Posts Tagged by aging
Fighting the Visible Signs of Aging
| May 11, 2012 | Filled under Articles |
YOUR SKIN
The skin is the largest organ of the body, and is significantly affected by the aging process. Estrogen receptors have been detected on the cellular components of the skin and lower levels of estrogen influence the skin-cell metabolims.
Changes in the skin collagen leads to diminished elasticity and skin strength. There is a distinct reduction of collagen production after menopause. Changes in vascularity are found following menopause. Dermal blood flow decreases significantly in postmenopausal women.
Repair functions in skin are regulated by a group of chemicals called ‘cytokines’. Included in these are epidermal cell growth factor (ECGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), and angiogenesis factor. AF stimulates the rebuilding of the microvascular system within the skin. TGF and ECGF stimulate rapid cell proliferation for the replacement of dead or damaged cells.
Excessive exposure to UV rays causes oxidation of the collagen and elastin fibers in this skin. This, in turn causes ‘crosslinking’. Cross-linking causes the collagen in the skin to become tangled and stiffen. This results in sagging and loss of skin elasticity, and allow facial expressions to put deep lines and wrinkles in the skin.
Some of this UV damage can be prevented by the use of sunscreens and sunblocks. Some of this damage can be reversed by the use of ‘peels’ – where the outer layer of the skin is removed by the use of mild acidic formulas, which removes the damaged layers and stimulates the production of a stronger, thicker layer of skin.
Free radicals are molecules created by oxidative chemical reactions within the body. These free radicals damage cellular DNA and cause mutations of the skin cells. Free radical damage can be prevented by the use of anti-oxidants, both internally and topically. Antioxidants attract and bind these free radical molecules, rendering them harmless.
Premature skin aging can be avoided by preventing excess exposure to sunlight and pollutants, as well as providing with skin with the nutrients it needs to repair itself. Provide your skin with the building blocks it needs by maintaining adequate consumption of the following nutrients:
NUTRITION FOR AGING SKIN
ZINC: Zinc is required for collagen production and elastin synthesis, as well as DNA repair. Zinc is required for DNA duplication, which is required for cell division. Zinc is required for the production of certain proteins that remove damaged or mutated tissue as well as for superoxide dismutase, a power antioxidant.
COPPER: Copper helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, helps to thicken the dermis, increases vascularity and oxygenation and works to stimulate superoxide dismutase.
SULFUR: Sulfur is a component of the protein Keratin found in nails, hair and skin. Sulfur is essential for the production of collagen and it is required for the production of the connective tissues.
Vitamin A: The vitamin necessary for healthy skin. A serious lack or excess intake can cause dry, rough skin, among other problems. Ascorbyl palmitate applied on the skin decreased the level of formation of free radicals*.
Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties. Photoprotective properties of topically applied vitamin C have also been demonstrated, indicating its use in the prevention and treatment of skin aging. Topical applications of 5% vitamin C cream is an effective treatment, clinically shown to improve photodamaged skin.**
Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been shown to reverse skin damage, increase wound healing. Vitamin D is produced in the body in response to sunlight, and has been shown to have a beneficial affect on skin repair and hair growth. Vitamin D rarely requires supplementation, and 15 minutes of daily low-sun exposure should stimulate adequate production of this hormone-like vitamin.***
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a power antioxidant. Experiments show that that it may protect against the degredation of collagen, and prevent skin damage by environmental insult and aging.***
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone): Internal and topical application of CoQ10 has a beneficial effect of preventing photoaging. CoQ10 penetrates into the viable layers of the epidermis and reduces the level of oxidation. Reduction in wrinkle depth following CoQ10 application has also been shown in clinical trials. CoQ10 prevents oxidative DNA damage and suppresses the degredation of collagen.****
References:
*Skin protection against ultraviolet induced free radicals with ascorbyl palmitate in microemulsions. Jurkovic P, Sentjurc M, Gasperlin M, Kristl J, Pecar S. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
**Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo. Humbert PG, Haftek M, Creidi P, Lapiere C, Nusgens B, Richard A, Schmitt D, Rougier A, Zahouani H. Department of Dermatology, Hospital Saint Jacques, University of Franche-Comte, Besancon, France.
***Vitamin D enhances mitogenesis mediated by keratinocyte growth factor receptor in keratinocytes. Gamady A, Koren R, Ron D, Liberman UA, Ravid A. The Basil and Gerald Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Petah-Tikva, Israel.
***Age-dependent increase of collagenase expression can be reduced by alpha-tocopherol via protein kinase C inhibition. Ricciarelli R, Maroni P, Ozer N, Zingg JM, Azzi A.Institut fur Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universitat Bern, Switzerland.
****Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Hoppe U, Bergemann J, Diembeck W, Ennen J, Gohla S, Harris I, Jacob J, Kielholz J, Mei W, Pollet D, Schachtschabel D, Sauermann G, Schreiner V, Stab F, Steckel F.Paul Gerson Unna Research Center, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
Firming Skin Tips – Without Surgery
| February 8, 2012 | Filled under Skincare |
Rarely, will the skin stay firm as we age; it tends to sag. However, being good to your skin and body can help slow down this process. Here are some skin firming tips you can use.
- Drink fennel tea. Fennel tea has always been connected to living a long life.
The Fennel seed has many medicinal benefits. Fennel seeds contains many antioxidants, and also aids in weight loss. It has appetite-suppressant properties. Fennel tea can be bought in health food stores. In addition to weight loss, its benefits include B and C vitamins, as well as potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Fennel seeds come from fennel, a perennial plant grown originally in Southern Europe. It is sometimes called sweet fennel and the fruit is popularly known as fennel seed. Technically, “fennel seeds” are not seeds at all but the dried fruit of the plant.
Wear sun protection for your skin. Also, wear a hat and sunglasses when being exposed to a lot of sun.
- Stay away from starvation diets. These diets rob your body and skin of necessary nutrients. Your body needs nutrients and if you don’t feed it properly, you will be damaging your skin. Remember, the skin is the largest organ of your body.
- Replace healthy eating with quick weight loss diets. This way your lifestyle will play a major role in the care of your skin.
- Lose weight gradually instead of extremely fast. The more gradual the weight loss, the more time your skin has to adjust to your new size.
- Facial exercises will help to tone your skin and postpone the loss of elasticity
- Schedule weekly or monthly facials for a toned and healthier appearance. You can also do your own facial with a good skin care product such as, micro dermabrasion.
- Be cautious with face lifts and make sure you thoroughly investigate the procedure and outcome. Many times they don’t look natural.
Eat a good balanced appetite, avoid smoking, watch your alcohol intake, and get adequate amounts of sleep. These habits will go a long way in nurturing your skin and keeping it looking youthful.
Use over the counter skin care products containing vitamin A or retinol, as it will help your skin look firmer especially when used at night.
Laser and light treatments are non invasive skin firming techniques. The price is more affordable than a traditional face lift. You will need to speak to your dermatologist about this procedure.
Edelweiss Extract – A Costmetic Ingredient to Fight Aging
| November 11, 2011 | Filled under Skincare |
Did you know there is a song about Edelweiss? Yes, it was sung in the timeless stage play and Rogers and Hammerstein musical”The Sound of Music” in the 1960′s. The song focused on love and beauty, and later became more spiritual. Edelweiss a white flower found high in the Alps. It does not contain herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Use in Skincare Products – Edelweiss Extract
Edelweiss Extract is used in high quality skincare products, such as anti-aging serums, creams, soaps and lotions. Its natural compounds help to neutralize damaging activity involved in the skin’s aging process.
Edelweiss extract is an ancient folk lore remedy that modern science is making popular once again. They have also discovered that the ultra violet light absorbing chemicals this plant has developed from high altitude growth makes it a good additive to sun blocks. Pharmaceutical researchers also are interested in the way some chemicals in the plant prevent amplification of oxides, which are tied to the aging process.
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History of Edelweiss
Edelweiss extract comes from Edelweiss flowers, which are short lived perennials. Edelweiss is a German word which means noble and white. The Edelweiss flower is found at altitudes which range from 1,700 meters to 2,700 meters, general in areas with light soil, good drainage and southern exposure.
In ancient times the Edelweiss flower was sought after by men who wished to prove their bravery. Because the flower grew at such heights and was often on cliff sides and in dangerous areas many people were known to have been injured, or even killed in pursuit of this flower, which led many men to wear
it in the lapel as sort of a badge of honor.
Of course, the fact that the Edelweiss flower was the favorite of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, the Empress Elizabeth also gave it prestige. The flower became so popular among hikers that the governments of Austria, Germany and Switzerland took steps to protect it in certain parts of the Alps.
Edelweiss Health Benefit Beliefs
For centuries Edelweiss extract has been believed to have positive health effects. Edelweiss teas have been popular as well as use of Edelweiss extract in hot milk, often sweetened with honey. Diarrhea and dysentery were two ailments that it was believed Edelweiss extract could cure.
People also believed that it could help fight ailments such as diphtheria and tuberculosis. Today research by the pharmaceutical industry indicates that there was something to these ancient beliefs. Used in high quality anti aging and anti wrinkle cosmetics.
The future of research into Edelweiss extract looks as bright as the high Alpine sun, and the popularity of Edelweiss extract as an ingredient in high quality cosmetics means the plant will remain popular for many years to come.
Today Edelweiss is grown on many continents and is no longer in the danger it once was.
The Art Of Aging Gracefully
| June 30, 2011 | Filled under Articles |
For many years people have been searching for the secret to staying youthful. There are millions of dollars each year being paid by consumers that are looking for the magical remedy that will slow down the aging process. Many actually take drastic moves and resort to surgery to get back their youthful looks. There are other solutions that aren’t as invasive or as expensive as surgery. If you care for, and pay attention to, your body and its needs then you can age gracefully and naturally.
To care for your skin you need to protect it from harmful UV rays so it is vital to wear sun block when you are out in the sun. There are formulated sun blocks available that allow you to apply makeup over it.
Use a good moisturizer daily to keep your skin hydrated. A good quality moisturizer will also help to replenish the skin cells, create soft skin and reduce wrinkles. There are many moisturizers that are way overpriced but there are some great products on the market that are very effective without the huge price tag.
Exercising regularly improves your general health and this includes the health of your skin. Yoga and Pilates exercises are great to increase flexibility and joint pliability and they are also great for keeping your body in shape.
Stress relieving exercises such as yoga or meditation will help reduce the stress in your life and keep you more relaxed. This will decrease your risk of heart disease and other medical conditions.
Walking is a good exercise to add to your regime and if you can spare the time try to walk for 30 minutes four times a week. Make sure that you wear good walking shoes to give your feet and body the right support.
A healthy diet, low in calories and fat and filled with antioxidants and nutrients will play a big role in keeping your skin youthful and healthy. Foods that contain acai are great, as are dark green leafy vegetables; this will build your immunity and assist with helping you to age gracefully.
Reduce the amount of sugar and fats that you have in your diet and drink lots of water. If your body is dehydrated then so is your skin and dehydrated skin can make you look much older. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended intake so try to have at least this amount. Drinks such as coffee with cream and sugar, tea with sugar and sodas should be avoided or at least reduced.
If you are not receiving all the required nutrients from your diet then make sure you take a multi-vitamin supplement. Your body needs the right amount of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and maintain healthy and youthful skin.
Visit your doctor for regular checkups to have your cholesterol, blood sugars and blood pressure checked. By keeping an eye on these things you can help to prevent any possible medical conditions occurring. If you do experience any health issues discuss them with your doctor so you can have them treated.
Basically, a healthy diet, exercise and just treating your body well and looking after it will help you to feel and look young longer. Look after your body and you will age gracefully.
Anti aging skin care products
| January 20, 2011 | Filled under Articles |
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Anti aging skin care products remind me of the song ’18 till I die’. Indeed, anti aging skin care products are very popular today; and why not, who doesn’t want to look young for ever?
Talking of anti aging skin care products, the first thing that comes to mind is vitamin C based anti aging skin care products. These products work by enabling the synthesis of collagen (a structural protein that is found in skin). This category of anti aging skin care products is related to anti-oxidants.
Anti aging skin care products that are based on vitamin C are, however, posed with the danger of getting oxidised themselves (as they come into contact with air during their usage). So some anti aging skin care products are based on the derivatives of vitamin C, which are more stable and less expensive. However, the effectiveness of such anti aging skin care is not as much as it is for vitamin C based ant aging skin care products.
Besides vitamin C, vitamin E and lipoic acid are anti-oxidants too. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble anti-oxidant that is found in human blood and helps in building resistance against infection. Vitamin E is also known to inhibit cancer. Liponic acid is known to combat the signs of aging very effectively by reversing the skin damage caused by the aging process.
Phytochemicals form the other category of anti aging skin care products. Phytochemical are special chemicals that are extracted from plants. There are a variety of phytochemicals that are in use today. Phytochemicals prevent occurrence of cancer of certain types; these include prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. That is why they find their place in anti aging skin care products.
Some B-vitamins like B5, B6 and B12 are also in use for anti aging skin care products.
The field of anti aging skin care products is vast and needs a lot of research. Though the currently available products are effective, they still have challenges to combat. Hopefully, these challenges will get resolved in due course and help get better and cheaper anti aging skin care products.
However, anti aging skin care products should be used only as a supplement to the natural ways of skin and body care. So, drinking a lot of water, getting a good night sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy eating habits and keeping stress at bay are essential means of delaying the aging process. No anti aging skin care product can replace them really.
