Inflammation can accelerate skin aging. Among the external, internal, and their interacting factors that affect skin aging are:
UV solar radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation
Environmental pollution
Tobacco smoke
Nutrition
Lack of sleep
Commercial cosmetics (1 in 5 beauty products contains chemicals linked to cancer)
Hormonal Causes of Skin Aging:
1. Glycation
It is a chemical reaction that occurs when glucose circulating in the blood interacts with proteins in the skin. The result is the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). The reaction can also occur between a sugar and a lipid or between a sugar and DNA. Additionally, they cause oxidative damage and inflammation. As a consequence, the elasticity and flexibility of the skin are affected, making it more fragile and leading to premature aging. Glycation increases exponentially with age, starting from around 35 years old, and is further enhanced by sun exposure.
Glycation, like oxidative damage, not only affects the skin but also other tissues in our body. For example, blood vessels.
2. Inflammation
The skin is a window into what happens internally. Problems are created by internal inflammation and aggravated by hormonal imbalances. This needs to be treated internally and externally to alleviate the issue and prevent recurrence.
Internal inflammation is responsible for most skin conditions, including:
As a result, inflammation accelerates skin thinning and aging. But why does inflammation accelerate skin aging?
The aging factor is the damage caused to the skin's stem cell, which impairs DNA repair and results in cellular degeneration.
ESTROGENS: The skin is the second receptor of estrogen, after the ovaries, the brain, the vagina, and the epithelium. Estrogen increases the thickness of the epidermis and stimulates the production of keratinocytes. It also promotes the maturation and turnover of fibroblasts, which is key for protecting against sun damage. Another important aspect is that the presence of estrogen in the skin contributes to collagen production.
EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE: In the first 5 years of menopause, collagen levels decrease by 30%. The skin density also decreases to a greater extent due to estrogen deficiency rather than solely due to aging.
To prevent skin aging, it is necessary to make changes in our routine. For example, reducing the intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates and incorporating antioxidants and supplements such as Centella Asiatica, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Alpha Lipoic Acid into the diet. These have properties that help improve collagen production in healthy skin. Additionally, Centella Asiatica promotes wound healing and increases vascularity. Hormone therapy is also a treatment that helps restore estrogen levels and maintain collagen in the skin.
Remember that Elán Med Center offers 100% natural supplements. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, you can email us at info@elan.com.gt.
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