 What really happens The skin is made up of the epidermis and the dermis layers, whereby the underlying dermis provides strength, elasticity and support to the outer epidermis. With age, the structure of the dermis shifts, causing undesirable lines on our complexion. Collagen production in the dermis will also slow down so you�ll lose firmness, elasticity and moisture over time. While these are natural aging causes, certain external factors, such as intense and long exposure to sunlight, free radical damage from excessive UV rays can also accelerate the process. City lifestyle which exposes our skin to solar radiation, pollution, artificial light and air conditioning contributes to skin imbalances and general weakening which leads to premature aging. If you lead a stressful lifestyle, the increased amount of free radicals formed in your system also exacerbate the problem. What is Collagen? Collagen is one of the long, fibrous structural proteins whose functions are quite different from those of globular proteins such as enzymes. Tough bundles of collagen called collagen fibers are a major component of the extracellular matrix that supports most tissues and gives cells structure from the outside, but collagen is also found inside certain cells. Collagen has great tensile strength, and is the main component of fascia, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone and skin. Along with soft keratin, it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging. It strengthens blood vessels and plays a role in tissue development. Anti-Aging Tips 1) Protect your skin from the sun Sun damage is the number one enemy of younger looking skin. Getting a sun tan leads to photo-aging, a process that produces deep wrinkles in leathery textured skin and will cause premature age spots. You should always use a moisturizer combined with a broad spectrum sunscreen 2) Moisturize and exfoliate Skin must be prepped properly before treating with actives. This means skin must be cleansed and exfoliated to help remove dulling surface debris. Exfoliation also help to lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation currently visible on skin�s surface. A great anti aging moisturizer, when applied properly, will provide continuous hydration - essential for mature skin - and protection from further free radical damage. 3) Drink more water You need to hydrate your skin from within - skin cells need water just like every part of your body. Without sufficient water your skin will dehydrate and essential anti aging nutrients cannot be delivered to your system. You should aim to drink around 2 liters every day just to replace the water you lose through sweating and urination. 4) Exercise Exercise will give your more energy, build muscle mass, increase blood flow to your skin, help prevent high blood pressure, reduce anxiety, strengthen bones and raise your metabolic rate so you lose more weight more quickly. 5) Moderate alcohol intake Alcohol is bad for your skin as it is has an inflammatory and dehydrating action which accelerates the aging process. Excess alcohol blocks the absorption of key nutrients you need for antioxidant protection. Drink alcohol only in moderation - drink red wine for its flavonoids and pack your diet with foods that are rich in antioxidants. Why Whitening skin care products containing Hydroquinone is bad for your skin On August 29, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a ban on over-the-counter sales of cosmetic products containing hydroquinone, a skin-bleaching (lightening) ingredient. According to the FDA, approximately 65 companies sell over 200 different types of skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone in the U.S. Hydroquinone products are popular for their skin-lightening properties in Asian and African cosmetics markets. In the U.S., they also are marketed for reducing age spots and blemishes. Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production and increasing the breakdown of melanosomes (melanin pigment granules) in the skin's pigment cells (melanocytes). It does this by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme needed to make melanin. The reason cited for the proposed ban is that studies in rodents show "some evidence" that hydroquinone may act as a carcinogen or cancer-causing chemical, although its cancer-causing properties have yet to be proved in humans. Hydroquinone also has been linked with the medical condition known as ochronosis in which the skin becomes dark and thick. Dome-shaped yellowish spots and grayish-brown spots also are observed in ochronosis among black women and men in South Africa, Britain, and the U.S. Ochronosis has been observed in conjunction with hydroquinone use even in persons who have used hydroquinone-containing cosmetics for a short time. Some studies also report abnormal function of the adrenal glands and high levels of mercury in people who have used hydroquinone-containing cosmetics. For these reasons, hydroquinone has already been banned in Japan, the European Union, and Australia. Any skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone would be considered new drugs, according to the proposed FDA regulations. The products would require FDA approval before being sold to the public and would only be available with a doctor's prescription. JANUARY 2009 Keep visiting this page for more updates on skin care tips! |
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