Why does skin age? How can we delay the aging process?
In a world where the biological clock ticks inexorably and the mirror becomes a daily witness to our evolution, the fear of losing youth often paralyzes. Stress further exacerbates the premature appearance of the first wrinkles. Then we begin to ask the fundamental question: can this inexorable process be delayed?
In a conversation with cosmetologist Katarzyna Majbrodzka, M.A., we will explain the concept of oxidative stress and antioxidants, and how to delay the cycle of changes occurring on the skin.
Why do we age?
One of the most important causes of aging in the entire body and skin is the action of free radicals. They can cause tissue inflammation and damage to cell membranes, protein structures, and even DNA.
Other factors that accelerate the formation of wrinkles include:
- heavily polluted environment,
- UV radiation,
- smoking,
- eating processed food, devoid of nutritional value, but full of harmful additives: leavening agents, improvers, preservatives, which causes increased oxidative stress.
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress occurs when the body has an excess of free radicals and is unable to neutralize them. This damages cell membranes, proteins that make up enzymes, and, above all, DNA. Free radical production increases with age, while defense mechanisms become increasingly weaker. This imbalance leads to progressive damage to cellular structures and, consequently, accelerated skin aging.
Is it possible to prevent the accelerated skin aging process?
Unfortunately, it's not possible to prevent this process yet, but it is possible to limit it. To reduce premature skin aging and the development of senile changes, it's important to protect the skin from oxidative stress, and this is where antioxidants come in. Antioxidants are substances that can provide protection against the harmful effects of free radicals. Antioxidants, both those obtained through diet and those applied topically, are essential for maintaining health and limiting the harmful effects of the environment.
Can you tell us more about antioxidants?
To delve deeper into the topic of antioxidants, it's important to understand what oxidation is. Free radicals are atoms or molecules with an unpaired electron in their last orbital, making them unstable and eager to accept a second electron or donate their own, exploiting other molecules for this purpose. Therefore, they are highly chemically reactive. Free radicals attack biological compounds such as proteins, DNA, and fatty acids, which are components of cell membranes, as well as lipids found in neural tissue.
What can you do to protect your skin from oxidation?
Antioxidants are the key. Antioxidant cosmetics should be the foundation of skincare for all skin types , regardless of age. They are effective from age 25, year-round, with particular emphasis on summer. This is especially true for people who enjoy sun exposure, lead active lifestyles, and live in large cities.
Treatments using professional cosmetics: creams, serums, acid products containing antioxidant ingredients:
- delay the appearance of wrinkles,
- eliminate discolorations,
- counteract the degradation of collagen and elastin fibers,
- help in the treatment of various types of acne.
The list of ingredients with such an effect includes vitamins A, C and E, ferulic acid, and phloretin.
Which one is the best?
They are all important, maybe I will say a few words about each of them:
Vitamin C
It is a very strong antioxidant that eliminates free radicals and improves the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
Vitamin E
It inhibits the skin aging process caused by the damaging effects of free radicals.
Ferulic acid
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, ferulic acid neutralizes free radicals and enhances the effects of vitamins C and E. It protects against UVA and UVB radiation, minimizing sun damage to cellular DNA. It controls tyrosinase activity, lightening discolorations and preventing their formation. It stimulates cancer cell apoptosis.
Floretyna
Phloretin enhances the penetration of active ingredients by adhering to lipid surfaces. Phloretin inhibits the activity of elastase, an enzyme responsible for the destruction of elastin fibers. It also has antioxidant properties.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol counteracts accelerated aging and protects cellular DNA, stimulates and increases the production of antioxidant protection.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 provides the cell with energy and effectively removes free radicals from the skin surface.
Retinol (a form of vitamin A)
Retinol provides excellent protection against free radicals, stimulates fibroblasts, and inhibits the degradation of collagen and elastin fibers.
β-Carotene (provitamin A)
β-Carotene performs many important biological functions, is an effective neutralizer of free radicals, a natural antioxidant, and has photoprotective properties.
Does diet affect faster skin aging?
Absolutely! A healthy diet rich in antioxidants is essential. Foods rich in vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene help neutralize free radicals. Eating healthy fats, such as those from avocado, olive oil, and nuts, supports skin hydration and elasticity. Protein, especially collagen and amino acids found in fish, poultry, and legumes, strengthen skin structure and slow the loss of firmness.
Proper hydration is also important. Drinking adequate amounts of water and green tea will support cell regeneration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Limiting your intake of sugar and highly processed foods reduces protein glycation, a process that leads to the weakening of collagen fibers and accelerated skin aging.
We can't stop time or prevent wrinkles from forming, but we have tools at our disposal that can significantly impact the quality and appearance of our skin. A healthy lifestyle, a nutritious diet, proper skincare, avoiding excessive stress, and appropriate use of antioxidants are key elements in the fight against the signs of aging.
Thank you for the interview
The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for advice regarding specific symptoms, ailments, or health conditions.