Ageing is a completely natural part of life, but as an ageing society we crave eternal youth. We've unlocked the secrets to slow ageing skin and want to share them with you!
The Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ and comprises of three layers the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The skin has numerous roles such as vitamin D synthesis, body temperature regulation, protects from external threats, protects internal organs and allows sensations like touch, pain, pressure, heat and cold. Collagen and elastin are proteins, which give the skin strength, flexibility and texture. Collagen gives the skin its tautness, softness, resiliency and suppleness. Elastin acts like a spring, allowing the skin to bounce back if it is pulled and it also keeps the skin tight and flexible.
Why do we age?
There are two types of ageing skin, internal and external. Both of these types contribute to premature ageing. Causes of premature ageing include sun exposure, smoking, pollution, poor nutrition, stress, inflammation, poor skin care, alcohol and sleep deprivation. Ageing can be explained by the free radical theory. Free radicals are created by normal body processes and by external factors including sunlight, cigarette smoke and air pollution. Free radicals are highly unstable and reactive molecules that stabilise themselves by stealing electrons from healthy molecules and in the process damage healthy cells.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are free radical fighters and protect the body against their harmful damage. It’s extremely difficult to get adequate amounts of antioxidants from the diet to combat the constant bombardment from free radicals. Taking a range of antioxidants can reduce the malicious damage of free radicals.
Nourish your skin
Your diet plays a large role in the health of your skin.
- Aim for a diet rich in antioxidants – berries, brightly coloured fruit and vegetables.
- Moisturise your skin by eating foods rich in omega-3 such as fish, flaxseeds and walnuts.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C, bioflavonoids, beta-carotene, zinc, manganese and iron.
- Fish, legumes, tofu, chicken, turkey, eggs and nuts and seeds are good protein sources.
- Eat lots of anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, garlic, turmeric.
- Control blood sugar levels, eat low glycaemic index foods.
- Avoid refined sugar.
- Minimise vegetable oils, margarine and red meat.
- Avoid junk food and processed or packaged food.
- Drink green tea and ensure to drink 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
Lifestyle tips for youthful looking skin:
- Protect yourself from the sun. Use natural sunscreen, wear protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade.
- Limit alcohol.
- Stop smoking.
- Manage stress, relax.
- Cleanse, tone and moisturise daily. Exfoliate once a week. Have regular facials. Use all natural skincare products. Remove makeup before bed.
- Exercise regularly.
Skin saving supplements:
- Demineralised fish proteins – helps reduce fine wrinkles and may help to reduce coarse wrinkles, helps protect from premature aging caused by UV exposure, helps to minimise rough skin, enhances skin elasticity and thickness and helps protect against the breakdown of collagen.
- Vitamin C – involved in the production of collagen and elastin, maintains skins strength, antioxidant.
- Grape seed – antioxidant which may help strengthen collagen.
- Vitamin E – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
