Discover the top 4 anti-ageing skincare superheroes
In life, there are a number of things that are inevitable, and ageing is one of them. However, much we try to wrestle back the hands of time; they will keep on ticking forward. There are many known factors that contribute to premature ageing of the skin, commonly referred to as extrinsic factors.
Some extrinsic factors include pollution, UV exposure, smoking and chronic inflammation. Ultimately, the effects are cell damage and slowed cellular renewal which lead to signs of ageing. Living on organic foods, in a natural rain forest without sun is not an option for most of us.
So how can you look after your skin? How can you keep it looking flawless and supple even when the numbers suggest otherwise?
Here’s how. Sun Protection UV exposure is now know as one of the biggest contributors to early ageing. Whereas the ultraviolet B rays are the main culprit when it comes to causing sunburns, the ultraviolet A rays penetrate deeper, causing melanoma as well as producing reactive oxygen species and damaging collagen.
Look for: Broad Spectrum sunscreens as they will protect against both UVA and UVA Hydration Studies have shown that a hydrated wound will heal better than a skin that is lacking moisture. This same principle applies to ageing, the skin will look more plump and function optimally when it is hydrated.
A hydrated skin will have a better quality oil composition, aiding in a stronger barrier from the outside world, helping to heal and protect.
Look for: Hyaluronic acid serums (used under a moisturiser) and silicon dressing pads used at night to combat fine lines. Retinoids In the ideal scenario skin cells are produced in the basal layer and move upwards towards the stratum corneum and naturally exfoliate off in approximately 28 day cycles.
As we age the cell turnover timeframe decreases, leading to fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Retinoids are proven to not only regulate the cell turnover but also help to regulate sebum secretion (oil flow) and support RNA transcription so cells function in peak performance. The various forms of vitamin A (retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl palmitate) need to be converted to retinoic acid, which is the active form that can effect change in the skin.
This process occurs naturally in the body after topical application. Care should be taken, however, to ensure that the right concentration and type of vitamin A is used to prevent skin irritation when first starting out.
Look for: Retinaldahyde of 0.05% to 0.1% as this is form is linked to little to no skin irritation. DNA Repair The skin, as the largest organ of the body, requires constant adequate nutrition to ensure that it performs its duties properly. Nutrition includes both internal and external attention.
One of the things that make the skin age before its time is the accumulation of the aforementioned reactive oxygen species. These chemical species are voraciously hungry for electrons and steal them from the nearest available source; the skin cells.
This interaction between the skin and the Reactive Oxygen Species damages its structural integrity and reacts with your DNA. This causes cell mutations which show up as skin cancers and premature ageing.
Look for: Vitamin C serums to readily donate spare electrons to the famished Reactive Oxygen Species. Be mindful of other factors that lead to DNA damage such as stress.
Implementing mindfulness practices into your daily regime will help lower cortisol levels, when cortisol levels are raised they can wreck havoc on your cellular functions, including your skin. Ultimately becoming conscious of how your body responds to the external environment will lead you to solutions to help combat the early signs of ageing and keep you feeling younger for longer.
At Aroze Dermal Therapies, the dermal clinicians are well versed with the aspects of skin care and are excellent at guiding you through the formulation of a skin care routine that does not task your skin too much.
About the author:
Marnina Diprose, proprietor and dermal clinician, boasts a Bachelor of Health Science in Dermal Therapy. Her credentials are beefed up by sitting on the Board for the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians. Marnina is also an ardent believer in a holistic approach to patient care and has a passion in scar revision.