Since we are born we begin to age, it is a complex process that will accompany us throughout life. First of all we have to accept it.
We have to be aware of this, we have to create Beautylife routines to live longer and with a better quality of life. Preventive routines that will help us to do so.
The skin is the part of the body that we see, our image, like the rest of the body ages and the signs that warn us are wrinkles, spots, redness, sagging, dark circles, bags...
First prevent and when the signs of aging appear, correct and repair them.
In the body in general, aging manifests itself with less energy, chronic pain in bones, joints... due to chronic internal inflammation caused by free radicals.
On the skin, we must distinguish two types of aging:
-Chronological aging: Over time, skin cells progressively lose the ability to perform their functions correctly.
The most prominent cells are collagen and elastin, which lose elasticity and flexibility, causing wrinkles to appear. The skin in general loses tone, luminosity and density, it can be seen thin and dull, spots also appear.
These spots can be due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, melasma or menopause...
-Photo aging: This is a premature aging of the skin due to the action of UVB rays; UVA, IR and now visible light, caused by too much sun. The skin has a memory, and it remembers these excesses, causing the inflammation of the melanocytes that cause an excess of melanin synthesis. In this case the skin appears rough, sallow and with fine and deep wrinkles, and in advanced ages abundant spots such as solar lentigo.
Causes of skin aging:
At the cellular level, the main cause of aging is the oxidation of cellular elements, structural proteins, DNA and the cell membrane. Those directly responsible for this oxidation are free radicals.
The exposome, the lifestyle we lead will make these factors worse: cold and dry climate, unbalanced diet, tobacco and alcohol abuse, excess radiation, stress and anxiety...
Only 25% depends on our genetics, so that is why I say that aging with quality of life is optional.
The theory of aging that affects free radicals is so clear that what we must do is fight them, both with foods rich in antioxidants and skin cosmetics with antioxidant ingredients.
There is a theory about the shortening of telomeres, which we will talk about in another post.
But what is clear in both theories is that the exposome or our lifestyle is the key, with stress and emotional management having a very important role.
What are the free radicals?
They are very unstable toxic molecules that damage the cell. This oxidation causes irreparable damage to vital elements such as DNA, membrane lipids, structural proteins...
We can differentiate two sources of free radicals:
- Internal source: simple breathing oxidizes us, the same oxygen that we breathe causes free radicals.
- External source: External factors such as tobacco, alcohol, solar and computer radiation, stress... generate a large number of free radicals.
The most important source of free radicals in the skin is solar radiation.
What effects do free radicals cause?
The body in general has an endogenous antioxidant defense system, a protector that neutralizes free radicals. If these defenses are overcome by an excess of free radicals, a situation of oxidative stress occurs.
Oxidative stress causes chronic inflammation in the body, and thus diseases.
Our focus is the protection of the organism from oxidative stress.
The skin defends itself against these free radicals by applying antioxidants topically and eating an antioxidant-rich diet. Substances capable of neutralizing free radicals.
The skin has a complex antioxidant system, perfectly interrelated.
Enzyme-type antioxidants:
They specifically neutralize radicals.
The most important:
- Glutathione Peroxidase, needs for its proper functioning, Glutathione and Selenium.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD), to work properly needs Copper, Zinc and Manganese.
- Catalase.
Free radical scavengers:
Carotenoids: They are mainly found in green vegetables, vegetables, vegetables and yellow, red or orange fruits. They stabilize cell membranes, protecting them from cell oxidation.
Beta-carotene, is ingested with vegetables, such as carrots, it is absorbed in the intestines and a part is transformed into Vitamin A and the rest passes to the liver where it will undergo the same process.
Lycopene, a carotenoid pigment found almost exclusively in tomatoes, gives them this red color. Lycopene is not a precursor to Vitamin A.
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): It is the most active form of antioxidants, vitamin E is the most important of antioxidants. It is fat-soluble, it sequesters free radicals that attack cell membranes.
The richest food sources with alpha-tocopherol are nuts such as hazelnuts and almonds, oil, vegetables, vegetables and cereals.
👉 We need about 10 mg a day to have optimal antioxidant action.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): It is a very unstable antioxidant, it oxidizes quickly but has the ability to regenerate vitamin E.
In general we find it in fruits and vegetables, the richest are cauliflower, strawberries, lemons, orange, peppers... 👉 We need 60 mg daily.
Can we help the skin and delay premature aging?
Yes. We can reinforce the endogenous antioxidant system, by providing antioxidant substances that neutralize direct free radicals responsible for skin aging.
Through food, nutritional supplements and topically, we can provide the skin with:
- Antioxidant vitamins, such as C, E
- Carotenoid pigments: beta-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin…
- Trace elements: Necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes, such as zinc, copper, selenium, manganese...
- Natural antioxidants such as resveratrol from grapes, green tea rich in polyphenols, …
How to prevent photoaging?
Photoaging is premature aging of the skin due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from solar radiation.
If we abuse the sun and don't protect ourselves when we're 40, we'll look 55.
To prevent this premature aging:
- Let's reinforce the body's natural defenses against solar radiation, through nutritional supplements, food and melanin precursors.
- Use of topical photoprotectors, key. Now I also take into account the photo protection of the blue light of the screens. There is exposure to screens due to teleworking, and in brown skin type 3-4 photo it can cause spots. We must provide preventive antioxidants of these radiations.
- Drink water and antioxidant juices.
- Playing sports helps de-stress the body in general. Always protecting the skin outdoors.
- Resting the hours that your body asks of you. Every person is a world.
- Learning to manage our emotions, preventing stress and anxiety.
Among the Skin Boosters Gemmasdream, I recommend
- Instant Beauty by day
- Revital Premium at night
The perfect preventive and corrective antioxidant combination, with active ingredients that also revitalize and correct the signs of aging.
Well aging, wellness, wellness
Beauty of Life by Gemma's Dream