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.


Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is an omega-6 essential fatty acid said to burn fat, build muscle
DMAE boosts brain function by causing the body to produce more acetylcholine

Choline may be helpful in strengthening the liver and also in assisting the treatment of cholesterol buildup

The Antioxidant Properties of Grape Seed

Grape seed offers numerous benefits to the body. It contains flavonoids and offers more antioxidant protection that vitamin C – fifty times more! It is also wonderful for preventing and correcting damage to the capillaries and improving circulation. Grape seed is an anti-inflammatory, offers pain relief and gives the body protection against free radicals.

Grape seed can be found as an extract and can also be applied topically; it is found in many cosmetic creams and lotions to help smooth out wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone. It can be found in most pharmacies and health food stores. If you want to get grape seed in its natural form, just choose to eat the dark skinned grapes (with seeds) for natural grape seed antioxidants.

Grape Seed Extract

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.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a fibrous, structural protein that can be found throughout the human body (as well as in all mammals) as a connective tissue. Collagen can be found in the skin, bones, muscles, cartilage and even in the teeth. There are more than 20 types of collagens in the body and it makes up about one-quarter of the body’s protein content. The body relies on collagen to literally hold it together. Collagen gives form, firmness and strength to bodily tissues, cartilage, ligaments and internal organs. Collagen production decelerates as we age, causing fine lines and wrinkles in the skin. Collagen is most popular for its role in cosmetic surgery to help firm up the lips and face, giving people a younger appearance, but is also sold as a supplement to help increase and maintain joint mobility and is used in treating burns. Collagen also has many industrial and medical uses.