Skin Care Last Updated: November 9, 2010

The Sun’s Role in Aging Skin

Why We Age

The aging process depends on a combination of both genetic (intrinsic) and environmental (extrinsic) factors, which helps to explain why some of us show the sings of aging in our faces more quickly than others. Overall, research shows that genetic factors are more powerful than environmental factors. While there is nothing much we can do about our genetics (not yet anyways), there are lifestyle habits that are proven to accelerate the aging process. This research has enabled us to educate our patients about strategies for both preventing and dealing with aging.

Intrinsic Aging

Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is a continuous and unavoidable process that begins in our early twenties. In our skin, we see decreased collagen and elastin production, which results in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

Genetics

We age like our parents. The way our faces and bodies change over time is largely determined in our genes. If you are wondering what we will look like in thirty years, take a good look at your mother or father. If you mother has pronounced jowls and a loose neck skin, it is likely that you will too. That’s not to say that some simple lifestyle changes can’t help you heal better that you parents are. We are blessed with more knowledge about the aging process than our parents were, and are now armed with the information to make good changes, like wearing sunscreen, avoiding significant weight fluctuations and not smoking. Although lifestyle choices certainly play a part in the aging process, much of it as been determined in our genes.

Extrinsic Aging

These are the kinds of aging we have some control over, both in the form of prevention and treatment. People who are motivated to look as young as they can for their age should consider their lifestyle choices.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure ages the skin and is responsible for most of the skin damage associated with aging. This damage accumulates slowly over time and starts at an early age. Much of the skin damage is merely cosmetic, resulting in brown spots, wrinkles and sagging skin, but some effects, such as skin cancer, are dangerous.  The good news is that sun damage is avoidable, and we can protect ourselves from unnecessary aging by wearing sunscreen, using a daily skin care routine that includes antioxidants, and covering up.

Smoking

Whether you smoke, or you spend time with a smoker, you are exposing your skin to unnecessary damage. Research has shown that exposure to cigarette smoke significantly increases skin wrinkles and dryness. Smoking causes a range of premature aging processes, including wrinkles and sagging skin. Smoking is not only responsible for aging the face, it causes wrinkling on the inside of the arms and other areas. Skin wrinkles and folds can be treated with BOTOX® and fillers, which help to mask the appearance of damaged skin. Sagging skin can be treated with facial rejuvenation surgery such as a facelift, but only if you quite smoking first. Smoking deprives the skin of oxygen. In this impaired state, it does not heal as quickly as healthy skin, making it unsafe for you to have facelift surgery. Please quite smoking for at least a month before considering a facelift.

Facial Expressions

Regular facial movements lead to fine lines and wrinkles. With each facial movement, grooves forms beneath the surface of the skin causing lines. Over time, as we lose skin elasticity, these grooves become permanently on the face in the form of fine lines and wrinkles. These are knows as dynamic wrinkles, and they become more pronounced over time. Does this mean we should avoid smiling, frowning and showing emotion on our faces? Of course not. The good news is that dynamic wrinkles can be prevented in some parts of the face with regular BOTOX® treatments. Areas that are safely and effectively treated with BOTOX® as an anti wrinkle strategy include the vertical parallel lines between the eyebrows (known as the 11’s), crow’s feet around the eyes, and forehead wrinkles. People who consider BOTOX® as an anti aging strategy typically begin in their mid to late twenties, and combine regular treatments with a daily Skin Care regime that includes sunscreen and antioxidants.

What Kind of Changes Can We Expect?

While we all age at different rates, all of us typically exhibit a patter of aging as we progress through our lifespan. Find out more about what of age related facial changes will most likely occur.

Protect, Correct or Reverse: Find Out How

If you are experiencing the signs of aging in your face and are frustrated by these changes, you have a range of options to considering including facial rejuvenation surgery, non-surgical BOTOX® and filler treatments, and skin care. The appropriate treatment plan for you depends on a wide range of factors including your physical characteristics, objectives, budget and tolerance for medical treatments.