Tag Archive for: Anti-Aging

What is a wrinkle?

A wrinkle is an indentation of the skin or shallow or deep set lines caused by aging. Wrinkles usually go hand in hand with sagging skin. While we cannot stop the clock on aging, there are many precautions that can slow it down.

CQJ_0849‘Development of facial wrinkles is a kind of fibrosis of the skin. Misrepair-accumulation aging theory suggests that wrinkles develop from incorrect repairs of injured elastic fibers and collagen fibers. Repeated extensions and compressions of the skin cause repeated injuries of extracellular fibers in derma. During the repairing process, some of the broken elastic fibers and collagen fibers are not regenerated and restored but replaced by altered fibers. When an elastic fiber is broken in an extended state, it may be replaced by a “long” collagen fiber. Accumulation of “long” collagen fibers makes part of the skin looser and stiffer, and as a consequence, a big fold of skin appears. When a “long” collagen is broken in a compressed state, it may be replaced by a “short” collagen fiber. The “shorter” collagen fibers will restrict the extension of “longer” fibers, and make the “long” fibers in a folding state permanently. A small fold, namely a permanent wrinkle, then appears’

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrinkle

Wrinkles can be caused by internal and external factors. Wrinkles form at the dermis and epidermis levels of the skin. The visual appearance of this is dependent on which layer the wrinkle forms in. According to How Stuff Works, The sun is 90% responsible for wrinkles.

Understanding external and internal factors and how to avoid wrinkle formation and protect against premature aging:

Internal factors:

Smoking

Glycation (breakdown of collagen by ingested sugar)

Drinking excessive alcohol (causes glycation)

Genetic age (plays a role no matter how healthy you are)

Habitual facial muscles (expression lines)

External factors:

Sun

Smoking

Pollution

Improper skin care

The Do’s & Don’ts

DO

Wear sunscreen + hat + glasses

Exfoliate

Moisturize skin

Eat healthy, anti-oxidant rich foods + foods high in Omegas fatty acids

Take oral supplements

Use active anti-oxidant treatment products

See a Dermatologist

Use a retinol based product or natural derivative

Sleep on a silk pillowcase

Protect children from the Sun at a young age

DON’T

Get Sun exposure

Get Sun burned (50-80% of sun damage is from childhood burns)

Smoke

Drink excessive alcohol

Eat excessive sugar or fried

foods

Tug on facial skin

Little tips to consider:

Drinking from a straw may have a similar effect on the lips as smoking as far as developing little wrinkles.

Rubbing the under eye area with wipes of your finger can damage thin, delicate eye tissue. Try tapping eye product instead of rubbing.

Your skin type ca play a role in determining wrinkles also. Oily skin is  less prone to wrinkles. As we age the loss of moisture, collagen and elastin causes sagging, loss of firmness and dryness.

Investing in a silk pillowcase will help skin stay hydrated. Cotton absorbs moisture and can suck the hydration right out of your skin as well as leave sleep wrinkle. You hair will thank you for the pillowcase too.

Niacinamide is made up of a combination vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, and it’s a potent cell-communicating ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin. Assuming skin is being protected from sun exposure, niacinamide can improve skin’s elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function, help erase discolorations, and revive skin’s healthy tone and texture. It is a vitamin that has excellent clinicals to substantiate its benefit in almost every skin condition and here’s what you need to know about it and why you should be using it.

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Image via StyleCaster

The Benefits:

  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Enhance skin barrier function
  • Reduce pigmentation
  • Elevate skin tone and texture
  • Minimize the depth and appearance of fine lines

How it works:

Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 that offers major barrier protection to the skin and suppresses melanin from reaching the surface of the skin and protects the skin from further UV damage. Too much melanin (which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for both its color the skin’s absorption of UV rays) can result in age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation. According to a study done by Proctor and Gamble, data revealed that 5% Niacinamide applied to the face for 12 weeks resulted in reductions of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved.

“Topical application of Niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content, and stimulate microcirculation in the dermis” according to the British Journal of Dermatology in 2000.

Studies have also indicated niacinamide to be soothing and an anti-inflammatory, proving beneficial in the treatment of rosacea and acne solving properties.

Bottom line; it’s a powerhouse ingredient that works wonders for multiple skin behaviors and concerns.

Check out Wake Up Call and Hands To Heart from Goldfaden MD which both contain Niacinamide.

Proper preparation for a long flight can make a difference in how you feel once you arrive at your destination. The key to a successful, restful flight is to start hydrating a few days before you travel. I prepare for really long flights like preparing for a marathon. The hydration doesn’t only happen on the plane or during the run, it happens days before too. If you start off hydrated and continue to hydrate while on the flight your skin, body and brain will thank you when you land and for days to follow. Hydration is extremely important to keep the body balanced and functioning at a high level. Dehydration leads to headaches, constipation and inability to get on a new time zone. Choose water as your beverage of choice during the duration of the flight. DO NOT drink alcohol or caffeine (this includes tea) as they both promote dehydration. Although having a glass of wine seems like the smart choice to induce sleep, it is actually the worst choice. Try taking Melatonin to help induce sleep.

Screen Shot 2016-02-01 at 3.31.24 PMPhoto via Vogue

Most planes have 10-20 % humidity levels, which can lead to dry throat, dry + scratchy eyes and dry skin. Low humidity also ups your risk of catching a respiratory virus (a cold), and since about 50% of the air on flights is recycled, germs are rampant. So take precautions! You can wear a mask, nostril covers, or simply cover your face while sleeping. Another smart way to protect yourself from germs, is to wipe down your seat area. Pack disinfectant wipes and use them on the seatbelt, tray table, armrests and remote controls. Also try not to touch bathroom handles, faucets etc. You can also put down your own blanket or wrap, so you have a clean seat.

Exercise is another key factor in feeling good on a long journey. Try to exercise the night before or morning of your trip. Exercise relaxes the mind and body, increases circulation and produces sweat. Sweating realizes endorphins, which make us, feel good.

When it comes to skincare on a long flight, hydration is the name of the game. If you wear makeup you’re going to want to remove it before going to sleep. I always travel with facial wipes for this purpose. My favorite are Ko Gen Do cleansing spa water cloths because they are organic and contain essential herbs and they don’t dry the skin out. After removing all makeup, apply a hydration serum or oil to clean skin. My go to oil is Fleuressence Native Botanical Oil because it’s super hydrating but not greasy. Next apply eye cream and hand cream. Carrying a facial mist is a good way to stay hydrated and feel refreshed while traveling. My favorite is Glossier’s Facial Mist made of roses and aloe to soothe.

Travel bag necessities:

Eye drops

Hand cream “Hands To Heart”

Saline nasal spray

Dr. Lipp lip balm/also works in the nose

Facial mask

Nostril covers/try “Filter Your Life” covers

Compression socks

Eye mask

Earplugs

Something warm to wrap up in

Safe travels!!