What is Aging Skin?
We begin to age the moment we are born, and throughout our lives the effects of aging are evident in our bodies. Up to about age 20 years, the most visually prominent effects of aging are in growth and development. Beginning in our 20s, the effects of aging begin to be visible in the skin.
Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes biochemical changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that give skin its firmness and elasticity. The genetic program for each person is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared with another.
As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier. Underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag. It looks less supple, and wrinkles form. The skin may be itchy with increased dryness. A cut may heal more slowly.
Simultaneously with genetically programmed aging, the process of photoaging may be taking place. Photoaging is the effect of chronic and excessive sun exposure on the skin. Cigarette smoking also contributes to aging effects by the biochemical changes it brings about in skin tissues.
Photoaging interacts with chronologic aging and may appear to hasten the process of chronologic aging. In fact, photoaging may be responsible for the majority of age-associated changes in the skin’s appearance: mottled pigmentation, surface roughness, fine wrinkles that disappear when stretched, "age" or "liver" spots (lentigines) on the hands, and dilated blood vessels. Chronic sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancers—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
The effects of photoaging accumulate over years of chronic sun exposure. At first, the effects may be invisible to the casual glance, even while they are on the increase. Photos taken with ultraviolet light will dramatically reveal the accumulative effects of chronic sun exposure. In the following series of photos the accumulative effects of chronic sun exposure are clearly seen. In each set of photos, the two pictures on the left were taken in ordinary light, the picture on the right in ultraviolet light:
Aging
A miracle facial for a youthful completion! This wonderful mask is an age-defying combination of herbs, clay, vitamins and protein that help to promote a more youthful appearance. PERFECT FOR MATURE & AGING SKIN TYPES
Market price:
$38.72
This anti-stress moisturizer/primer/optimizer brings together natures purest anti-aging ingredients. Effectively delivers essential skin care vitamins as well as powerful antioxidants directly to your needy face and neck area. Helps take years off!
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ICON recommended facial toner! The best toner available for anti aging skin care. Use along with Persona's cleanser, Under Eye Cream, and Nighttime Repair and Moisturizer for amazing results. This toner is natural and has an amazing, yet subtle, vitamin c scent that is refreshing and lets you kno...
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Depend on this miracle nighttime moisturizer enriched with retinol, wheat protein and other anti-aging/firming ingredients to help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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$40.80
C-Exfoliating Day Lotion helps clean the skin while also protecting it from harmful ultraviolet light.
$49.00
The hottest product around is back with a new formulation. Caffeine lotion is the best lotion for sun damaged and weather worn skin.
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$44.00
Made with 99.5% Organic Ingredients & 0.5% Natural Ingredients. This mild ORGANIC surgar-based body scrub naturally exfoliates and smoothes your skin leaving skin glowing with health and vitality. Unscented.
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This Obagi product is ideal for the treatment of crows feet, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and as an additional protectant against sun-damage. Obagi Cffectives is the most effective single product you can use to restore healthy skin, and prevent future damage from environmental ...
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$44.00
Prepares your skin for aesthetic procedures. Builds and increases skin tolerance. Treats post-procedure anticipated reactions.
$180.00
A refreshing blend of natural ingredients to correct your skins pH balance. Recommended for all skin types. This is step 2 in the Obagi nu derm skin care system.
Market price:
$34.00
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