Skin aging

The Skin aging is a very complex biological process that varies greatly from person to person. As a rule, it is only of cosmetic interest, but it can also be an indicator of pathological processes in the body. The aging of the skin is influenced by both external (environmental) and internal factors (genetics).

What is skin aging?

Skin aging takes place within the overall aging of the organism. Since every organism is subject to the aging process, no one is spared from aging of the skin. However, the speed of skin changes is individual for each person. However, they always run according to the same principles.

Externally, skin aging is noticeable through the formation of wrinkles, dry skin, a decrease in elasticity or the formation of age spots. However, these are only their visible signs.

Even if there are no visible changes to the outside, the skin aging process begins in every person between the ages of twenties and thirties. The speed and extent of the skin aging process depends on environmental and genetic factors.

Function & task

As already mentioned, skin aging is a completely normal process that affects everyone. As a rule, it has no disease value. Skin changes that occur very quickly can, however, be signs of pathological physical processes.

Since both environmental and genetic factors are involved in skin aging, a distinction is made between so-called environmental aging and age. Environmental aging (light aging) is significantly influenced by environmental factors. The influence of UV light plays a major role here. The skin is also subject to chemical and mechanical loads. The stronger the environmental influences, the more noticeable the skin changes are.

Age, on the other hand, is genetically determined and can therefore not be influenced. Several processes play a role in skin aging. The speed of cell division initially slows down from the mid or late twenties. While at a young age the cells divide approximately every 27 days, in older people cell division only takes place every 50 days. As a result, the skin naturally renews itself more slowly.

In the context of skin aging, the leather and epidermis play a special role. Connective tissue cells and fibers are located in the dermis. The connective tissue fibers consist of collagen, which is responsible for the stability and tensile strength of the tissue. They also contain elastin, which gives the fabric its elasticity.

By slowing down the renewal process, less collagen and elastin are produced in older people. The skin's elasticity and ability to bind water decrease. At the same time, the subcutaneous fatty tissue becomes thinner, so that red veins become visible under the skin.

The dermis is also no longer as well greased and the number of blood vessels in the skin decreases. As a result, it is poorly supplied with oxygen and nutrients. All of these processes lead to drier, less oily, less elastic and more sensitive skin.

In addition, harmful environmental influences increase the breakdown of collagen fibers. For example, UV light generates a large amount of free radicals in the form of singlet oxygen. This is excited oxygen, which causes very aggressive chemical reactions in the skin cells and in the collagen fibers. Nicotine and alcohol also generate free radicals. Since vitamins are free radical scavengers, an incorrect and low-vitamin diet often leads to faster skin aging.

Illnesses & ailments

As mentioned, the process of skin aging generally has no disease value. It is a completely normal process in the context of the overall aging of the organism. However, rapid skin aging can indicate that the body is exposed to increased stress, which can lead to diseases.

Aged skin is usually only a cosmetic problem. Using suitable creams and ointments, it is possible to replenish the skin's oil and make it more moist. This can make it smoother and more elastic again.

It was also found that molecular aspects also play a role in skin aging. The NF-kappa B transcription factor is said to accelerate this process. In old age, this enzyme, which is responsible for triggering inflammatory processes, becomes more and more active. The protein was blocked in experiments on mice, with older animals showing a significantly younger skin condition after about two weeks.

However, older skin can receive real disease value because of its greater sensitivity. This sensitivity leads to more frequent injuries, which are often difficult to heal. Sometimes there are even wound healing disorders. Since the natural skin protection is slowly being lost, UV radiation can also penetrate the tissue better and in the long term promote skin cancer.

However, the obvious effects of skin aging can be mitigated by intensive skin care treatments. In this context, the moisturizing of the skin is particularly important. The refatting also keeps your dehydration within limits. In this context, using the right skin cleanser is also very important. They should contain moisturizing substances and not be too alkaline. With very dry skin, slightly acidic skin care products are often used instead of soaps in order not to destroy the fatty film of the skin.

Overall, the process of skin aging cannot be prevented. Since its speed also depends on environmental influences and lifestyle, a lot can be done at this point. Avoiding strong UV exposure of the skin, renouncing alcohol and nicotine, as well as a healthy lifestyle, slows down skin aging immensely.