Throughout our life, certain chemical changes that affect skin function and appearance occur in the body. First wrinkles are always mimic wrinkles. They arise from the fact that muscles of certain face areas are continually stretching elastic fibers of connective tissues. Along with elastic fibers, greater role in skin aging is played by collagen fibers of connective tissue. Both types of fibers form a dense grid, which is recessed in a gelatinous base substance with a relatively small number of cells. Collagen fibers swell and absorb moisture, thanks to this young skin is so elastic. Unfortunately, over the years, the number of collagen fibers decreases, while remaining are unable to retain as much moisture as in younger years. They lose the ability to swelling more and more and harden. This process can be accelerated by external influences (above all - ultraviolet radiation). The third factor in the process of skin aging - a decreasing ability of the upper layer to regenerate. Embryonic layer forms fewer young cells - therefore, less horn cells are laid on skin surface. A barrier that protects from radiation, hazardous substances and loss of moisture, becomes more permeable, live cells in the lower skin layers become more vulnerable.

Sun

Sun has a very harmful effect on skin. Although sun rays contribute to accumulation of vitamins in skin, and we feel comfortable from their heat, prolonged exposure to the sun can damage skin. High energy makes ultraviolet-radiation harmful to skin. It penetrates into skin and destroys biochemical structures. There emerge so-called free radicals, which cause sunburn, and skin regenerative ability decreases. The result are not immediately visible, but emerging for a long time drying and hardening of tissues, premature wrinkles, and, at worst, painful skin lesions. Even ordinary daylight contains A-violet rays from the long-wave spectrum. Both types of UV radiation provoke biochemical processes in connective tissues, when free radicals and certain enzymes are released that attack collagen and elastic fibers and destroy them. Because of this destruction, skin’ elasticity and ability to retain moisture weaken.

Means of sun protection are among the most important products offered by modern cosmetic industry. Their action is based on the fact that chemical filter substances, like tiny antennas, capture ultraviolet radiation and change under its influence. For this chemical transformation they use a part of radiation energy, so that energy does not reach the underlying cells. Lack of chemical filters: they penetrate into skin and enter the body in small quantities through blood. In addition, they can cause allergy.

To avoid both, there were developed light-protecting agents, consisting of floured mineral pigments (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). They remain on skin surface and block solar radiation, reflecting rays. The rest of sunscreens, like other emulsions, consist of fat and water, and also can be enriched with substances, softening irritation and moisturizing skin, as well as “fishers of radicals” - such as vitamin E. After-sun drugs cool skin and restore its moisturizing layer.

Humidity

Low humidity dehydrates the body. Higher humidity leads to the fact that sweat glands are working tirelessly, and skin becomes fatter. While at high temperature and high humidity skin seems fatter, it nevertheless needs moisturizing preparations to be protected from desiccating sun influence. In addition, you should not refuse frequent and thorough skin cleansing.

Temperature fluctuations

Low ambient temperature combined with low humidity increases skin dehydration, which becomes dry and taut. High temperature at low humidity takes away needed moisture from the top skin layer and practically bakes it.

Wind

Strong wind, especially at extreme temperatures and low humidity can dry skin. It becomes scaly. Wind raises dust, which, settling on face, clogs pores and prevents your skin from normal breathing.

Pollution

Exhaust gases, emissions of factory chimneys and other harmful deposits accumulate on skin and clog pores. Polluted air containing noxious fumes, home poisons and other harmful substances contribute to emergence of free radicals and hidden skin irritations. If you constantly have to be in this air, it can significantly accelerate skin aging. As a remedy, you can resort to the following actions: a good day cream and possibly more movement in fresh air.

Sleep

Sleep is the most simple and natural form of cosmetics. During sleep, skin is restored through formation of new cells. Healthy skin needs good sleep. To restore skin, seven or eight hours of sleep are enough.

Water

Water is essential for the body to general detoxification and other harmful substances. During a day you should drink 6 - 8 glasses of water in order to maintain the rhythm of blood circulation and stimulate cell growth.

Nutrition

The body provides itself with food through vitamins and minerals it needs. Consequently, there is a direct correlation between healthy skin and good nutrition. A balanced diet is, therefore, crucial.

Movement

Regular loads on the body stimulate blood circulation. The outer skin layer receives more blood, what allows it to recover. In addition, movement can relieve stress.

Stress

Stress can negatively affect skin. The most significant aging factor - lasting stress. This happens for two reasons: constant tension causes cramps of facial muscles. Elastic fibers stretch more than necessary, and this tires their elongation. In addition, stress hormone adrenalin constricts blood vessels, and this especially affects fine capillaries of skin surface. In case of prolonged stress, skin loses power and oxygen. Second stress hormone cortisone, an antagonist of epinephrine, stops cell division and formation of collagen fibers. Stress and worries can cause wrinkles and even change facial features. Do not wince, if possible, forehead, and do exercises for relaxing facial muscles.

Smoking

Early smoking particularly contributes to appearance of wrinkles. Studies showed that skin of female smokers ages at least four times faster than skin of non-smokers. Free radicals are to blame for this devastating acceleration of aging. With each inhalation, inhaled into the lungs, a huge amount of corrosive particles is released. They attack fat-containing cell walls and alter hereditary information in cell nuclei, which results in deterioration of quality of newly formed cells.

In addition, nicotine contained in cigarette, constricts face blood vessels: skin surface receives less blood, oxygen and nutrients. Primarily lack of vitamins is to blame, since most of them are to neutralize free radicals. Smokers are lacking in vitamin C, which is essential for formation of skin collagen. If you are unable to wean from smoking, at least take care of abundant vitamins supply. Vitamins A, E and C are especially important, as well as beta-carotene. Smoking makes skin looking older. In addition, smoking causes wrinkles around eyes and mouth.

Alcohol

Alcohol damages skin, because it dehydrates tissues and deprives them of valuable minerals. In addition, alcohol dilates vessels, including capillaries in facial skin, so that one day widened red streaks become noticeable. And finally, regular use of alcohol has a strong burden on liver, which immediately affects skin.

Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea do not cause appreciable damage to skin, but, nevertheless, their large quantities overload liver. This, as in case with alcohol, affects metabolism, and hence provision of energy, and skin release from slags.

Medicines

Skin structure may be affected by some medicines, which leads to its increased sensitivity. The general body health equally applies to skin health.