How Our Skin Ages: Part 2

Thursday, June 14th, 2012 at 10:18 PM

Free Radicals
Another way in which our skin ages is by exposure to free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that have only one electron instead of two. A molecule cannot survive with just one electron, so it must find another one. The one-electron molecule must scavenge other molecules to find another electron. When the second one loses its electron to the first molecule, then it too will have to scavenge another molecule to find an electron; and thus this is how the process is repeated over and over again. This process can damage cell function and alter genetic material. Free radical damage causes wrinkles by breaking down collagen. There are several factors that start this cascading process including exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation in sunlight, smoking, and exposure to air pollution.

Muscle Use
Habitual facial expressions can also cause the skin to wrinkle and age as it loses elasticity. Frown lines between the eyebrows and crows’ feet in the corners of the eyes develop as the tiny muscles in those areas permanently contract. So, remember ladies, turn that frown upside down! Also, take this as an opportunity to practice positive thinking. Not only does it help you to keep a positive attitude, but it will also keep you from developing wrinkles too soon.

Gravity and Wrinkles
The effects of gravity can make the skin loosen and sag more. This causes jowls and drooping eyelids. Sorry ladies, there’s nothing much that we can do about changing gravity. (Thank goodness since we’d all float off of the planet!) What goes up eventually comes down. But there is hope! Taking care of your skin as I have described here on my blog can help slow the process.