ANTI- AGEING – ENVIRONMENTALLY DAMAGED

Apr 4, 2022

ANTI- AGEING – ENVIRONMENTALLY DAMAGED

Can be classified as a skin that presents with clinical signs of premature ageing or photo ageing resulting from a history of exposure to environmental factors.  The effects of environmental exposure are cumulative

The formation of wrinkles is considered the most typical characteristic of an ageing skin.  Wrinkles will appear because of the changes in the lower, dermal layers of the skin.  Ageing is however also accompanied by the following:

  • Loss of elasticity
  • Thick or thinning skin
  • Hyperpigmentation or uneven colour tone
  • Decreased barrier protection leading to dehydration and increased skin sensitivity
  • Skin inflammation
  • Compromised immune response and barrier repair

There are different types of environmentally damaged skin that present with these primary characteristics:

CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE

  1. INTRINSIC VS EXTRINSIC AGEING
  • Intrinsic (Chronological Ageing) – reflects genetic background, passage of time, beyond our control
  • Lines fine
  • Pigmentation regular
  • All layers of skin thickness are thinner
  • Skin texture is porcelain-like and delicate
  • Extrinsic (Photo Ageing) – environmental or external factors, smoking, nutrition, UV exposure and premature skin ageing
  • Wrinkles deeper, thick furrows
  • Pigmentation irregular
  • All layers of skin thickness are thicker
  • Skin texture is leathery

 

  • UV RADIATION – wrinkles can be seen as solar scars which is a wound response to UV trauma and a sign that the skin is trying to repair itself. As the scars accumulate over many years of UV exposure we see it as wrinkles – photo ageing.  UVA & UVB radiation accounts for 7% of total solar energy
  • INFRA-RED RADIATION – Infra-red accounts for 54% of solar energy and creates free-radicals that reduces the skin’s antioxidant capacity resulting in accelerated skin ageing, DNA damage, collagen degradation and decrease in cell turn over
  • HEV (High Energy Visible Light) – Latest studies have proven that this is the next light energy source to be aware of that causes photo ageing – HEV can typically be emitted from mobile phones, high-definition televisions, computers, laptops electronic equipment, fluorescent lights, etc.  It weakens the barrier function, increases dryness and sensitivity, depress immunity, can cause inflammation and redness and wrinkles, skin sagging and uneven pigmentation
  • CLIMATE – hot or cold, humid, or dry. Climate has a profound impact on skin and can change the behaviour of the skin for better or for worse
  • Cold Climates tend to be dry with low humidity which can cause skin to become dry. Wispy winds can further deplete skin of moisture.  In winter our natural sebum cannot keep up with the hydration demands of our skin which can lead to eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, cracking or scaliness, itchiness, redness, or a course texture.

Once this happens it becomes a vicious cycle of dehydration resulting in more moisture loss and leading to premature ageing in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and dull skin

  • Hot Climates – warm climates are often accompanied wit humidity which may be beneficial for the skin, however the heat associated with the sun posing an increased risk for sun damage. High temperatures cause perspiration and excess sebum production which may clog the pores resulting in a heat rash.  Bacterial and fungal infections also breed in hot, humid climates

 

  • POLLUTION AND PREMATURE AGEING – there is a link between exposure to air pollution and uneven skin tone, loss of elasticity, wrinkles and premature ageing and may affect the production of collagen leading to premature ageing. The symptoms of a pollutant exposed skin:
  • Premature ageing
  • Inflammation
  • Oxidative stress
  • Protein and DNA damage
  • Skin irritation or allergies
  • Degrading of the lipids (fat) in the skin
  • Dry, wrinkled, and dull skin

 

  1. HORMONAL CHANGES

Imbalance of hormones in the body can lead to changes in the skin, ageing being one of the changes

  • OESTROGEN – develop and maintain female characteristics and a decline affect all systems and organs of the body, including the skin. Symptoms of decline within the skin:
  • Collagen production and quality decrease
  • Increase in fine lines and wrinkles
  • Skin thickness decrease
  • Premature skin ageing
  • VITAMIN D₃ (sunshine vitamin) – the most important nutrient in our body and important to every cell in the body and synthesised in the skin upon adequate and specific exposure to specifically UVB radiation. Symptoms of deficiency within the skin:
  • Decrease protection against infectious microbes
  • Decreased protection against oxidative stress
  • Damage of cellular DNA
  • Impaired skin barrier
  • Ageing skin
  1. CHEMICAL PROCESSES – various chemical processes happen in the skin that affect the ageing process

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGED SKIN TREATMENT

 We will have a thorough consultation with you as each client’s skin and individual concerns differ and will be taken into consideration in planning your individual treatment plan

Treatments are done every 3-6 weeks over 8 months, depending on skin sensitivity, photo type and age.

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