Aging is a natural and inevitable process, but the effects of aging, be it wrinkles, sunken cheeks, or pigmentation, can sound scary to some. As a rough guide to slowing down the effects of aging, we’ve narrowed down the causes of aging to 4 main factors:
Sugar
Eating sugar, be it in the form of processed sugars like donuts or “healthy” foods like fruits, causes glycation, a type of inflammatory response in the body. When your body breaks down sugar molecules, they bind onto proteins and fats in your body to form AGEs, molecules that destroy collagen and elastin as they build up in your body.
The destruction of collagen and elastin in your body results in your skin being wrinkly, less supple, and less radiant.
Don’t get us wrong, your body still requires sugar to function, but try and get your daily sugar intake from fruits and whole grains instead of processed sugars.
Sun
We cannot stress this enough: repeated overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause pigmentation spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.
Let’s break down how this works: when UV rays reach your skin, a natural substance called melanin acts as the first line of protection, absorbing the UV rays to protect you against sun damage. This absorption is what gives your skin a tan!
But when the amount of UV rays you expose yourself to exceeds the amount of protection that the melanin in your skin can provide, pigmentation, wrinkles, and dull skin are the unwanted side effects that can slowly emerge over time.
So when it comes to protecting yourself from UV rays, always avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, and always wear sunblock!
Smoking
The carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarettes play a role in reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to your skin, causing wrinkles, or your skin to appear gaunt.
Some studies have shown that smoking affects collagen and elastin in the body too, causing one’s skin to look less firm, youthful, and supple.
Sleep Deprivation
There’s real truth in the term “beauty sleep”! Studies have shown that insufficient sleep is correlated with premature skin aging such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and reduced skin elasticity. Those with inadequate rest also found it more difficult for their skin to recover after sun exposure.
So be sure to get your 7-8 hours of well-deserved rest! Use an anti-aging cream at night too, so your skin can absorb it while repairing itself.
For more information on our anti-aging treatments, call us at +65 6738 4700, email us at enquire@lsaestheticclinic.com, or visit us at Wisma Atria Office Tower, #10-04, along Orchard Road.
We provide honest advice, quality care, and affordable prices.