Skin Aging and Sun Exposure

Written by Tena Moore


Skin naturally shows signs of aging due to the passing of time, though the rate at which it ages is largely dependent upon heredity and lifestyle. You probably already know that you need to wear daily sunscreen to block sun exposure and wear sunglasses to keep yourself from developing wrinkles around the eyes. While these two things can be very helpful in reducing the amount of skin aging you see, there are other lifestyle factors involved in the way your skin ages. Quitting smoking can dramatically improve your skin, as can cutting back on alcohol since it is dehydrating, and staying hydrated by drinking enough water. In addition, eating whole foods and foods high in antioxidants can help improve skin aging.

While these recommendations are helpful, heredity still plays a part. As we age fatty tissue reduces and our dermis becomes and weak and less elastic, causing fine lines and wrinkles. Melanocytes start dying at a quicker rate as we age as well, causing our skin to be less protective to sun exposure. We also naturally lose the tiny blood vessels present on the surface of the skin and certain cells that are needed to help ward off certain cancers and infections.

While heredity and the natural aging process will play a part in the aging process, it is still important to protect yourself from the sun, make healthy lifestyle choices, and take care of your skin in every way you can.


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Hyaluronic acid – A Hydrating, Cosmetic Supplement

Hyaluronic acid has been used to help treat rheumatoid and osteoarthritis due to its ability to lubricate joints, encourage tissue water retention and lock moisture into the extracellular matrix, keeping elastin and collagen hydrated. Without hyaluronic acid, joints can become brittle, leading to deterioration. Known for its ability to remove toxins and deliver nutrients to cells in the cartilage, it is also known to lessen the appearance of scars and depressions in the skin.

More recently, hyaluronic acid has gained attention from the cosmetic industry for its ability to help skin appear more radiant and smoother. Hyaluronic acid has no known side effects other than minor skin irritations, and is administered in an injectable form, the only forum approved by the FDA.


Hyaluronic acid

What are Age Spots?

Age spots, also known as liver spots, solar lentigines or skin spots, are dark, flat, oval spots that usually appear on the hands, face, arms and shoulders. They are most often found on people over 40, but can appear at any age. These spots are
black or brownish in color and are caused by aging, genetics or sun exposure. It is worth getting them checked out to make sure they are not cancerous, but usually they are not dangerous to one’s health. Age spots are most often caused by ultraviolet light speeding up the production of melanin to protect your skin. This usually happens with too much sun exposure or the excessive use of tanning beds. To keep from developing age spots cover your skin when in sunlight and use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Age spots can be treated for cosmetic reasons by bleaching creams, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), dermabrasion or chemical peels.