Introduction
Ageing is a natural consequence of physiological changes over time, caused by a combination of intrinsic cellular processes and extrinsic environmental and lifestyle factors. Over time, ageing skin starts to lose elastin fibres, collagen and other proteins, which are the basic constituents that make skin healthy, bright, fit and elastic.
For many women, the signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and dull or dry skin, are particularly obvious on the face, neck, decolletage, upper arms, and hands, and typically start to appear from the 30s onwards.
It is worth considering how to combat the signs of ageing, because feeling and looking as youthful and attractive as possible helps to maintain confidence and has positive effects on overall health and well-being.
What Causes Ageing: A Summary
Intrinsic ageing – ie: chronological (time-related) and biological (cellular) ageing – is a natural process. The rate of ageing can be significantly different among different ethnic populations, with darker skin generally ageing slower than lighter skin.
Extrinsic ageing – ie: environmental factors and photoaging (exposure to UV light) – is associated with lifestyle choices such as sun exposure, smoking and poor nutrition, which we do have some control over.
Intrinsic Causes of Ageing:
At cellular level, as we age there is a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in our bodies. ATP is the antioxidant that provides energy to support processes in living cells. A decrease in antioxidants can result in an increase in free radicals, increased inflammation and oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative ailments such as cancer, arthritis, premature ageing, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Cellular and hormonal changes mean the skin thickness, the skin’s ability to retain moisture, and the amount of collagen produced, also decrease naturally per year after menopause. As people age, approximately 30% of the subcutaneous fat on the face and hands is lost, which accentuates the appearance of ageing.
Ageing and Ageing Related Disease:
Your DNA is located within your cells, in the form of chromosomes. As the cells in your body divide, your chromosomes need to replicate.
The telomeres — the ends of the chromosomes inside every cell — help protect the chromosomes from damage, but your DNA strands become slightly shorter each time a chromosome replicates itself.
An enzyme called telomerase, found within certain cells, helps prevent too much wear and tear by adding additional telomere sequences to the ends of your chromosomes. But as we age, this fine balance can be disrupted and waste products can accumulate and cause oxidative stress, which results in more DNA damage and telomere shortening.
Some scientists claim telomere shortening is a major contributor to the ageing process, cellular damage, and development of various inflammatory diseases. Cellular damage of this type can contribute to cardiovascular issues, cerebrovascular disease, degenerative joint disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer and organ degeneration.
Environmental Factors:
Also known as extrinsic ageing, the most common cause of extrinsic ageing is sun damage from exposure to the sun’s rays (UV light). It is estimated that 90% of all skin cancers are directly related to sun exposure.
Smokers experience significant deterioration in skin colour and shine, and being exposed to cigarette smoke can also slow DNA repair, which affects cellular regeneration.
Excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and environmental pollution also contribute to extrinsic ageing, while repetitive facial muscle movements such as squinting or frowning can result in deeper facial lines.
Preventative Tips:
While we can’t stop the natural process of ageing completely, there is much we can do to support our bodies to ensure we remain healthy and more youthful looking for longer.
Excess weight causes skin to stretch and can result in skin tags, stretch marks and varicose veins, while obesity has been linked to skin conditions such as psoriasis and cellulitis. High fat and carbohydrate intake has been also associated with a higher likelihood of a wrinkled appearance.
A healthy diet can help with weight management, but it has benefits for anti-ageing too. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, while many believe following a Mediterranean diet which is rich in antioxidants will help reduce the signs of ageing. Keeping well hydrated also helps detoxification, which can help skin look fresher.
Physical activity is good for both body and mind.
Exercise (even activity such as gardening or housekeeping) helps keep your bones and heart healthy, and your weight in check. Studies have also shown that physically active people lower their risk of developing dementia.
Avoid exposure to exogenous substances, such as ultraviolet and X-rays, chemical additives in food, and air and water pollutants wherever possible, to reduce the risk of DNA damage.
Remember, daily sun protection is important. Nothing can undo sun damage completely, but it’s never too late to start protecting your skin by using SPF30 or higher when you are outside.
Getting regular sleep and reducing stress wherever possible is also recommended.
Anti-Ageing Treatment Package at The Ozone Clinic:
This treatment package focuses on rejuvenating the cells from within, enhancing your natural beauty, supporting overall health, and addressing the root cause of ageing.
This holistic approach addresses cellular decline, boosts collagen production, and flushes out toxins, leaving you with a renewed and vibrant appearance.
It consists of PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field) Therapy, Ozone Sauna Therapy, IHHT and IV Ozone.
PEMF Therapy uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate cellular activity, so the body produces more collagen and elastin, which can lead to improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and a more youthful appearance.
Ozone Sauna Therapy helps to remove toxins, so the body can function more efficiently, which leads to improved cellular health and a more radiant glow.
IHHT (Intermittent Hypoxia Hyperoxia Therapy) therapy involves alternating periods of hypoxia (low oxygen) and hyperoxia (high oxygen). This can lead to healthier and more vibrant looking skin.
Finally, IV Ozone Therapy can promote tissue repair and regeneration. This can lead to improved skin texture, reduced wrinkles, and minimise the visible signs of ageing.
Conclusion
It is possible to achieve natural anti-ageing and a more youthful appearance via cell rejuvenation, and improved collagen and elastin production, supported by making some positive lifestyle choices.
It is well worth considering an anti-ageing treatment package, such as the one at The Ozone Clinic, which focuses on rejuvenating the cells from within and addressing the root cause of ageing. Read more about the benefits here.
Not smoking, making sure you have a healthy diet, staying hydrated, using sun protection, managing stress levels and getting plenty of sleep can also help to slow down the signs of ageing and ensure your skin looks more youthful.
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References
https://www.xiahepublishing.com/m/2472-0712/ERHM-2022-00030
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11118732/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2007.00415.x
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/aging-overview-a-to-z
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-aging-skin
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3614697/
https://www.healthline.com/health/telomeres