Aging is an inevitable process all creations go through. In fact, the aging process is considered natural cycle that everything and everyone must face. But the signs of aging can be delayed or can be hidden through proper skin care.
The skin is the most affected area when a person ages. When a person ages, the skin loses its elasticity that is why wrinkles and fine lines start to appear especially on the face, neck, and hands. Today, the most common solution people find is by developing healthy skin care regimen and through the use of anti-aging products that can minimizeif not eliminatethe signs of aging. These anti-aging products are marketed and advertised to encourage people to control the early signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other visible fine lines.
External Factors That Affect Aging
Before finally deciding whether to use these products or not, you must first know the external factors that greatly contribute to aging in order to avoid them. Here are the major external factors that cause aging and skin aging, it is up to you how to avoid these in order to maintain a young looking and vibrant skin.
1. The sun. This is the major external factor that caused aging. Experts say that aging caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays is called “photo-aging.” In this process, the sun’s rays breaks down the collagen and elastin in the person’s skin that lead to the development of premature wrinkles and other facial lines. You can protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun by applying sun blocks and sun screens that has high SPF content. You can also wear proper articles of clothing that help protect your skin from the damaging rays and by lessening the time you spent outdoors especially when the sun is its peak hours.
2. The gravity. Science tells us that gravity pulls everything towards the earth. As people age, the effect of gravity becomes visible on the skin and affects its elasticity a lot.
3. Excessive smoking. Nicotine indeed plays a big role in skin’s aging. Studies show that smokers form lines and wrinkles sooner compared to those who do not smoke. Skin is affected by nicotine because it narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of the person’s skin that is responsible for the reduction of blood and nutrients flow.
4. Several facial expressions. People have a lot of facial expressions. These expressions are quite inevitable depending on the situation they are in. Since facial muscles are used when people make facial expressions, this can lead to the formation of lines in the face and neck.
5. The sleeping position. Although it may sound absurd, improper sleeping position contributes a lot to aging of the skin because it results to the visibility of wrinkles. A good skin care habit should include adopting a sleeping position that can veer you away from forming lines on the face or even on your body.
People have this common belief that using a mishmash of skin products will automatically give them radiant-looking skin, and so when the skin remains as dull and problematic as they were before being treated with all sorts of creams and lotions, these same people end up disappointed. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with using skin products, but proper skin care goes beyond that. Whatever is put on the skin is as equally important as what is taken in. In other words, skin products cant, even in the age of advanced science, beautify the skin all on their own; taking care of skin health primarily starts with eating the right foods for skin care.
However, this elementary principle is all too often ignored, and the result is people stashing skin care items with little thought about what comes in their refrigerators. A good diet benefits the skin in more ways than one; and theres no substitute for it.
If youre one of those who tend to overlook your diet, its time to rethink. Good thing is, theres always a chance to make a good start. And you can do this by knowing what foods are exactly beneficial to the skin. Heres a quick rundown:
Omega-3 rich fish
This includes salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other oily fish. Other than benefiting the heart, omega-3 fatty acid is good for the skin. Omega-3 strengthens cell membranes, and consequently makes the cells hydrated and replenished. This results in appropriate level of moisture. When there is enough moisture, the skin remains smooth and supple, has improved elasticity, and has healthy pores.
Carrots
Carrots are a potent source of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Once absorbed by the body, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A that helps in making skin cells and keeping them replenished and healthy. If there is not enough vitamin A, the skin is dry and flaky. Vitamin C, on the other hand, has potent antioxidant properties and helps in collagen formation. Sufficient amount of vitamin C in the body keeps the skin young-looking and fresh.
Sweet potatoes
Also an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin E, another good antioxidant and anti-aging. Vitamin E works to regenerate vitamin C, therefore allowing it to work in its maximum potential.
Green Tea
Famous for its many benefits, green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, and vitamins C, D, and K. Green tea is also believed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the suns UV rays, and so helps prevent cancer. But not only is green tea good for the skin, it is also good for the entire body.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are excellent source of B group vitamins. These are essential to the skin because they aid in replacing dead skin cells and developing new ones. They also naturally protect the skin from infections.
Now that you know some of the foods for skin care, it is only necessary to incorporate them in your daily diet. Remember that deficiency in some of the vitamins and minerals can lead to premature skin aging, dryness, and other skin problems such as eczema.
