Skincare and Anti-Aging

Have you ever thought about what causes your skin to age? 

We often hear that the sun is the main culprit, but many factors contribute to aging. Being exposed to UVA and UVB rays can cause wrinkles, sunspots, and dark spots. But there are also other things like what we eat, pollution, and smoking that can speed up aging. 

Additionally, aging can be caused by factors inside our bodies, like cell damage and hormonal changes, which are determined mainly by our genes and can't be avoided.

Let's take a deeper look at UV Lights.

According to Mahto's book, The Skincare Bible, around 50% of UV damage to skin cells is caused by the formation of harmful unstable atoms called free radicals. UV light activates enzymes that break down collagen and damages the skin's support structure. Additionally, it can cause the accumulation of progerin, a protein that limits the lifespan of skin cells and impairs their ability to regenerate.

What can we do?

To prevent damage caused by UV lights, it is essential to use sunscreen. The active ingredients in sunscreen work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays, which prevents them from penetrating the skin. Additionally, it is recommended to minimize exposure to smoke and pollution and to maintain a healthy diet. These preventative measures can save you money compared to expensive corrective treatments.

Reference:

Mahto, A. (2018). The Skincare Bible, Penguin Random House.