Top 10 Steps to Ensuring PrematurelyAged Skin... and then what todo if you suddenly don't like

the look!

By Jennifer StepanikFounder Republic of Skinwww.blog.republicofskin.com

Young, healthy skin contains the following:

i) a nice epidermis with a smooth outer layer that acts as a good barrier to environmental assault and water loss.

ii) Skin color and tone is even and unblemished.

iii) Components such as collagen (which provides skin firmness), elastin (which supplies skin elasticity and rebound) and glycosaminoglycans or GAGs (which keep the skin hydrated) are all abundant.

So what's the best way to ruin the delicate mantle of youthful, hydrated and healthy

skin?Below are the Top 10 Ways to Fast track Skin Ageing.

Step 1: Sunbaking or tanning

· By far the fastest way to accelerate the ageing process.· Skin ageing that is a result of direct unprotected sun exposure is known as photoageing.· But before we look at the signs of photoageing it's important to understand how thesun works and how its Ultraviolet Rays (UV Rays) affect your skin.

The sun gives off three types of Ultraviolet (UV) Rays

1. UVA- this ray does a lot of damage as it penetrates the deepest and its intensity ismore constant throughout the day than UVB rays.2. UVB- this ray is responsible for creating burning on the skin. It hits the outer layer ofthe skin (the epidermis) and its strength varies according to time of day and season.3. UVC- absorbed by the atmosphere-not a damaging ray to the skin

What are the effects of UV radiation on the skin?

· Loss of elasticity in the skinThis occurs because the sun attacks our elastin. Elastin works in a similar way tostretching a rubber band. Elastin gives your skin its natural bounce back when the skin ispinched for example. Sun-weakened skin ceases to spring back much earlier than skinprotected from UV rays. Skin also becomes loose, wrinkled, and leathery much earlier with unprotected exposure to sunlight.

· Thinning of the surface layer of the skin

· Premature wrinklesWith repeated exposure to the sun, the skin loses the ability to repair itself, and thedamage accumulates. Repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen andimpairs the creation of new collagen. Collagen in the skin is responsible for keeping skinstructure firm and plump.

· Increase in permanent skin reddening including spider veins

· Age spots and uneven pigmentationThis occurs as a result of overstimulation of melanocytes which are responsible for thecreation of pigment or darker colour in our skin.

Treatment

1. The proper use of sunscreen to block both UVA and UVB radiation (known as a broad spectrum sunblock) is an important weapon in the battle against wrinkles.

Important ingredients to look out for so that you know you are being protected against both UVA and UVB rays are:

(i) Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide -both of these are mineral based physical sunblocks that work by blocking UV rays.

(ii) Avobenzone – for Chemical Sunscreens which absorb UV rays

(iii) Also must have an SPF of at least 15.

2. Comprehensive Sun Protection

Which means :

· Avoiding deliberate tanning, including use of solariums.

· Staying out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

· Wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, when outdoors during the day.

· As well as applying a broad spectrum sunscreen year round. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors to all skin that will be exposed. It should be reapplied after sweating or being in water.

What does this hypnotic little cylander shaped substance do to your skin? It restricts blood flow through the capilliaries (tiny veins near the skins surface) preventing oxygen and nutrients getting to the skin

It increases production of an enzyme which breaks down the supply of collagen to the skin’s structure(collagenase). Collagen supply is vital to the skin’s elasticity. It decreases with age but smoking cigarettes accelerates this process.

· smoking reduces the body’s store of vitamin A which provides protection from skin damage

smoking blocks vitamin C absorption – a vital antioxidant for skin protection and health

smokers continual puckering from drawing on a cigarette and squinting in reaction to the cigarette smoke results in deeply wrinkled skin around the eyes and mouth

Step 2: Cigarette Smoking

See also: http://blog.republicofskin.com/whate

ver-you-do-dont-smoke/ these photos of identical

twin sisters speak volumes about smoking and how it prematurely

ages youApart from the health risks of smoking there is the added appearance that smoking gives to the skin.

The appearance that a smoker has results from lack of oxygen being supplied to the bloodstream which leads to:

dull appearance to the skin – loss of skin glow and vitality

discolored skin (an ashy look on white skins)

loss of tone and elasticity more than with the normal aging process

Treatment

· Quit smoking !

Proper antiaging skin care and nutrition

Step 3: Free Radicals

· Free radicals are very potent toxins that cause damage to our skin by attacking the cell's DNA making healthy cells die prematurely.

· Free radicals we come across regularly include UV Rays from the sun, cigarette smoke, pollution, motor vehicle exhaust fumes, stress, chemicals of all sorts eg cleaning products, the oral contraceptive, too much alcohol, excessive levels of exercise (yes you can over exercise).

· The parts of our cells damaged by free radicals are DNA, lipids, and proteins thatmakeup the cellular structures in our bodies. This slows down the production ofcollagen and elastin.

· As free radical damage increases so does the damaged to our cells and we begin tosee the symptoms of aging.

Treatment

· Antioxidants work to prevent cell damage by neutralizing free radicals.

· Antioxidants such as Vitamins A. C. and E, will slow the process of aging by stopping free radicals from oxidizing molecules. Works in a similar way to anti rust on your car. Can be taken in vitamin form or applied to the skin through skin creams.Idebenone is another very beneficial antioxidant.

· A diet rich in foods such as vegetables and fruits which are high in antioxidant chemicals are beneficial. Foods such as berries, kale, nuts. See DR NV Perricone Diet http://blog.republicofskin.com/3-day-face-lift-skin-diet/

· Quit smoking to reduce free radical intake

· Stay out of the sun.

Step 4 : Stress

· Stress and worry cause frowning, and over time the muscles in the face actually conform to that movement.

· Chronic stress contributes to premature aging of not just our bodies, but our skin as well by activating the stress hormones that produce a flight-or-fight syndrome.These hormones, in small amounts, are healthy for our skin. However, over the time that constitutes chronic stress, these stress hormones lead to premature aging.

· Stress affects our skin`s oil production and contributes to acne as well, but in the long run, chronic stress can produce premature aging and all the notorious symptoms that it entails including fine lines and deep wrinkles.

Treatment

· Make Rest and Relaxation a priority

· Exercise is a great method of dealing with stress and combating the effects of stress on the skin

· Meditation. Can be as simple as taking stopping to take a few deep breaths.

Step 5: Lack of exercise

Treatment

Make exercise an important part of your anti-aging skin care program.

· The benefits of a regular exercise program will show on your face. Having a bright smile and lots of energy makes anyone at any age,look and feel younger.

Exercise helps to:

tone your muscles

get your blood flowing

So lack of exercise leads to:

dull, lackluster skin

making your appearance older

and your energy more sluggish.

Step 6: Lack of sleep · Too little sleep makes you look and feel tired.

· One of the first places lack up sleep shows up is on the face, with dark circles and bags under the eyes, and sagging skin

· Lack of sleep is also a major factor in memory loss and symptoms of depression that include low interest in daily activities and negative thinking.

Treatment

· Make your last 10 minutes before heading to bed a relaxing 10 mins

· Ensure your room is dark and noise is minimised

· Try to avoid drinking caffeinated drinks, alcohol and eating heavy meals 2 hours prior to heading to bed

· A hot soak just before bed will aid deeper sleep

· Camomile tea just before bed is the perfect nightcap

· A drop of pure lavender placed into a tissue and onto your pillow will ease you into a gentle slumber

Step 7: Poor diet rich in high processed foods

· According to an interview with Dr NV Perricone the main reason for ageing is the inflammatory response of the body's organs on a chronic basis.

· Diet is a major internal source of inflammation.

· Rapid rise in blood sugar levels through a diet rich in processed foods leads to inflammation of all organ systems. As the skin is one of our largest organs a diet rich in sugary, processed foods causes biochemical changes in the cells that result in accelerated ageing.

· Also, a rapid spike in blood sugar means that a process called glycation can occur. Glycation is where the sugar molecule attaches to our skin's collagen making the skin stiff and inflexible.Losing this elastic resilience of young skin will give you deep wrinkles and make you look old.

Treatment

· Eat more protein

· Eat good carbohydrates known as complex carbohydrates found in wholegrainFoods

· The occasional piece of chocolate is fine so long as it doesn't become a habit

Step 8: Overconsumption of Alcohol

· Alcohol contributes to aging skin by dilating small blood vessels in the skin and increasing blood flow near the skin's surface.

· Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, creating aflushed appearance and broken vessels on the skin’s surface.Treatment· Ensure that your drinking isn't a problem

· Reduce alcohol consumption to a maximum of 2 standard glasses per day

· Replace alcohol with an alternate beverage such as Herbal Tea

Step 9: Repeating the same facial expression · Smile lines are perfectly acceptable

however, if you continually frown or worry you begin to create deeper wrinkles.

· Repetitive facial movements lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time we use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin, which is why we see lines form with each facial expression.

· As skin ages and loses its elasticity, the skin stops springing back to its line-free state, and these grooves become permanently etched on the face as fine lines and wrinkles.Treatment · Anti-wrinkle injections

· Microdermabrasion-will help soften the appearance of wrinkles

· Peels – will help soften the appearance of fine lines

· Laser resurfacing

Step 10: Depriving your skin of moisture

· Deprive your skin of moisture too long and it will rebel by wrinkling!

· Cold winds and low temperatures contribute to aging skin by making skin dry

Treatment

If you know you're going to be exposed to dry conditions such as winter weather, wind and indoor environments where there is a lack of moisture in the room:

· Use a thicker more nourishing moisturiser

· Look for skin care products containing Hyaluronic Acid

· A moisture rich mask will help replace the moisture loss from a dry skin

· Invest in a humidifier to improve the moisture content indoors