The relationship between the sun and wrinkles
Many may not be aware, but the sun and wrinkles are closely related with each other and reading further will help you piece together the relationship between the sun and wrinkles.
It is a fact that exposure to ultraviolet light, whether UVA or UVB, that is derived from sunlight, accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging.
Since most of the photoaging effects occur by the age of 20, the amount of damage to the skin caused by the sun is determined by the total lifetime amount of radiation exposure and the pigment protection.
Among the changes in the epidermis caused by continued exposure to the sun include, many harmful, thinning of the epidermis and the growth of skin lesions such as actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas,
Prolonged exposure to the sun cause collagen in the dermis to break down at a higher rate than just chronologic aging.
Collagen fibers get damaged by sunlight and causes the accumulation of abnormal elastin and when this sun-induced elastin accumulates, enzymes called metalloproteinases are produced in large quantities.
Under normal conditions, metalloproteinases are responsible for fixing sun-injured skin by manufacturing and reforming collagen.
However, this process does not always work well and some of the metalloproteinases actually break down collagen, resulting to the formation of disorganized collagen fibers known as solar scars.
And when the skin repeats this flawed rebuilding process, wrinkles develop.
As the sun continues to be the principal suspect in causing wrinkles, the most important skin-care product available to prevent wrinkles is sunscreen, but most people do not use sunscreen correctly.
It would be best to consider the important factors with sunscreen use, especially with the spectrum of UV radiation absorbed, the amount of sunscreen applied, and the frequency of application.
As mentioned earlier, the sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays that can be divided into categories based on the wavelength.
UVC radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not cause skin damage, while UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns.
UVB does not penetrate glass and the intensity of UVB radiation depends on the time of day and season.
UVA radiation, on the other hand, penetrates deep into the skin and works more efficiently and cannot also be filtered by glass, but overexposure to UVA can also be dangerous.
The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year.
Regardless of their wavelengths, both UVA and UVB radiation can cause wrinkles as it breaks down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting natural repair mechanisms of the skin.
A classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin Phototype (SPT) classification, which is being used to determine the potency and spectrum of protection that sunscreen formulations help protect from these radiation, as well as inhibit, if not minimize, wrinkles.
People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for photoaging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer, thus the proper use of sunscreen to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important in the battle against wrinkles.
As promised, the relationship between the sun and wrinkles has been established and the age old agae still holds true that says, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
What's the Best Way to Prevent Wrinkles? It's Simple, But not Easy
The first thing to say is that there is no one way to prevent wrinkles. Wrinkles are a natural part of aging and if you're aging, as all of us do, you'll get wrinkles. There's no getting around that, it's just a question of the age you get them, and how many wrinkles you'll get.
Wrinkles form because of a number of factors, all associated with the aging process. Wrinkles and lines form on our faces, particularly certain parts of our faces like around the mouth and eyes, but also on other parts of our bodies. Wrinkling is just visible aging, and you won't find anyone over, say, 80, that doesn't have wrinkles somewhere.
So the first thing that you need to do if you're looking for an answer to the question "what's the best way to prevent wrinkles" is to accept that you will always suffer from wrinkles if you get old enough. To an extent you'll need to learn to live with wrinkles.
Wrinkles form as a result of many interlinked factors. As we age our skin loses some of it's collagen and elastin, and this causes our skin to lose the firmness and elasticity that it exhibited when we were younger. Aging skin is lower in collagen and elastin than young skin.
And as we age our skin is more and more under attack from free radicals that damage the cells that make up our skin structure, and cause poor skin health.
As well as this our skin suffers from damage from other factors, such as sunburn or even just normal exposure to UV from the sun, and from the effects of toxins and chemicals in our general environment. And if you smoke you're just about guaranteed to have poor skin health as you age.
And believe it or not our skin can also be damaged from the use of mainstream skincare products. Yes many big brand skincare products actually contain ingredients that can damage our skin.
However that's the bad news. Now for the good news. There are things you can do to lessen the onset of skin wrinkles and lines, and reduce their visible effects.
I'm not talking about Botox injections or plastic surgery here. These are only temporary solutions to wrinkles that work for a limited time then actually look worse than before the operation. Botox or cosmetic surgery is never a long term solution to wrinkles, and is also expensive, painful and often the result is worse than the problem.
So the solution to limiting the look of skin wrinkles is far simpler than that. Note I said simple, not easy.
The way to slow, or lessen, the onset of wrinkles is twofold. Firstly it's about staying healthy. And I'm not just talking about skin health here, but staying healthy overall. Because skin health is a function of overall health, one cannot be divorced from the other.
Good diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet will help massively. Pizza and burgers won't keep you, or your skin, healthy. Fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and anti oxidants, and help with skin health.
And regular exercise is very important as well, helping with skin health and wrinkle prevention in so many ways.
And don't smoke. Smoking is the worst thing you can do for your skin.
And the second part of a simple formula that is the best way to prevent wrinkles is the use of a top shelf skin care and anti wrinkle routine, including a top wrinkle cream that contains only natural, safe ingredients. And regular use of other high quality skincare products.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not referring to those big brand name skin care products that you see advertised on TV and on the shelves of the department stores. Unfortunately those aren't high quality skin care products. Most contain very little active ingredients, and many contain ingredients that can actually damage your skin.
I'm referring to natural skin care products
That's the best way to prevent wrinkles. As I said, it's simple, but not easy. There is no easy way to prevent wrinkles that works, wrinkles are a part of life, and whilst so many people search for the easy and complete solution to wrinkle prevention it is, sadly, unattainable.
But follow those simple steps and you'll live a long healthy life, and keep most wrinkles at bay more than all those other women out there looking for an easy answer to preventing wrinkles.
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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/anti-aging-articles/whats-the-best-way-to-prevent-wrinkles-its-simple-but-not-easy-641624.html
Is Your Fat Loss Diet Causing Wrinkles
What are wrinkles?
Wrinkles refer to those thin and creased lines that appear on the softer portions of our body like the face, neck and hands and results in sagging skin due to decreased elasticity of the skin.
Are you susceptible to wrinkles?
Along with the natural aging process, exposure to sun, wind and environmental elements cause the appearance of wrinkles in many people over a certain age. But there are others, who are more prone to the attack of wrinkles at an early age because of genetic factors, lifestyle and behavioral choices. Individuals exposed to UV radiation from sunlight, either due to their profession or location of residence as well as heavy smokers are especially prone to the early development of wrinkles.
Individuals with lighter complexions experience premature appearance of wrinkles, while those with darker complexions are less prone to their development. Due to the larger presence of melanin, the skins of the latter group suffer a reduced level of penetration of UV rays from sunlight. Rapid weight loss over a short time span also causes development of wrinkles because of the loss of fat cells.
Free Radicals and the Occurrence of Wrinkles
Free radical damage is considered one of the most vital source of skin damage and appearance of wrinkles. These free radicals severely harm the skin by breaking down the skins support structures. They diminish elasticity of skin and the resilience of skin is lost and the aging process sets in.
Antioxidants are meant to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. When antioxidant protection is inadequate in our body, free radicals cause damage. The activities of free radicals can be neutralized through antioxidants abundant in vitamins A, C, and E, beta carotene, selenium, zinc and more.
Thus by consuming foods and vitamins rich in antioxidants and through the application of skin care products rich in antioxidants, you can stall the process of wrinkling of skin.
How to combat wrinkles
NOTE: Always consult your physician first before implementing any new diets, therapies and/or implementing any skin care regimen or procedures, especially if you have existing skin conditions and/or are prone to rashes and/or have sensitive skin and/or are allergic to certain ingredients that may be included in any skin care formulations or are allergic to any components natural or synthetic that may be mentioned.
There is more than one way to combat unwanted wrinkles and creases on your skin.
As mentioned above, topical creams and lotions rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and retinol produce greater results in concealing wrinkle lines. Also, supplements particularly rich in vitamin E and vitamin C work wonderfully in returning some of the lost resilience of the skin. Vitamin K (caution if you’re taking blood thinners) is also popularly used in the treatment of wrinkles. Also, hormone replacement therapy helps regain healthy skin in postmenopausal women.
Wrinkle Prevention tips
Prevention is better than cure. - Use Sun block lotions every time you go out in the sun. - Wear sunglasses and use an umbrella or wear a hat. - Wear protective clothing. - Eat plenty of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables.
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Over the Counter Wrinkle Removers
There are different ways of dealing with wrinkles. You can choose to undergo a procedure or apply something to the affected area. Over the counter wrinkle removers are very much in demand because they are affordable. To give you an idea, here are the things you can get the next time you head on over to the drug store.
First are alpha hydroxyl acids or AHA. These products are water soluble and one example is Glycolic acid cream that helps remove hyper pigmentations and helps with photo damage, thickening of the dermal collagen and increase cellular turnover.
AHA’s contain lactic acids and when you buy this from the store, you should get the kind that has higher concentrations as lower ones cause irritation.
Next there is betahydroxy acids or BHA. These are lipid soluble. Most of the products in the market are exfoliants, anti-inflammatory and comedolytic. These are sold by some of the most popular names in the business and often recommended by dermatologists.
Combination hydroxy acids or CHA have both the ingredients of AHA and BHA. Don’t think that buying the first two products and then mixing it together will have the same effect because it won’t as each has its own pH level.
There are also products that have enzymes. The nice thing about it is that these are not irritating and it only digests the dead skin layer. It also stimulates cell turnover and allows other products to penetrate the skin. Two of the most common happen to be fruits namely papaya and pineapple.
Then there are the topical products. These are available in vitamin A, C and E and purchased in the form of creams and lotions. Vitamin A for instance reduces and eliminates wrinkles by breaking down the free radicals in the body. Vitamins C and E on the other hand are antioxidants and also does the same thing.
Something that can work with Vitamin C and E are alpha lipioc acids because it is also an anti-oxidant. It works by penetrating the cell membrane to eliminate free radicals that have already been broken down.
To find the best over the counter wrinkle remover takes time. This is because you have to compare how one does over the other. To help you out, you can try visiting various websites that have gathered all the information you need such as the price, its effectiveness, quality and wrinkle cream ratings. With this information, you will be able to find the right one for you to use.
Some people who are skeptic about this online information say that one brand is said to be better than the other because he or she was paid to make it look that way. In the end, you have to try it out to see who is telling the truth. If you are able to find something that works, why change it? You should just stick with what you have until something better and more affordable comes along.
None of the over the counter wrinkle removers will perform a miracle overnight. You will have to use it consistently for days or even weeks before you see any results because again, these wrinkles occurred over time. Whatever you use, make sure that you only use the kind that is of good quality with the right combination of vitamins and nutrients.
Nine Wrinkle Fighting Foods
1. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are good because it contains lutein that helps give the skin its essential antioxidant mechanism by maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. Ideally, you should eat about 10mg of this daily which is about 4oz of this vegetable.
2. Beans are another because they are rich in antioxidants. Among the different kinds, red beans are the best because it contains the highest number of antioxidants that helps replace deteriorated collagen of the skin.
3. Tomatoes are another because just like beans they have antioxidants and also lycopene. A substance that reduces the risk of developing cancer and happens to be more powerful than Vitamin E supplements which are used to help the skin stay healthy. The best part about eating tomatoes is that you can eat this together with pasta, salad or a sandwich.
4. Aside from vegetables, turkey helps prevent wrinkles because it is rich in Vitamin B. It also has protein that slows the process in the skin known as cross-linking. So don’t wait until Thanksgiving to add this to your diet.
5. Goji berries are rich in Vitamin C that will help fight free radicals that damage the skin. Believe it or not, they contain 500 times more Vitamin C per ounce than what you get from oranges. It also has antioxidants such as vitamin B1, B2, B6 and E as well as linoleic acid, an essential fat that plumps up the skin making it look smoother and younger.
6. Flaxseed is rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. You can mix this with other dishes like cookies and bread. The more you eat, the plumper your skin cells will be thus hiding away those wrinkles.
7. Beetroot is another vegetable that can help prevent wrinkles as it is low in calories and high in fiber. It also contains antioxidants and a pigment called anthocyanins that are known to support collagen production in the skin. You can cook this in a variety of ways such as curried, boiled, roasted and pickled.
8. Many of us see chocolates simply as a delightful snack or as a dessert. But few of us know that this contains polyphenol, a substance that rids the body of the active oxygen that causes aging. Not only that, it can also protect against UV damage which is also one of the causes of skin aging.
9. Salmon just like flaxseed contains Omega 3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and helps lubricate the skin.
There are other things we can eat aside from the 9 examples mentioned to prevent wrinkles from happening. You should consult with your doctor or do some research on your own so you will know how to plan your diet.
Aside from eating, you shouldn’t forget to exercise regularly and drink lots of water so your skin remains flexible and hydrated at all times. You shouldn’t drink or smoke as this also helps the skin stay young and wrinkle free.
There are wrinkle fighting foods around. Know what they are and then get these items from the grocery store.
What Are Wrinkles?
The skin is made up of 3 layers namely the epidermis, the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The outer layer namely the epidermis becomes thinner and less sticky as we age. This in turn causes dryness and as this decreases by 10% per decade, it takes more time for the skin to repair itself.
This also affects the dermis because less collagen is produced and the elastic fibers which provide us with elasticity also wears out which is why our skin also sags. We don’t sweat that much as before as there is a decrease as well in the number of sweat glands.
Now that we know where it can happen, we can describe what wrinkles are simply as ridges or creases on a surface.
But is aging the only cause of wrinkles? The answer is no. Studies have shown that exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB accounts for 90% of skin aging. This varies depending on race because of the person’s pigment protection.
A few other studies have shown that wrinkles can also be caused by environmental factors. Examples of these include cigarette smoking and pollution as this may hasten aging by producing oxygen free radicals. These are particles produced by many of the body’s chemical processes and when it is produced in excessive amounts, it can damage cell membranes causing not only wrinkle but other skin disorders as well.
Rapid weight loss may also cause wrinkles since you reduce the volume of fat cells that cushion around the face that will make the skin sag.
Now that we know what causes wrinkles, can it be treated? The answer is yes. Some dermatologists recommend retinoic acid which is applied to the skin to fill in the crevices. There are also things people can take such as topical creams and ointments to peel off the top layers of the skin, dermabrasion which is a procedure to sand the top layer of the skin, injecting collagen or botulinum under the skin and laser surgery.
Can anyone pursue any of the treatments mentioned? The answer is no. This depends on the patient’s age. Whichever you choose, you should ask the dermatologist how effective is the procedure, is it safe, possible complications and the experience of the professional.
In some cases, a combination of these procedures is necessary. The best part is knowing that this causes uniform destruction and shedding of the old damaged superficial skin cells so the healthier deeper cells will take their place on the surface.
There is not much that people can do to prevent wrinkles because this is normal as we age. But we can slow it down by staying indoors between 10 am to 4 pm when the sun is the hottest and washing the face with a mild non-soap cleanser. The skin should be patted dry and lubricated at once with a water based moisturizer ideally SPF30 filter to prevent further dehydration.
Now that you know what wrinkles are, we can take steps to delay it from happening or just accept it for what it is. After all, aging is a fact of life all of us will one day face.
Getting Rid of Wrinkles
For those who smoke, you should stop immediately. Studies have shown that this activates premature aging or what is better known as photo aging which is why someone in their 30’s will look like a person that is already in their 50’s.
Overexposure to the sun causes wrinkles. You can prevent that from happening by staying indoors between 10 am to 4pm. If you have to go out, make sure you have sun screen on that will protect you from ultraviolet A and B rays.
If you drink, you better also give up the habit because apart from health related problems, alcohol causes severe dehydration. If the body does not have enough water, the skin becomes thinner making is sag. The only solution of course will be to drink lots of fluid. Ideally this should be 8 glasses of water a day as this plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin complexion.
Aside from water, you should also maintain a proper diet. You should include here 5 servings of vegetables and a serving of fruit in our daily meals. Some examples of these that are rich in antioxidants include asparagus, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cantaloupe, guava, papaya and pineapple.
Other things that can be used include olive oil, nuts and whole grains. Since we also need some protein and meats, add fish to your diet as it contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are best broiled or baked.
To complete your diet, don’t forget to take some supplements. These should at least give you sufficient amounts of vitamins A, B, C and E as these protect us from free radicals.
For some, the presence of wrinkles is already there. When that happens, the only thing to do now is to find ways to remove it. For that, you will have to rely on creams and other procedures that can be done by a dermatologist. Some examples of these include chemical peels, laser surgery and injections.
Some of these procedures have short term effects while others which are more expensive are for the long term. You just have to get yourself examined by the specialist to find out which one is suited to your condition and of course, what is within your budget.
You should only use mild soaps when getting rid of wrinkles. This is because strong soaps does the exact opposite and only makes the skin less healthy and more prone to wrinkles forming as it kills the top layers of skin and seeping the oil out of the layers of skin below that. If you don’t heed this warning, you will regret it with the presence in the number and deepness of these wrinkles.
Getting rid of wrinkles is challenging especially when it is already on your face and body. Regardless of what beauty product you buy, these will not go away overnight in the same manner that they appeared on your face. If money is no object, then go for a procedure.
All of us have a different way of addressing this problem and with the budget setting our limits; we simply have to use whatever resources there are to make it go away.
Can We Prevent Wrinkled Skin?
A lot of experts believe that we are only delaying the inevitable. There have been advances in the dermatological field which people can use as well as home remedies that have proven to be quite effective.
You can use lotions or facial creams that contain AHA’s or alpha-hydroxic acids. This contains Vitamin A and is usually extracted from milk, fruits and sugar cane and works by clearing away dead cells on the surface of the skin. It encourages collagen growth which fills in the wrinkles and also counteracts free radicals that can damage the skin.
The only side effect is skin irritation which happens on occasion. You can test the product you are using by rubbing a little of this on a small patch of skin behind the ear. If it doesn’t turn red the day after then it is safe for you to use.
You should also exfoliate your skin twice weekly to remove dead and dry skin cells and encourage the body to produce new skin cells. This enables the skin to absorb the cream or the moisturizer better since it is hydrated.
You can prevent wrinkles the natural way by cutting a piece from an aloe vera plant and then apply this to the skin as the leaf itself contains malic acid. Papaya is another good example to use because it contains enzymes that can etch away the top layer of the skin.
Apply a moisturizer every morning after washing as this helps retain moisture in the skin. Ideally, this should contain SPF30 so it can protect you from the sun’s ultra-violet rays which also cause wrinkles to appear. A natural method would be to use fresh avocado as this contains vitamin E which is an anti-oxidant.
Aside from applying creams to your face, you can also prevent wrinkles by watching your diet and drinking lots of water. The food you consume should be rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that will help you achieve healthy skin cell structure.
You should also exercise regularly as this helps maintain general health and improve circulation to the skin. You shouldn’t smoke or drink too much because it defeats the purpose of all the safeguards you have done to prevent wrinkles.
Stress forces us to make excessive use of the facial muscles which causes the skin to crease into expression lines. To prevent that from happening, don’t frown too much or raise your eye brows in surprise.
Lastly, as much as possible try to stay indoors especially between 10 am and 4pm since this is the time that it is very hot outside. If you have to go out, wear a hat and even a pair of sunglasses as well as an umbrella to protect your arms.
Can we prevent wrinkled skin? The answer is yes as long as we take the appropriate steps. Those mentioned above are much cheaper than having to undergo laser surgery or injecting some chemical into the body so do your best before you have to resort to other means.