The science behind skin aging is complex; there are a number of different contributing factors that play different roles for different people. As with each individual person, all skin is unique, and the unique combination of genetics and lifestyle factors will affect everyone differently. So what are the common contributors to the visible aging process of the skin, and how exactly do they work?
What Causes Skin Aging?
There are actually two types of the aging that affect your body and they’re known as intrinsic and extrinsic aging.
Intrinsic aging is all about what’s going on internally and is related to chronological or genetic aging. At a foundational level, it accounts for the effects of the passing of time on your body’s cells. Extrinsic aging covers all of the external factors that create the visible signs of aging in the skin, such as your daily environment, lifestyle choices, and stress level.
And it’s extrinsic aging that that can have a big impact on whether or not your skin outwardly appears older or younger than your age. We know that what you choose to eat or drink, whether or not you smoke, how often you are exposed to free radicals in your environment, how much sun exposure and damage you experience, and your overall stress level can make a big difference.
The effects of these processes manifests in a number of different ways in the skin: surface changes, including wrinkles, loss of firmness, and loss of volume; colour changes, including hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven tone; and biochemical changes, including slower cell turnover, weakened skin barrier function, dehydration, and a slow down in collagen and elastin production.
Aside from making lifestyle choices that affect the appearance of skin health (quitting smoking, never using tanning beds, taking time out of your day for activities that help manage stress, etc.) there are skincare choices you can make that will address both the intrinsic and extrinsic signs of aging.
1. Peptides, Vitamins, Botanicals, and Emollients:
Clinically formulated skincare loaded with high quality active ingredients like these is your best bet for addressing all aspects of aging skin. Face Lift, Neck Lift, and Eye Liftﾗcult-favourite products from the Platinum Collectionﾗare exactly that. Each product is richly formulated with peptides that refine and tighten the look of aging skin, while vitamins and botanicals target sun and environmental damage. They stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid and bring back the look of elasticity and resiliency. Best of all, they each target the specific needs of the skin in the neck, face, or delicate under eye area to achieve the best results.
2. SPF Protection Daily:
Whether you’re at the beach soaking in the rays, driving with the top down, or simply walking back to the office from your favourite lunch spot, you are absorbing UV rays from the sun. Some would argue that sun exposure is the leading cause of visible signs of aging in the skin. It’s no secret that we swear by sun protection and love to wear our SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion every day, including the winter months. Our Sunscreen Lotion provides you with a UVA and UVB shield that will safeguard the skin against future sun damage and allows the amazing results of your active skincare ingredients to shine at their most powerful.
3. Hydration Inside and Out:
Do you drink enough water throughout the day? Chances are your skin is dehydrated and in need of a major moisture surge. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and as such, using moisturizing products with hyaluronic acid and antioxidant rich ingredients will give your skin the moisture it needs most. And once you’ve applied your daily moisturizer, try drinking two glasses of water right as an additional hydrating wakeup call each morning. Your skin will thank you!