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It is useless to resist.

Like it or not (and usually not), it reaches us all.

"

Skin aging

is a complex process that manifests itself as a

progressive reduction in maximum function and reserve capacity of the epidermis

, dermis and hypodermis", explains Cristina de las Heras, doctor at the International Dermatological Clinic (Madrid).

In order for us to better understand the process, De las Heras clarifies that, taking into account the diversity of factors that participate in aging,

seven types

can be indicated

and, therefore, as many lines of action to try to mitigate its progress:

1. Chronological, marked by the passage of time.

2. Genetic, written in our DNA (premature aging, phototype ...).

3. Behavioral, conditioned by our diet, tobacco, alcohol, etc.

4. Photoaging, due to ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

5. Catabolic, caused by chronic debilitating diseases.

6. By gravity.

7. Endocrine, whose origin is in some dysfunction of the hormonal systems (ovaries, thyroid ...).

To all this should be added, in addition, a factor that increasingly arouses more interest in the skin aging process, which is the

role of hormones

, especially,

after 50 years

.

"The skin is an organ 'dependent' on hormones, rich in estrogen receptors and associated proteins. The effect of menopause on skin biology and the influence of hormonal treatments are challenges shared by

dermatologists and gynecologists

", explains Dr. De Las Heras.

During perimenopause, he continues, "the structure of the horny layer is modified leading to subtle changes in the function of the cutaneous barrier, and even to a climacteric xerosis popularly known as 'dry skin'".

As a consequence, "the skin, after 50, is

more sensitive to environmental aggressions

, such as sunlight, cold or environmental dryness".

On the other hand, he adds, there is "a

reduction in collagen content

in the dermis associated with the decrease in estrogen at this age."

The main characteristic, at this stage of life, is "the existence of significant

skin laxity

, related to the

decrease in collagen

in the skin as well as the

thickness of the dermis

."

Another important factor responsible for this laxity is "the alteration of the

elastin fibers

with the decrease of estrogens."

To this must be added "the summative effect of the other causes of facial aging such as the sum of years subject to the gravitational effect, exposure to the sun without protection, and so on."

THE BEST TREATMENTS

Cristina de las Heras reports that, in recent years, several active principles for

correcting the signs of aging

have been added to the list of topical treatments

, such as trans-retinoic acids (tretinoin) and its prodrugs such as retinol, retinaldehyde and 13-cisretinoic acids (isotretinoin), as well as alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-lipohydroxy acids. "

The

retinol

, which is the compound most known of these "enhances the

renewal of epidermal cells

, decreases the cohesion between the cells of the stratum corneum and promotes desquamation".

Similarly, "given that the melanocytes shed their pigment to the superficial stratum corneum, the application of retinol leads to a decrease in some

skin

hyperpigmentation

".

It is also associated with "an improvement in the texture of the skin, improving its viscoelasticity and avoiding the formation of

fine expression lines

accentuated by increased dryness".

The

vitamin C

, meanwhile, is "a powerful antioxidant that reverses the formation of free radicals causing oxidative stress and premature aging."

In addition, it participates in "the formation of collagen in the dermis and is associated with a slightly depigmenting effect".

A molecule synthesized by plants in response to stressors, "

resveratrol

, applied topically, is a great antioxidant that acts, not only against the effects of ultraviolet radiation, but also on estrogen receptors, which is why it is used so much to treat

photoaging

caused by the sun such as purely

chronological

".

It is also "capable of inhibiting the

tyrosinase

involved in

melanogenesis

, offering protection against the possibility of developing lentigos and melasmas".

Several 'in vitro' studies have shown its power to "inhibit the proliferation of some cells, thus suggesting a potential use in

skin cancer"

.

There is still more.

"

Alpha-hydroxy acids

, in addition to exfoliating, are moisturizers. They increase the ability of epidermal cells to attract water, which provides greater hydration to the skin."

There are different active ingredients that are chosen "according to the needs of each skin: more aimed at improving coloration, wrinkles, acne breakouts associated with hormonal changes, etc."

HOW TO APPLY THEM

So far the products that we should use.

The question is: how and when do we do it?

"The most convenient thing is to use an

antioxidant in the morning

(vitamin C, ferulic acid, even resveratrol) to avoid the formation of free radicals throughout the day. They are usually presented in the form of a

serum or very light solutions

that favor their absorption".

Later, we could apply "a

cream that provides comfort and hydration

to the skin."

To know which is the most suitable, we must take into account "factors, such as skin type and its current state of hydration."

Sometimes, he clarifies, "it is not necessary to use cream and we would go directly to the application of a

sunscreen

".

The

sunscreen

is vital in itself "to avoid

damage to the DNA

of the cells that produce collagen, fibroblasts".

In the same way, "it decreases the activation of the melanocytes, cells that form melanin and cause the appearance of solar lentigos and other spots. It must be remembered that

our best natural system for sun protection is melanin

. Thanks to it, UV radiation and infrared does not destroy our skin. However, an excess of sun produces disorders in the synthesis of that melanin ".

The

active ingredients with exfoliating capacity

, such as retinoids and hydroxy acids, are applied "exclusively

at night

to prevent the skin from being too sensitized to light and to improve its tolerance".

To start using it, it is recommended "to apply

retinol

only two nights a week and gradually increase it until tolerance is achieved".

Depending on the needs, "they can be alternated with

hydroxy acids

."

Sometimes it is also necessary to use "a comfort cream during the first weeks of application".

In any case, this specialist from the International Dermatological Clinic emphasizes that "whoever learns to take care of himself when young will internalize these healthy habits for the rest of his life."

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