Aging and Ways to Prevent Early Aging

WHAT CAUSES PREMATURE AGING 

A certain amount of sun exposure is necessary to create vitamin D, a regulator of calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood. Excessive exposure, however, can lead to long-term damage such as premature aging, age spots and skin cancer.

Avoid the Sun

Aging of the skin is process influenced by intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) factors that lead to aging skin. Such as sun exposure, the environment, health habits and general lifestyle

The most damaging extrinsic factor to avoid are sun and smoking. Photoaging from the sun results in freckles, age spot rough and leathery skin, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven complexion and skin cancer.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight have the greatest impact on how our skin ages. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin naturally weaken. This weakening happens at a much faster rate when the skin is frequently exposed to ultraviolet rays.

The UV rays from the sun reach the skin in two different forms: UVA and UVB. Each ray influences the skin at different skin levels. 

UVA is called the "aging rays," contributing 90-95 percent of the skin ultraviolet rays that in each surface. These rays weaken the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkling and sagging in the tissue, leading to premature aging.

UVB rays also referred to as the "burning rays", causing tanning of the skin by affecting the melanocytes, the cells of the epidermis that are responsible for producing melanin. Melanin is designed to help protect the skin from the sun’s UV ray, but it can also be altered or destroyed when large frequent doses of UV lights are allowed to penetrate the skin.

Although UVB penetration is not as deep as UVA, these rays are equally damaging to the skin and damaging the eyes as well. On a positive note, UVB rays contribute to our body’s synthesis of vitamin D and other important minerals.

Using Sunblock Prior to Sun Exposure

You should always apply sunblock prior to going out under the sun.  This way the skin can be protected from the damaging UV Rays.