With age, there are quite some changes take take place in your body. It is not just the chronological age that changes, it's also your organs. One such organ which also changes drastically, is your Skin. Skin is the largest organ covering the entire body. It protects the body against any injury, infection, climate fluctuations and more. Our skin starts to age when we're about 30-35. 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. This further affects 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 free radicals. These are majorly lifestyle habits that damage skin and 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 grow 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 skin or sagging.
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
Those light brown spots that develop on your skin? That's what we're referring to. These often occur with age due to the effect on melanin production. These spots are very common among women 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 through lifestyle changes and an alteration in your daily habits.
1. Exercise
Exercising regularly helps to keep skin cells healthy by increasing blood flow. This further helps to make the skin glow and helps to reduce signs of Aging. What type of exercises should you be doing, you may ask? Cardio workouts or Yoga asanas is our humble suggestion.
2. Proper skincare routine
Following a proper skincare routine is important to treat different signs of Aging. You should use good quality products and follow the proper steps of skincare. This involves Cleansing, Applying serum, moisturizing the skin, exfoliating your skin every week and the 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 antioxidant properties that help in improving skin health and 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 your 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 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.
I am sure you have your skin routine that you follow. If not, then start following a proper skin care routine and start taking care of your lifestyle so you have healthy glowing skin and can manage the signs of aging.
