How Skin Ages ?? Why do We Get Wrinkles

1. Chronological aging is due to structural, functional and metabolic changes in the skin. Symptoms of chronological aging are:

   • Dry and Thin Skin
     The top layers lose more moisture due to the aging process. Older skin renews itself every four to six weeks, while young skin renews every three to four weeks. The older skin has a dry and dehydrated appearance.

   • Fine Wrinkles
     Diminished production of collagen leads to fine wrinkles around the eyes, forehead and other sun-exposed areas, facial expression lines and sagging folds over the eyelids, neck, jaw, and arms.

   • Abnormal Blood Vessels.
     Abnormalities develop within small blood vessels supplying nutrients to the skin, particulary over the nose and cheeks.

   • Age Spots
     as a result of a decrease in the number and function of pigment cells in sun-exposed areas.

   • Benign and malignant skin tumors
     due to the deterioration of the skin's immune system.

   
   
2. Photoageing involves damage to the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Overexposure to ultraviolet sunlight is responsible for tanning, wrinkling and sunburn. The ultraviolet light increases the production of proteolytic enzymes that break down collagen that may damage skin. The amount of wrinkles present is highly dependent on the amount of sun exposure, besides genetic factors.

The important factors of restoration of youthful skin must consider:

• Collagen replacement. Collagen is a major body protein and is the main constituent of the extra-cellular matrix. The reduction in the quantity of collagen results in skin that is less thin and less elastic
• strengthening the vascular walls of small blood vessels that supply the skin,
• increasing immunity to reduce cancer risks
• avoiding direct and indirect exposure to the sun for extended periods of time.
• wearing a sunscreen.