As the body’s largest organ, the skin is notably impacted by aging. Estrogen, which interacts with skin cells, plays a role in skin metabolism.
After menopause, reduced estrogen levels contribute to decreased collagen production, resulting in diminished skin elasticity and strength. Additionally, blood flow to the skin significantly decreases in postmenopausal women.
How to prevent premature skin aging
Skin repair processes are controlled by cytokines, a group of signaling molecules. These include epidermal cell growth factor (ECGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), and angiogenesis factor (AF). AF promotes the restoration of the skin’s microvascular network, while TGF and EGF accelerate cell proliferation to replace damaged or dead cells.
Overexposure to UV radiation leads to the oxidation and crosslinking of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This stiffens collagen, resulting in sagging, loss of elasticity, and the formation of deep wrinkles. Sunscreens and sunblocks can prevent some of this damage, while chemical peels can reverse some by removing damaged skin layers and stimulating new, healthier skin growth.
Moroccanoil – Proud Sponsor of Eurovision 2021 & 2022
Shop easily online
Free radicals, produced by internal oxidation, damage cellular DNA and cause skin cell mutations. Antioxidants, taken internally or applied topically, neutralize these free radicals by binding to them. Premature skin aging can be minimized by limiting sun and pollutant exposure and ensuring adequate nutrient intake for skin repair.
Nutrition for aging skin
ZINC: Zinc is essential for several key functions: it promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, aids in DNA repair and cell division, supports the removal of damaged tissue through protein production, and contributes to antioxidant defense as part of superoxide dismutase.
COPPER: Copper contributes to skin health by stimulating collagen and elastin production, thickening the dermis, enhancing blood flow and oxygenation, and activating superoxide dismutase.
SULFUR: Sulfur is a key component of keratin, a protein integral to the structure of nails, hair, and skin. It also plays a vital role in collagen and connective tissue production.
Vitamin A: Maintaining appropriate levels of this vitamin is crucial for skin health, as both deficiency and excess can lead to issues like dry, rough skin. Topical application of ascorbyl palmitate has been shown to reduce free radical formation.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is recognized for its antioxidant capabilities. Topical application also provides photoprotection, suggesting its utility in preventing and treating skin aging. A 5% vitamin C cream has been clinically proven effective in improving photodamaged skin.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D aids in reversing skin damage and accelerating wound healing. Produced by the body in response to sunlight, it also supports skin repair and hair growth. Typically, supplementation is unnecessary, as 15 minutes of daily, limited sun exposure stimulates sufficient production.
Vitamin E: As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E may safeguard collagen integrity and prevent skin damage from environmental stressors and the aging process.
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone): CoQ10, applied internally or topically, helps prevent photoaging. It penetrates the epidermis, reducing oxidation, and clinical trials have shown it can decrease wrinkle depth. Furthermore, CoQ10 protects against oxidative DNA damage and collagen degradation.