The Wrinkle Hypothesis 

There are a number of products and treatments available to try to reverse some of the signs of sun damage. These include preparations available over the counter, prescription medications and medical procedures.

The use of products containing alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid may have a smoothing effect on the skin. We also know that vitamin C preparations will also have modest effects on reversing the appearance of sun damage.

These products will have benefit after they have been used for many months. They peel off the dead surface of the epidermis, which allows more ultraviolet light to penetrate so sun protection is most important when these products are used. These products can be used in conjunction with prescription vitamin A preparations.

Medical Treatments:

Tretinoin (creams and gels):

Tretinoin creams and gels have been documented as reversing sun damage, smoothing of the skin may occur within a number of weeks. There is some thickening of the epidermis as well as the dermis. The increased pigmentation may be reduced by inhibiting epidermal melanin content. If this product is used over many month or years there can be a visible reduction in the wrinkling and fine lines.

Tazarotene:

Tazarotene is the newest product shown to have advantages in reversing sun damage. It is also a retinoid or a vitamin A product that was initially used for the condition of psoriasis. It is also effective in the treatment of acne and has shown to be of significant benefit in reversing chronic sun damage or photo aging.

Chemical peels:

Chemical Peels are procedures that remove the upper parts of the skin allowing recovery and re-growth of the surface. This relies on initially wounding the skin which stimulates growth of fresher, newer looking skin. The peels can either be superficial or quite deep into the dermis. Superficial peels include glycolic acid preparations.

The deeper peels such as trichloroacetic acid and phenol are used less often. These produce more benefit but also carry an increased risk of pigmentary changes or possibly very superficial scarring. Recovery is quicker with the more superficial peels and may take weeks with the deeper procedures. The peels treat fine lines, age spots and uneven pigmentation.

Laser surgery:

The use of dermabrasion has diminished. This was performed by mechanically peeling off the skin surface with a metallic rotating instrument and then supporting the skin as it healed.

Laser brasion has been used over the last decade with quite significant results. The laser essentially vaporizes the skin away in very thin layers. The CO2 laser was first used and later the Erbium Yag laser became more popular as it produced less heat damage to the skin, which meant a more superficial layer of damage and a faster recovery.

The disadvantage of these procedures which essentially peel the surface of the skin allowing renewed growth of skin, which has less of a photo-damaged appearance, is the lengthy healing time. There is considerable redness for the first 10 days that usually requires time off work. The risk of prolonged redness and some whitening of the skin are also observed in some.

Non-Ablative Laser Surgery is a new development in the treatment of photo damage. These procedures involve the use of a broad-spectrum intense pulse light or laser, which is used repeatedly on the skin. This heats the dermis and encourages collagen production. It can also minimize some of the redness from broken blood vessels and diminish the hyper-pigmentation, which may be a consequence of photodamage.

Pulse Dye lasers that are used for red birthmarks or rosacea also have a benefit in photo damage in that they heat the skin, encouraging production of collagen with subsequent smoothing of the skin. These lasers also reduce the red vessels that often can be of cosmetic concern.

Skin fillers:

Skin fillers can be used for individuals with deep lines and wrinkles. These include collagen or hyaluronic acid. These are useful for lines that are seen in the resting phase. These have gained popularity. Collagen purified from the skin of cows is injected into skin wrinkles to fill in the depression. The benefit lasts for 3-6 months.It is usually used for correcting the naso-labial folds or deep smile lines or crows feet.

The treatment is usually well tolerated but there is usually some stinging or burning. Slight swelling and redness may be transient after treatment. It is essential that a small quantity of collagen be injected into a test area of skin weeks before the treatment to ensure that there is no allergy to the product.

Artecoll is collagen which has been impregnated with minute spheres of methylmethacrylate. This gives a long lasting effect to the injection. It appears that the injected collagen dissolves allowing the skins own collagen to grow on to these tiny beads. It is used for deeper lines, acne scars, smile lines as well as for enhancing lip fullness.

Hylaform and Restylane are injectable gels of Hyaluronic acid. This is part of the ground substance or material that collagen lies in within the dermis. Its production is diminished with age allowing the skin to wrinkle. These are introduced into the skin to fill in the defect that allows the wrinkling to occur. Allergy is not a concern with these. There may be some redness and swelling after the treatment but persistent redness is rare.

Botox:

Individuals with wrinkling in the glabella and on the forehead can benefit from this also. This is done by inactivating the muscles under the skin that produce lines and wrinkles. These are not the types of wrinkles that are the result of sundamage. There is no change the quality of sun-damaged skin.

Exposing your skin to an appropriate amount of the sun’s rays is one way of preventing premature aging. Sunlight is capable of providing your skin with vitamin D, which is also great for keeping your teeth and bones healthy. However, too much sun exposure can cause skin problems. This is true especially if you expose yourself to sunlight between 9 AM to 4 PM. During these times, the heat of the sun is harmful and can lead to skin cancer and heat stroke. Minor problems caused by too much UV rays exposure include skin rashes, blemishes, and dark spots on the skin.

If you need to go out, when the sun is really hot, you have to keep yourself protected. You should wear a hat to keep your face away from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen lotion and cream are anti aging skin care products that keep UV rays from penetrating into the inner layers of your skin. However, you have to remember that there are some products for anti aging that are harsh for your skin. One of the best ways to know if the product is good for you or not would be to check its ingredients. You should be aware of products that contain petroleum and alcohol-based ingredients.

Another anti aging tip is to take in much filtered water. Avoid tap water since this contains chemicals that are harmful to your body and to your skin. The sad fact is that there are several individuals that do not consume enough amounts of fluids that are needed by the body. This can lead to dehydration and premature aging. Aside from anti aging skin care products, water is a great way to keep your skin looking radiant. To make your skin healthy and supple, you have to consume at least eight glasses of water everyday. This anti aging guide is better than any kind of skin care product.

You also have to remember that a proper diet is a good anti aging tip. Organic leafy greens are great for maintaining the health of your skin. Green and leafy vegetables are comprised of antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging your systems. Free radicals are capable of destroying your cells. Once your cells are damaged, this can cause early symptoms of aging like wrinkles.

Face creams, hand and body lotions, and moisturizers are among the most effective anti aging skin care products. They support your body’s production of elastin and collagen, which help in making your skin appear younger. What is more, these products even out dark spots on your skin and face, and they eliminate wrinkles and fine lines.

Although wrinkles, lines and age spots are formed by the natural effects of getting older, one way to prevent them from appearing early on in life is to avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreens with SPFs 15 or higher. While, most of us have some form of sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin.

After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.

Vitamin A (Retinol) – Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns.

Vitamin E – Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general.

Glycolic Acid – Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses.

N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) – The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.

Copper Peptides – Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Pal-KTTKS – Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections.

Green Tea Extract – Green tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores.

TNS – The biotechnology of the skin’s natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin.

It is important to understand the basic function of our skin in order to look after it properly. The skin is our body’s largest organ and comprises three major layers:

The Epidermis: This layer has five sub-layers; the outer layer consists of mainly dead cells which are continuously shed and replaced by cells beneath. The epidermis is also responsible for ‘water proofing’ your skin, protecting your skin from potential invasion of microbes and generate new skin cells which move from the deep layer of the epidermis to the outer layer, where they are eventually shed.

The Dermis: Is the ‘middle layer of the skin and is composed of connective tissue containing collagen and elastin. The dermis is thick in the palms and soles and very thin in the eyelids. It contains blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles.

The Subcutaneous layer: This layer consists of areolar and adipose tissue. Fibres from the dermis extend down into the subcutaneous layer and anchor the skin to it. The subcutaneous layer, in turn, attaches to underlying tissues and organs.

Aging of the skin

There are several factors influencing how quickly our skin ages, ranging from genetic factors, your natural skin type, as well as external factors such as exposure to sunlight, environmental factors and whether you smoke or not. In general, pale skins wrinkle faster than darker skins, which are protected by increased amounts of pigment and lipids.

Another vital factor is, of course, our age. Our skin looks and functions very differently at 20 as opposed to when we are 60.

Below is a skin care plan of how to look after your skin as the decades go by and how to adapt your skin care regime accordingly.

Looking after your skin in your 20s

Your 20s is a great time for your skin. You’ve left behind the adolescence acne and your skin has a radiant, youthful glow and the epidermis is well toned.

However, this is not the time to be complacent. In your 20s skin cell renewal drops by up to 28 per cent, dead skin cells are not as easily shed and external factors are starting to have a greater impact, leaving your skin slightly duller.

According to dermatologists, 80 per cent of all aging can be directly related to exposure to sunlight. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid the mid-day sun, or if you have to be out in the heat of the day (especially in countries like Australia), than cover up. Penetrating UVA rays will start to damage collagen fibres and elastin coils in your skin.

Smoking one factor you can control and now would be a good time to quite. Smoking inhibits oxygen getting to the outer layer of your skin and has a premature aging effect. In addition, smoking can cause fine lines around the mouth over the years and this is to be avoided – if you want to keep your good looks.

Looking after your skin in your 30s

By the time you get to your 30s skin cell turnover has slowed. Environmental damage from pollution, smoke and sunlight are starting to take their toll on the dermis, causing collagen fibres to loosen so that skin starts to loose its tone and develop fine lines and wrinkles. When you smile, subcutaneous fat forms ridges and refuse to bounce back as readily as it once did. Your first wrinkles may start to appear.

By now you should have established a daily skincare regime that involves exfoliating (two or three times a week), cleansing, moisturising and sun protection for your skin. In your 30s, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and fish, which are high in antioxidants such as Vitamins A, B, C and E. These Vitamins counteract free radicals in your body that help the skin to repair itself, produce the enzymes that stabilise collagen production, and stay moist and healthy. For further protection, try using a day crème, such as one that contains vitamin E, for example: Wildcrafted’s Age Defying Essence.

Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation as it deprives your skin of vital nutrients and may cause your facial blood vessels to become dilated leading to permanent, red ‘spider veins’ on your cheeks and in men often across the nose.

Maintaining well hydrated tissues by drinking plenty of water each and every day (3 litres a day is not at all excessive) is vital to retain moisture in your skin. In addition, you should ensure that you get enough quality sleep.

Looking after your skin in your 40s

In your 40s, collagen fibres decrease in number, stiffen, break apart, and form into a shapeless, matted tangle. Elastic fibres lose some of their elasticity, thicken into clumps, and fray. The result is the skin forms crevices and furrows known as lines and wrinkles. In addition, loss of fat in the subcutaneous layer leaves your skin more fragile, whereas the dermis will continue to lose its elasticity. A rich nourishing night crème, such as Wildcrafted’s rejuvenating night crème, becomes a vital part of your skin care regime.

During this time the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the epidermis) starts to grow even thicker, as dead skin cells hang around for longer. If you are not already using an exfoliant regularly, now is a good time to get into the habit of exfoliating your skin regularly using a facial scrub – 2-3 times a week is all that’s necessary. You could also use a cream containing Rose oil, Jojoba oil or similar, as these contain natural AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) and to help remove dead skin cells.

As deeper wrinkles start to form, you may wish to use a complete skin care system, which systematically helps you to nourish and moisturise your skin on all levels. Choose natural skin care products for your daily skin care regime, as you do not want to introduce unnecessary toxins into your system by using products full of unpronounceable chemicals. Quality natural skin care systems, such as Wildcrafted’s range of natural skin care systems should be matched to your specific skin type.

Looking after your skin in your 50s and above

As we reach our 50s and beyond, the hair and nails grow more slowly. Langerhans cells (involved in the immune response, dwindle in number, thus decreasing the immune responsiveness of older skin. Decreased size of sebaceous (oil) glands leads to dry and broken skin that is more susceptible to infection.

In women, after the menopause, decreased oestrogen levels mean that skin lose its plumpness and tone, and it may be left dry, itchy and more sensitive to allergens.

At this stage in your life it is important to take that extra care of your skin’s health. Mature skin is more fragile, prone to injury and infection and bruises easily. As if this was not bad enough, it also takes longer to heal. Taking care of your skin will reduce the aging effect; keep it healthier as well as more resistant to injury and infections. Remember, a face that has a lived in look is much more attractive than a Botox face and character is much more beauty.

Not surprisingly, many adults rarely consult a dermatologist that is until AFTER the signs of aging have appeared. Wrinkles, of course, are the chief complaint. Your skin may feel  rough to the touch, and even sore, especially in drying environmental  conditions such as on an airplane or in a low-humidity environment like the desert or high-altitude cities. In the winter, when indoor heating is used, your skin gets even more dehydrated, making the wrinkles look worse. Your skin may catch on rough clothing. You may also notice wrinkles on your neck or others parts of your body.

Those who have never had skin issues or were blessed to even have beautiful skin for most of the lives, are now desperate to address the skin wrinkles and many run to the dermatologist feeling a lot of regret. Although genes certainly play a role in one’s skin condition, decades of neglect, or even mistreatment of their skin is most frequently the source of their skin problems.  Many say that if they knew then what they know now, they would have done things very differently and taken better care of their skin.
There are numerous explanations for unhealthy skin but the main causes tend to be an unhealthy diet, an ineffectual cleansing routine, and poor lifestyle choices.

Poor Diet
Your skin is a living, breathing organ of the body and it needs proper nourishment and hydration to look and feel its best. When your skin is deprived of the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that it needs it is unable to functional at optimal levels and the structure slowly begins to break down. This breakdown results in dry skin, blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles, and premature ageing.

In order to avoid this breakdown you need to feed your skin a varied mix of important nutrients each day. Ingesting sufficient amounts of vitamin A, a nutrient that can be found in citrus fruits and orange vegetables, can help you avoid dry skin and blemishes. Eating foods rich in the vitamin B group like brewer’s yeast or breads, or taking a vitamin B group supplement, can help you ward of skin discoloration, dry skin, dermatitis, shallow skin, and premature ageing.

To help discourage wrinkles, pale skin, sun damage, blemishes, and other unhealthy skin symptoms, nutrients like calcium, protein, iodine, niacin, folic acid, iron, and copper are very important to a healthy diet. Get these effective skin helpers by enjoying foods like mild, eggs, cheese, chicken, fish, leafy vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Poor Hygiene
Another common cause of unhealthy skin is poor hygiene. Whether this involves the failure to clean your skin often enough or the use of an ineffective cleansing routine, built-up dirt and grime can lead to blemishes, premature ageing, shallowness, dry skin, and wrinkles.

When your skin is not properly cleaned on a regular basis, dirt, pollution and other harmful substances are allowed to build up on your skin and clog the pores. Clogged pores result in breakouts, dry skin, and the reduction of cell renewal.

To get the most out of your cleansing routine make sure that you wash your skin twice a day, everyday. Also, make sure that you are using an effective cleanser like a soap that is specially formulated for deep cleansing. Make sure that you use gentle pressure when cleaning the skin, do not scrub or pull on the skin since this can result in tiny tears that are susceptible to irritation and infection. Finally, always follow your cleansing routine with a hydrating moisturizer that also contains a sunscreen in order to hydrate your skin and protect it from sun damage.

Bad Lifestyle Habits
Even if you enjoy a healthy diet and pay special attention to your skin care regime you can still be sabotaging the health of your skin by indulging in unhealthy habits. Habits like sun tanning, smoking, choosing fizzy drinks or sodas over water, and wearing heavy makeup can lead to the development of unhealthy skin. Avoid excessive sun exposure, always wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, stop smoking and avoid those who smoke, drink plenty of water, and choose light cosmetics if you want your skin to stay young and healthy looking for years to come.

Skin care is also about awareness. With the technological advancements and research, more and more facts are being brought to light everyday. Also, the composition and nature of skin care products seems to be changing with time. So trying out the new products is also a part of this care. However, serious skin care advises using a new product over a small patch of skin (not facial skin) first, just to see how your skin reacts to it.