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Why Does Our Skin Age and How to Reverse Skin Aging?6 min read

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Aging is a natural process of life, and the changes in our bodies happen so gradually that we barely notice anything significant happening. One of the first noticeable signs of aging is the appearance of your skin. As the skin ages, it loses the density and elasticity it once had during its youthful years, bringing out wrinkles, fine lines, and creases that weren’t apparent before. It raises the question, why does our skin age? Is there a way to prevent this? 

Although these changes may seem overwhelming, there is a way to prevent your skin from aging, and it’s not as complicated as you think! Skin aging is caused by numerous external factors you can address through a change of habit, a change of lifestyle, and an overall understanding of what causes the skin to age.

What is Skin Aging?

Our skin ages because of a decrease in collagen and elastin production, the proteins keeping our skin looking smooth, elastic, and hydrated. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic, and the fatty tissues beneath the skin decrease, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin formation. UV exposure also contributes to the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin. Other factors that contribute to skin aging are smoking, poor nutrition, and stress.

What Happens to the Skin When You Age?

Your skin is the body’s largest organ, performing numerous vital functions, such as protecting your body from the environment and regulating your body temperature. However, your skin gradually becomes thinner and less elastic as you age. This is because the number of cells in your skin decreases, and the cells themselves become less functional. Additionally, your skin’s natural oil production decreases, leading to dryness and wrinkles. 

Finally, as you age, you are more likely to develop age spots and other blemishes. Age spots are dark patches on the skin that can range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. They are most commonly found on the face, hands, and arms. Blemishes are small, red, or brown spots that can occur anywhere on the body. They are both typically caused by sun exposure.

What Causes Premature Skin Aging?

There are several reasons why skin can age prematurely: 

  • Sun exposure
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Pollution and other environmental factors
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of exercise

One of the leading causes of premature skin aging is the damage caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules can damage cells, leading to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Antioxidants can help protect against the damage caused by free radicals, so it’s essential to include plenty of them in your diet. The best source of oxidants can be found in plant foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and some meats, poultry, and fish.

Another factor contributing to premature skin aging is the natural loss of collagen and elastin, which occur as we age. Some topical treatments can help restore these proteins, but a healthy diet and lifestyle are still the best ways to maintain healthy collagen and elastin levels.

How to Avoid Premature Skin Aging?

One of the best ways to slow down skin aging is to protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy outside, and choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Another way to avoid skin aging is to eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants that can help protect your skin from damage. Avoid foods high in saturated fat and sugar, which can contribute to wrinkles and age spots.

Drinking plenty of water will also help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Water helps keep your skin well-hydrated and nourished, preventing wrinkles and dry skin. It’s also important to avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, as it can dehydrate your skin and make it look older.

Skin Care Products That Help Reverse Skin Aging

Certain skincare products can help slow down your skin’s aging process. By investing in good skincare, you can not only slow down the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots but also make it look like you are reversing these telltale signs of aging!

Moisturizer

Moisturizers work to prevent skin aging by trapping moisture in the skin, which helps keep it hydrated and looking younger. By keeping the skin hydrated, moisturizers can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Also, moisturizers can help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause further damage and accelerate the aging process.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps prevent skin aging by reversing the effects of sun damage. It thickens the skin and increases collagen production, preventing wrinkles and age spots from forming. Retinol also unclogs pores and reduces inflammation. Apply a retinoid cream or serum to help improve collagen production and reduce wrinkles.

Anti-Aging Treatments

The natural aging process is responsible for most skin changes we experience as we grow older. The skin becomes thin and less elastic. In addition, there is a decreased production of natural oils, which can make skin dry, give it a grayish appearance, and increase the likelihood of wrinkles.

Many anti-aging treatments focus on restoring the skin’s natural oil balance, while others aim to restore lost elasticity. Some treatments even work to protect the skin from sun damage. By addressing the many factors contributing to skin aging, anti-aging treatments can help keep your skin looking younger and healthier for longer.

Here at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, we provide numerous anti-aging treatments that you can choose from without breaking the bank! From microdermabrasion to chemical peels, you can easily select which treatment suits you best.

Let's Target Skin Aging With Dr. Chang at Aesthetica!

Ready to reverse skin aging? Come meet with us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation before moving forward with your skin rejuvenation procedure! Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang will help determine if you are a good candidate for these procedures. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process, from beginning to end. Also, don’t forget to check out our blog and social media for more information on cosmetic surgery trends!

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