Wednesday, January 30, 2008

What Causes Skin To Age?

Who doesn't know the word aging?

This is perhaps one of the most talked-about topics in the country. In a society that prides itself with good appearance, aging is truly a major issue.

All people go through the same process of aging. It is as natural as life and death. As people get older, their skin will become less firm. Fine lines and wrinkles will also develop especially in the areas that are used often.

But despite being a natural and standard process, there are some factors that may speed up the development, allowing some of the signs to appear way before its appointed time.
Below are just some of the factors that make your skin age faster.


The sun

It may be something that we can’t get rid of as it will be there everyday of our existence, but you can certainly try to prevent it from wreaking havoc on the skin. The sun is the single most powerful contributor to wrinkles and lines on the face.

Exposure to the sun not only darkens the skin but can also burn the natural protectors of the skin, allowing the harmful UV rays to settle in. It can result in skin that appears leathery and sagging. In addition to this, there is also an increased risk of skin cancer with frequent unprotected exposure to the sun.

Experts advise for people to wear sun block all the times. This is especially true for people whose jobs are outdoors. For people who aren't frequently outdoors, a sun block with SPF 15 is ok; but for those who are exposed to the sun all the time, SPF 45 is recommended.

Cigarette Smoking

Although it may seem farfetched, what we take into our bodies can actually affect our skin. Cigarette smoking, for instance, can increase the aging process significantly as the smoke can dry the skin.

Cigarettes also deplete the body of much needed Vitamin C, which is a key component in cell and skin renewal. People who are exposed to smoke are also susceptible to early aging. Some scientists even believe that smoke can be as damaging to the skin as exposure to the sun.

Alcoholic Drinks.

Another factor that contribute to skin aging is the drinking of alcohol. This is because alcohol can dilate the blood vessels in the body, thus increasing the blood flow on the surface. This may make your cheeks rosy red for a time, but over time, the blood vessels can be damaged, resulting in a haggard appearance.

By: bluegreen

No comments: