Healthy Aging Skin Care: Navigating A World of Options (part 1)
by Dr. Brie Woodruff
Have you ever stood in a store staring at the hundreds of lotions, creams, toners, moisturizers, face washes, exfoliants, sunscreens, and serums and wondered what you should actually be using? Do you wonder which products are effective, what you should use for your skin type, or what brands are ‘good’, safe, and non-toxic? If any of these questions apply to you, keep reading.
What is the skin made up of, and what are its various functions?
To better understand how to care for our skin, it is first helpful to understand what the skin is made of and what it does for us.
The skin comprises three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and serves as the body’s initial barrier against pathogens, UV light, chemicals, and mechanical injury. It also helps the body regulate temperature and the amount of water released into the environment.
The epidermis is the outermost layer and contains cells that help the body absorb vitamin D, produce melanin (skin pigment), and hold water to keep the skin hydrated. The epidermis also produces new skin cells.
The dermis is the middle and thickest layer of the skin. It is primarily comprised of collagen and elastin. The dermis produces sweat and hair follicles and keeps skin moist by producing an oily lubricant (sebum).
The deepest layer of the skin is the hypodermis. This layer helps protect your muscles, organs, and skeletal system from harm. It helps to insulate the body and produces fat cells to help store energy.
Skin Aging
Skin aging results from two biologically independent processes: intrinsic and extrinsic factors, or you can think of this as the natural, internal factors that affect aging and the external factors.
Intrinsic aging is the natural biological aging process that gradually reduces the skin’s elasticity and ability to repair itself. It is caused by the weakening of the skin cell matrix, decreased collagen, reduced oil production, hormonal shifts, slower cell turnover, free radical damage (oxidative stress), and decreased cellular repair. In the mirror this can present as dull, less vibrant skin, skin dryness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and changes to skin texture. While intrinsic aging can’t be stopped or reversed you can manage and mitigate its impact through a healthy lifestyle, appropriate skin care routines and implementing protective measures.
Extrinsic aging results from exposure to external factors such as sun exposure (UV radiation), smoking, air pollution, poor nutrition, stress, poor sleep, and alcohol consumption. Extrinsic factors can cause fine and deep wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark circles under the eyes, skin dryness, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity and firmness, and a rough-textured appearance. Many aspects of extrinsic aging are controllable factors.
In general, the key steps in supporting healthy aging skin include:
staying hydrated
eating a healthy, plant-based diet
managing/reducing stress
getting enough sleep
limiting/eliminating alcohol use
avoid/quit smoking
avoid sun exposure and wear sun protection
follow a proper skincare routine which should include cleansing, protecting, repairing/treating, moisturizing, and preventing
Interested in learning more?
In next week’s blog I’ll be sharing some specific tips and products that can support your skin in aging beautifully and naturally!
Want to talk to me privately about the exact skincare routine that would support your skin? I am seeing patients in clinic and would love to support you! Schedule a visit here.
See you in clinic,
Dr. Woodruff
References:
Bernstein EF, Sarkas HW, Boland P. Iron oxides in novel skin care formulations attenuate blue light for enhanced protection against skin damage. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Feb;20(2):532-537. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13803. Epub 2020 Nov 18. PMID: 33210401; PMCID: PMC7894303.
Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant'Anna B, Kerob D. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatol Ther. 2022 Dec;35(12):e15903. doi: 10.1111/dth.15903. Epub 2022 Oct 21. PMID: 36200921; PMCID: PMC10078143.
https://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/water-intake-calculator.php
Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):327-48. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327. PMID: 18046911; PMCID: PMC2699641.
Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr;4(2):143-6. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.110593. PMID: 23741676; PMCID: PMC3673383.
Yousef H, Alhajj M, Sharma S. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. [Updated 2022 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/