With age, there are quite some changes happening in the body. It is not just the chronological age that changes, it's also the organs that age. One such organ which also changes a lot is Skin. Skin is the largest organ covering the entire body. It protects the body against any injury, infection, climate changes etc. The male skin starts to age from an age of 30-35 yrs. The process of skin Aging affects all the layers of the skin be it epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue. All these show specific noticeable changes.
Why does skin age?
Let us understand the reasons for skin Aging. Ideally the skin ages due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Intrinsic factors of aging
With the change in chronological age, there is also a change in biological age. Which further affects the skin structure and functioning. Some common factors that affect the skin are:
1. Heredity
2. Poor blood supply
3. Hormones.
Extrinsic factors of aging
All the Extrinsic factors affect the skin by attacking the free radicals. These are majorly the lifestyle habits that damage the skin and which can also lead to Premature Aging.
1. Poor nutrition
2. Pollution
3. Stress
4. UV rays
5. Smoking
6. Improper skincare
Symptoms of Skin Aging
1. Fine lines and Wrinkles
When talking about skin Aging, these are the initial signs of Aging. It starts from fine lines and then if not taken care of Fine lines it grows into wrinkles. These initially occur around the outer corner of the eyes and then towards the forehead.
2. Sagging skin
When there is a reduction of collagen or elastin in the dermis layer of the skin, it leads to the loss of volume of the skin or sagging of the skin.
3. Thin Skin
With age, there is a reduction in the cell production rate due to this, there is thinning of the dermis and epidermis making the skin more prone to developing wrinkles.
4. Dry skin
There is a reduction in the moisture content of the skin with age, this can lead to drying of the skin,
5. Age spots
They are the light brown colored spots that develop on the skin with age due to the effect on melanin production. These spots are very common in people who expose themselves to sunlight.
How to Stop Skin Aging?
Ideally, it cannot be reversed or stopped but one can prevent or slow down the signs of Aging. You can prevent premature Aging by taking care of the lifestyle and daily habits.
1. Exercise
Exercising regularly helps to keep the skin cells healthy by increasing the blood glow. This further helps to make the skin glow and helps to reduce the sign of Aging. You can do cardio workouts or Yoga asanas.
2. Proper skincare routine
Following a proper skincare routine is important to treat the different signs of Aging. You should use good quality products and follow the proper steps of the skincare routine which involves Cleansing, Applying serum, moisturizing the skin. Exfoliating skin every week, use of UV based sunscreens.
3. Diet
An improper diet can be a reason for skin Aging but at the same time correct diet and nutrition can help you reduce the sign of Aging. Some Nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Omega 3 fatty acids have an antioxidant property that helps in improving skin health and helps to provide anti-aging benefits to the skin.
4. Smoking
Smoking leads to loss of elasticity of the skin and causes the skin to dull. Reducing smoking will help in improving the appearance of the skin.
5. Practice meditation
Meditation helps in managing Stress. It helps to reduce cortisol levels. Meditation also helps in rejuvenating the skin and helps in reducing the wrinkles on the skin.
Some home remedies for Healthy skin
1. Apply potato juice on the face and neck and keep it for 15 mins and rinse with cold water.
2. Mash papaya pieces to get a smooth paste. Apply it over the face and leave for 10 mins and rinse.
3. Mash 3-4 strawberries and apply it over the face and leave for 10-12 mins and rinse.
4. Apply honey on the face and massage for 1-2 minutes and leave it for 10-15 mins and rinse with water.
5. Dip a cotton ball in rose water and apply it all over the face before going to sleep.
If you do not generally follow a skin care routine, start now. Live a mindful lifestyle because believe it or not, managing your skin’s aging process and your lifestyle are more interconnected than you think.
