging skin includes resurfacing, wrinkle fillers, Botox, volumetric replacement and thermage. Various Laser systems are used for skin rejuvenation. Intensified Pulsed Light is an alternative to laser systems with polychromatic flash lamp sources.(for more info on Intensified Pulsed Light,see Aging Skin Rejuvenation with IPL). A new generation of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are also useful for photoantiaging in the clinic. Cosmetic surgical rejuvenation of aging skin includes liposuction, blepharoplasty, removal of rhytids and implants. Conclusion Chronological aging, though inevitable, can be controlled to a large extent by a balanced diet and regular physical exercise. Photoaging on the other hand is largely preventable with the proper precautions. Photoaging can be treated by your dermatologist by a range of methods mentioned above. The earlier you consult a Dermatologist, the better. The Dermatologist is your best guide to Fight Skin Aging and Look Young. References:
Fight Aging Site team has taken maximum care to ensure that the information is authentic. The information has been extracted from published medical trials and text books. The information is not meant to substitute a Physicians advice, nor is it meant to treat any disease. Members are advised to consult a Physician, Dietician, Physiotherapist or Trainer before taking medication or commencing an exercise program. Source: FightAgingSite.com |
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