Skin aging is a very complex biological process that varies greatly from person to person. It is usually of cosmetic interest only, but can also be an indicator of pathological processes in the body. Aging of the skin is influenced by both external (environment) and internal factors (genetics).
What is skin aging?
Skin aging occurs as part of the overall aging of the organism. Since every organism is subject to the aging process, no person is spared from skin aging. Skin aging takes place within the framework of the overall aging of the organism. Since every organism is subject to the aging process, no human being is spared from the aging of the skin. However, the speed of skin changes is individual for each person. However, they always proceed according to the same laws. Externally, skin aging is manifested by wrinkles, dry skin, loss of elasticity or the formation of age spots. However, these are only its visible signs. Even if there are no visible changes on the outside, the skin aging process begins in every person between the twentieth and thirtieth year of life. The speed and extent of the skin aging process depends on environmental and genetic factors.
Function and task
As shown above, skin aging is a normal process that affects everyone. As a rule, it has no disease value. However, skin changes that occur very quickly can be signs of pathological physical processes. Since both environmental and genetic factors are involved in skin aging, a distinction is made between so-called environmental aging and time aging. Environmental aging (light aging) is significantly influenced by environmental factors. The influence of UV light plays a major role. Furthermore, the skin is also subject to chemical and mechanical stress. The stronger the environmental influences, the more noticeable the skin changes. Ageing, on the other hand, is genetically determined and therefore cannot be influenced. Several processes play a role in skin aging. First, from the mid or late twenties, the rate of cell division slows down. While in young years the cells still divide approximately every 27 days, cell division in older people takes place only every 50 days. As a result, the skin naturally renews itself more slowly. The dermis and epidermis play a special role in skin aging. The dermis contains connective tissue cells and connective tissue fibers. The connective tissue fibers consist of collagen, which is responsible for the stability and tensile strength of the tissue. They also contain elastin, which gives the tissue its extensibility. Due to the slowing down of the renewal process, less collagen and elastin are produced in older people. The elasticity and water-binding capacity of the skin decreases. At the same time, the subcutaneous fatty tissue also becomes thinner, so that red veins become visible under the skin. The dermis is also no longer as well lubricated and the number of blood vessels in the skin decreases. As a result, it is less well supplied with oxygen and nutrients. All these processes lead to drier, less oily, less elastic and more sensitive skin. Harmful environmental influences also increase the breakdown of collagen fibers. UV light, for example, generates large amounts of free radicals in the form of singlet oxygen. This is excited oxygen that causes very aggressive chemical reactions in the skin cells and in the collagen fibers. Nicotine or alcohol also generate free radicals. Since vitamins are radical scavengers, an improper diet low in vitamins also often leads to faster skin aging.
Diseases and ailments
As mentioned, the process of skin aging generally has no disease value. In the context of the overall aging of the organism, it is a normal process. However, rapid aging of the skin may indicate that the body is exposed to increased stress that can cause disease. Aged skin is usually only a cosmetic problem. By using suitable creams and ointments, it is possible to rehydrate the skin and make it more moist. This can also make it more supple and elastic again. It has also been established that molecular aspects also play a role in skin aging.Thus, the transcription factor NF-kappa B is thought to accelerate this process. In older age, this enzyme, which is responsible for triggering inflammatory processes, becomes increasingly active. In experiments on mice, the protein was blocked, with older animals showing a much younger skin condition after about two weeks. However, older skin can acquire real disease value due to its greater sensitivity. This sensitivity leads to more frequent injuries, which are often difficult to heal. Sometimes there are even wound healing problems. As natural skin protection is slowly lost, UV radiation can also penetrate the tissues more effectively and promote skin cancer in the long term. However, the obvious effects of skin aging can be mitigated by intensive skin care. In this context, the re-fatting of the skin is particularly important. Re-greasing also keeps its dehydration in check. In this context, the use of the right skin cleansing products is also of great importance. They should contain refatting substances and not be too alkaline. In the case of very dry skin, slightly acidic skin care products are now often used instead of soaps so as not to destroy the skin’s oily film. Overall, the process of skin aging cannot be prevented. However, since its speed also depends on environmental influences and lifestyle, much can be done at this point. Avoiding heavy UV exposure of the skin, abstaining from alcohol and nicotine as well as a healthy lifestyle slows down skin aging immensely.
