Cyclopentasiloxane

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What is Cyclopentasiloxane?

Regarded as one of the most widely sought-after cosmetic ingredients, Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone derivative that is being used for a variety of skin products.

Synthetically manufactured, this chemical has been shown to create a microscopic protective layer that may protect the human skin and hair. Chemically speaking, this synthetic substance is an organic silicon compound that possesses space-filling properties.

Preferred by most cosmetic companies due to its low manufacturing costs, the substance is said to possess valuable properties that enhance the properties of the other ingredients used in the cosmetic product it has been added to.

One to look at

Since its development, Cyclopentasiloxane has become widely used on account of three major reasons:

  • Viscosity: This chemical has been found to have low viscosity which means that – since it is not very thick- it does not leave a significant residue on the skin, consequently producing a softer, smoother and much healthier overall sensation.
  • Temperature: Since Cyclopentasiloxane does not cool during its evaporation, there is a feeling of wellness associated to its use in cosmetic products, such as body lotions and creams.
  • Inherent Properties: Finally, the fact that Cyclopentasoloxane is both odourless and colourless helps to the eventual blending of substances when lab formulas become actual products. These qualities allow for effective mixing with any other ingredient present in the original formula.

Where is Cyclopentasiloxane found?

Since this substance can be used in both small as well as in large quantities, different doses can be found in different products.

In hand and body moisturisers for instance, Cyclopentasiloxane can be found in concentrations of 0.1%. This much is enough to create a feeling of softness and smoothness in the person’s skin. If on the other hand, we take a look at the products containing the largest doses of Cyclopentasiloxane, we will find antiperspirants or hair deep-conditioning products, such as masks. Finally, its compatibility with most other chemical substances makes it a fine match for ethanol, mineral oils and fatty acids. Therefore, its presence in eyeliners, mascara, eye-contour creams and foundations is almost inevitable.

Its Benefits

Several benefits can be mentioned. Some refer to practical issues, such as effective manufacturing processes, while others refer to skin care advantages.

Economically speaking, one of the main pros of using Cyclopentasiloxane is that it has been found to be a cost-effective substitute for more costly compounds.

In addition, because of its chemical composition, this substance is compatible with most other ingredients used in the world of cosmetics, thus making it one of the most easily adaptable substances of all times.

Finally, recent research suggests that, apart from its lubricant properties, Cyclopentasiloxane may have the capacity to treat skin lines or blemishes.

Its Drawbacks

Users must understand that this synthetic substance does not possess the regenerative and exfoliating properties present in vitamin A or E, for example. Similarly, recent studies show that although the product has been found to safe to use, care should be taken if used for long periods, as accumulation can occur.

Phenoxyethanol

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What is Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is a glycol which is used as a preservative in the making of cosmetic products and medicines. It is actually a kind of ether alcohol with aromatic properties that can also optimize the scent of any skin product.

Available in certain natural products, such as chicory and green tea, this substance, in its organic form, is a colourless, oily liquid. Nonetheless, Phenoxyethanol can also be manufactured artificially for several purposes. When made in the lab, this substance possesses a very powerful chemical of the highest purity that is often used as an additive in the cosmetic industry as it helps preserve the products it has been added to.

Chemically speaking, this compound can be broken into ethylene, phenyle, ether, and glycol. In addition, this chemical is known by several other names including Phenoxytol, Phenoxethol, Rose ether, Phenyle cellosolve, and Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether.

A Star is Born

Phenoxyethanol began to be used as an alternative to the formerly popular Paraben preservatives. When awareness was raised concerning the dangers of using this substance, specialists began to look for suitable alternatives and Phenoxyethanol rose as a fine choice.

Since this chemical compound is simple to obtain and more inexpensive than other alternatives; it found a straight road to the list of ingredients of most present-day cosmetic products.

Phenoxyethanol and its Benefits

Apart from its fixative and preservative properties, Phenoxyethanol provides antimicrobial properties against yeast, mold and bacteria. Since this quality was discovered, it began to be used as a preservative against germ contamination in bottled products.

Additionally, this compound has been found to posses anaesthetic properties as well. By allowing temporary reduction in sensation when it is applied on a painful area, Phenoxyethanol has been also listed as a top ingredient in products used as a preparation for further cosmetic treatments.

One of the main advantages of using this substance is that it has been found to be less toxic than other alternatives, such as sodium azide, traditionally used in skin care products.

Phenoxyethanol and its Downsides

Despite its many benefits, this compound has been found to have some dangers associated its consumption. To begin with, research suggests that Phenoxyethanol causes damage to the brain cells and the central nervous system when used is great amounts. However, this is not the only side effect reported among users. Skin irritation and allergic reactions, such as dermatitis, lung inflammation and eye irritation, are also frequent, especially among people who have been exposed to this substance for long periods.

Finally, perhaps the scariest counter effect of this substance concerns its use among nursing mothers. A German study conducted several years ago, suggest that this substance may cause genetic and chromosomal mutation, thus the warning against its use when breastfeeding. Even when the amount of Phenoxyethanol found in most cosmetic products is small, there is still no certainty regarding how much can be transmitted when breastfeeding.

In all, this substance has been proved to be useful and practical. However, when choosing cosmetic products with Phenoxyethanol, it is best to choose those that contain a minimum amount.

Dimethicone

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What is Dimethicone?

Also known as polymethylsiloxane, Dimethicone is actually a silicone-based polymer that is being largely used in the manufacturing of cosmetic products of all types.

Chemically speaking, Dimethicone belongs to a group of polymeric organosilicon compounds that are usually addressed to as silicones. Widely known for their greatly-adaptable properties, these substances can be used for a wide array of functions.

These days, Dimethicone can be found in most of the beauty and cosmetic products that are commercially available worldwide. The most outstanding reasons for this popularity are:

  • Dimethicone works as an antifoaming agent and skin and hair protecting agent.
  • It works by moisturising and conditioning skin and hair.
  • It prevents the loss of water thanks to the formation of a hydrating barrier on the skin.
  • It creates a protective film over the skin that ensures lubrication and protection.

Because of these properties, you can now find Dimethicone in almost every sunscreen lotion, anti-ageing serum, body lotion, eye shadow, foundation, conditioner or hair dye.

Dimethicone and its Benefits

Stemming from the aforementioned functions, this substance has become well-known because of its unusual and beneficial uses. According to recent studies, this substance has been found to possess the quality of soothing and protecting human skin, even in people who had been suffering from chronic skin conditions for years. There is evidence that shows that individuals with induced irritated contact dermatitis (ICD) were highly benefitted by using products with Dimethicone content. Further research suggests that such condition can be prevented by the use of products with this substance.

In addition, products containing this chemical have become well-known for creating a subtle gloss that improves the way the skin feels by making it softer, smoother and eventually silkier than usual.

Furthermore, recent studies suggest that products with Dimethicone help to fill in expression lines and mild scarring, thus revealing a filling function that was unknown to this product.

Finally, due to its strong protective barrier, this substance helps to prevent skin infections and more importantly, it is able to keep all kinds of skin optimally moisturised, even during the harshest winters and the worst adverse pollution exposure.

Dimethicone and Its Side Effects

According to the FDA, this substance is safe to use in cosmetic products and pharmaceuticals as well. The claim comes from the affirmation that because the molecular weight of this silicone-based polymer –and any other- is so large, there is a very little chance that any of the substance should travel past the skin surface and let alone be allowed into the person’s bloodstream.

Nonetheless, in some countries, warnings have been raised concerning the substance’s use in pregnant women or in women who were breastfeeding. Since there is still no conclusive study regarding safety in these cases, physicians recommend avoiding the use of Dimethicone-based cosmetics, at least in large quantities.

Similarly, a group of skin specialists suggest that patients who suffer from certain skin conditions, such as rosacea, should check with their physicians first before actually using any cosmetics with a high Dimethicone content.

Methylparaben

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What is Methylparaben?

Also known as Methyl Paraben, Methylparaben is an anti-fungal preservative that has been used in cosmetics for some time now with an increasing rise in popularity.

Chemically speaking, Methylparaben belongs to a larger group known as “parabens” that include similar substances, such as Ethylparaben or Propylparaben, among many others. All of them are actually parahydroxybenzoates or esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid -also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Possessing important preservative properties, this substance is widely used in the world of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as it helps to preserve the formulas upon which each product is based.

A Story to Tell

In the past, more natural compounds used to be part of the preservation agents, for example, grapefruit seeds. However, with the passing of time and the speedy evolution of technology, these natural alternatives proved to be ineffective. Consequently, specialists began to explore new chemicals that would serve the purpose of preserving products more efficiently.

Even when the substance occurs naturally; these days, most of the Methylparaben used in the cosmetic industry is synthetically produced. The process is quite simple really: through the esterification of para-hydroxybenzoic acid with the right type of alcohol, for example, methanol, ethanol or n-Propanol, the first substance is industrially transformed by using potassium phenoxide and carbon dioxide.

Methylparaben and Its Benefits

Part of this substance’s popularity stems from its capacity to effectively absorb into the human skin. Consequently, it is used in combination with most other beauty ingredients, especially in the manufacturing of body lotions, emollients and other creams. Despite its highly effective anti-fungal properties, this substance is most often considered non-irritating and even safer than other similar products.

Used as a preservation agent, it has been proved to help beauty products enhance their qualities. Moreover, products containing Methylparaben are much longer-lasting and their qualities are kept intact for a longer time as well.

The public should learn however, that Methylparaben is rarely found in isolation, but in combination with other parabens, as well. Most products containing such combinations include toothpastes, makeup, hair care products, moisturisers, lotions, shaving products and many more.

Methylparaben: Its Side Effects

In recent years, the matter of Methylparaben and its safety caused a lot of controversy, especially after a study revealed that they may have been a link between certain cases of breast cancer and the excessive use of Methylparaben in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. This affirmation stems from the fact that parabens imitate the function of estrogen and may lead to the creation of excessive breast tissue.

Medical research however, has not been able to effectively link any of these cases with the use of this substance.

Even so, even when the substance has been regarded as safe by the FDA, still a warning is issued regarding the amount of Methylparaben that a person should be exposed to.

Medical recommendation then, considers that products containing up to 0.4% are safe to use on an everyday basis. Similarly, in recent years the cosmetic industry has developed novel types of substances that are regarded as safer than Methylparaben.

Cyclomethicone

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What is Cyclomethicone?

These days, most present-day commercial cosmetic products have a high chance of containing any form of Cyclomethicone. This compound is a clear, alcohol-free substance which is also odourless.

Its main use in the cosmetic industry is best explained in terms of its emollient properties which are optimal when it comes to blending them with other different substances used to make cosmetics. The inclusion of this substance helps to give products a smoother texture, thus facilitating their subsequent absorption.

There is something about the chemical composition of this substance that makes it fit to be used in beauty products. The molecules of the Cyclomethicone compound are larger than most other chemicals. Therefore, they do not penetrate into the pores so easily. This quality helps the substance to remain on the outer skin layers, creating a smoother and softer skin texture. In addition, its failure to penetrate diminishes the risks of any negative reaction to Cyclomethicone or any of the other chemicals used in the cosmetic product.

A Story to Tell

Cyclomethicone was created sometime around the early 80s as an alternative to harsher skin emollient substances, such as petroleum-based solvents that began to be frowned upon because of their attack on the Ozone layer.

Later research would find that Cyclomethicone did not prevent the main active ingredients used in the beauty products from entering the skin, at all. Consequently, it was only natural that the substance would become a cosmetic favourite among labs and cosmetic manufacturers.

Cyclomethicone and its Benefits

According to recent research, there are several advantages of using Cyclomethicone as a soothing agent: the most obvious one being its effect on the human skin. By humidifying and softening the external layers of the human dermis, this substance helps to improve overall skin appearance. People with dermatological issues are generally prescribed skincare products containing Cyclomethicone for this very reason. It is commonly found in hair conditioners, shampoos, nail cuticle treatments and the like.

In recent years, research has shown that this chemical compound is also helpful in dealing with skin ageing issues, mainly because of its alleged “filling” properties. One of the most popular products that is using this agent is facial lotions meant to deal with acne scars. Moreover, believed to possess a regenerative, soothing and restoring effect on the human skin, Cyclomethicone is now recommended to patients who have suffered from psoriasis.

Cyclomethicone and its Side Effects

Despite its many benefits, cyclomethicone is also known to possess certain negative effects on the human skin. Even when it is recommended as being mostly non-comedogenic, this substance has been reported to cause skin irritation and negative reactions, such as rash, in people with sensitive skin.

In addition, patients who are under some kind of dermatological treatment that involves applying some kind of medicated topical treatment should check with a skin specialist first since Cyclomethicone is likely to affect the absorption of the prescribed lotion.

In all, this substance is so flexible that its popularity in the world of skin care is likely to continue. However, a health specialist should always be consulted before its prolonged use.

Alcohol in Skincare

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Should alcohol in skincare products be avoided? Why has it become a mainstream ingredient in everyday products like makeup removers, toners and much more?

We all know and understand that alcohol, in our bodies, dehydrates and makes the skin puffy and dry and overall very unhealthy looking. So why do we accept it in our skin care regime?

Where it is Found and Why

Alcohol can be found in many products like body wash, exfoliators, eye creams and face serums. Alcohol strips away natural oils that our body produces, also called sebum. Sebum is that common build-up of oil around out T-zone around midday. If you are someone who would call your skin oily, this may be an everyday occurrence for you.

What alcohol can do is strip away that oil and give us a shine-free look for the day. To many oily skin types, this sounds like a great option because it feels weightless and seems simple. But the shocking truth is that using alcohol to take away that natural and necessary oil is a bad idea. It is needed for our skin’s health and protection. Alcohol is a quick fix that should be avoided at all costs.

Not only that, but it is also very damaging. It breaks the skin’s natural protection barrier and allows for dirt and toxins to enter the skin. It can cause inflammation, enlarged pores and it can cause acne. These are both immediate and long-lasting damages to the skin that are difficult to un-do.

Types of alcohol in Products

Ethanol is the kind to be avoided. It can actually kill skin cells. What we want is to revitalise skin cells, not kill them. Ethanol will often be listed as SD alcohol, alcohol denat, or isopropyl alcohol. It can also be found in ingredients listed as benzyl alcohol.

Fatty alcohols, however, have a completely different chemical make-up. These fatty alcohols are NOT irritating to the skin.These will usually be found in waxy substances and can be listed as the following examples: cetyl, stearyl, or cetearyl alcohol. All of these are good ingredients for dry skin, and in small amounts fine for any skin type. It’s important to differentiate these beneficial forms of alcohol from the problematic types of alcohol as mentioned above.

Many products nowadays have “alcohol-free” written on the packaging to let consumers know that there is no alcohol in the ingredients. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you do not make yourself aware of these terms for alcohol you could still be unknowingly damaging your skin. The best way to protect yourself is by reading the ingredients label.

What Your Skin Does Need

Your skin needs moisture. Essentially, that is the opposite of alcohol.

The best time to moisturise is in the shower or directly after a shower when your skin is still damp. Alcohol-free products should be applied daily to keep skin soft and smooth. It should feel gentle on the skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated and radiant. A beauty product should never seem streaky, squeaky or too oily. It should not leave you looking matte.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is affected by many factors such as sunlight, wind, food, health and the environment. There are many factors we cannot change in regards to how they affect our skin and there are some factors that we do have control over. We have control over what we apply topically to our skin.

Alcohol – The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that there are the alcohols that are very damaging such as ethanol and there are the fatty alcohols which are okay. Sticking to factually-founded products and scientifically backed products are a safer bet. In the end, checking labels and arming your skincare regime with personal research and knowledge is the safest way to getting healthy, glowing looking skin.

Ingredient Scares that are Just Plain False

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Are you ready for some skincare myths to get debunked? With so much information available on the internet combined with the marketing tactics of buzzwords like “paraben-free” or “charcoal-infused,” it’s becoming increasingly difficult to know which ingredients are bad and which ingredients are good in our skincare regime. Most of these ingredient scares are not backed by facts but are fads invented by easily-scared consumers with little knowledge of the way ingredients actually work.

We will be focusing on top ingredient scares that just are not as dangerous as we may think. These are ingredients that the media and beauty-fanatics may have sworn off and demanded we all agree are bad for us. How many times have you heard someone say a certain ingredient was terrible, only to find out it was actually harmless? I’m sure you are guilty of doing it a few times. It is easy to fall into that trap because we don’t want to put something on our skin everyday that could potentially be hazardous. That is understandable. However, below are a few of the top ingredient scares that are not true.

Parabens

Parabens had its 20 minutes of fame as the evil tiny beads in common beauty products. There was a study very distantly linked to breast cancer, and many people began demanding the ingredient be banned. But in fact, there is no proof and paraben is just a preservative ingredient that does not cause any health problems.

Silicones

This ingredient was boycotted but for no reason at all backing it up. Silicones are great for repairing skin and are used in many household products. And while many products claimed to be silicon-free, that wasn’t even the case. Silicons are found under many names such as phenyl trimethicone.

Sulfates

Sulfates were also on the so-called naughty list of ingredients. Most people aren’t even sure why they were avoided. Sulfates are only surfactants which is a molecule mixture that attracts water and oil. This, in turn, allows the dirt to separate from your skin and hair while the water rinses it away. That sounds exactly like what a shampoo should do, hence why it is a common ingredient in shampoo. Although this makes perfect sense as an ingredient, many companies still produced “sulfate-free” shampoos to market to the public.

Talc

Health experts have agreed that talc is okay for topical use. It is an absorbent, anti-caking agent used in many makeup and body products. Many people were saying it contained asbestos fibres but an FDA study proved that to be false. It does not contain asbestos residue and is perfectly safe in many beauty products. Too much talc used in face makeup (specifically found in mineral makeup) can possibly clog pores, however.

Busting the myths

It is easy to become involved in these scare tactics often found in beauty products and skincare lines. Many consumers feel like there is one specific ingredient that can do wonders in a product and must be the key to perfect skin–but it is not that easy. And other consumers believe there are specific ingredients we must avoid to maintain radiant skin and hair– but it is never that simple.

Being well-informed is the best tactic to searching and purchasing great, well-rounded products on the market. Avoiding specific ingredients because of marketing tactics or because a beauty guru said to is usually a fad that fades away. But being knowledgeable about ingredients and how they affect skin and work with the body to improve look and feel is the key to a successful skincare regime. Listen and look at how your body and skin reacts to certain ingredients and don’t make decisions that aren’t backed by facts.

About Advanced Dermatology Skincare

At Advanced Dermatology we are very particular about the ingredients we use in our skin care products.  All of our skin care products are completely free from parabens-, urea-, phthalates-, sulfates-, formaldehydes-, PEGs-, nono-particles-, and petroleum-. In addition to that Advanced Dermatology products do not contain harmful chemicals, preservatives, artificial fragrances or dyes.  Many of these ingredients are found in many of the household skincare brands, and while it isn’t perfectly clear what the risks are, if any, we’ve gone to great depths to eliminate them just in case. We are in a small list of skincare manufacturers who have voluntarily removed all of those controversial ingredients from our products. Not only that, but many of the ingredients in our new formulations are derived from organic botanicals, sea-plants sourced from pristine waters, and now even organically sourced plant derived ingredients. You will find that this is not typical of “clinical” product lines available on the market.

Foods for Skin: 7 Anti-Ageing Foods

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Foods for skin: 7 Anti-aging foods to help reduce ageing lines and smooth your skin

It seems like everyday I am reading about a new “cleanse” or “diet” to help clear my skin of the effects of ageing.  All of these trends have one thing in common: they are constantly telling me what I can’t eat.  The truth is that I continue to cut out these so-called “toxins” but continue to see little change in my skin.  Finally, here is the list of 7 foods you CAN (and should) eat in order to improve your skin and fight-off those signs of ageing.

1. Blueberries:

Is there anything these tiny super-fruits don’t do? These tiny blueberries pack a power antioxidant punch! This means they give your skin extra protection from sun damage, pollution and even stress.

2. Pomegranates:

Generally, fruit packed with vitamin-C like pomegranates will guard against wrinkling from sun damage. However, pomegranates also have something called punicalagin (say that three times fast) that might increase your body’s production of collagen, a tissue that makes your face look smooth. Tip: Pomegranate juice isn’t the same as the fruit- get those seeds in your diet!

3. Tomatoes: 

It almost seems counterproductive, but tomatoes are actually great for reducing redness on your skin. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which has shown to decrease redness, decrease the effects of sunburn and improve smoothness in to your skin.

4. Avocados:

Avocados are everyone’s favourite “good fat”. The truth is, the monounsaturated fat of avocado keeps your skin hydrated and helps your skin absorb important vitamins. Side tip: Hydration is good for everything – your skin, your mind, your body. Drink more water – enough said.

5. Olive Oil:

Just when you though the entire list would be fruits and veggies that never feel filling, I’m happy to include something I put on everything except cereal. Olive oil has minerals, protein and vitamins that are essential for skin health and can be skin smoothing.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the king of olive oils and has superior benefits for improving skin health and contributing to anti-ageing.

6. Fish:

Specifically fish like tuna and salmon that contain large amounts of omega-3 are great for keeping collagen and smoothing skin. These fish have also shown to be cancer-preventing which is, you know, important too. Not a fish eater? Try the glorious combination of avocado and salmon. Grill those two, enjoy, and get the double dose of skin – improving foods.

7. Sea salt:

This might be the easiest change in your diet. And, yes, I am completely aware that the sea salt trend seems as ridiculous as 21-day cleanse that so many people favour these days, but the effects and results are real. The process of making sea salt includes the evaporation of salt water bodies and not much else as compared to the heavily processed regular table salt. The minimal processing allows for retaining of minerals and people have reported less acne, smoother and healthier looking skin. Let’s be clear though: those sea salt potato chips are still terrible for you and your skin.

Eating better and making some swaps in your diets in crucial for improving your skin and reversing the effects of anti-ageing. However, skin specialists say lowering stress, 7+hours of sleep per night and exercise can also smooth fine lines, wrinkles and clear redness and acne. So, grab some blueberries, hit the gym and get to bed at decent hour every once in a while and enjoy your radiant skin.

Article written by our skin expert Laura Wilson

Top Skin Care Tips for Summer

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Everybody loves this season, and no wonder, images of beaches and breezy waves bring us back memories of past summers.

The truth is that together with this season, there is usually a change in habits that is involves having more time off. Besides, vacations usually mean spending more time outdoors in contact with nature.

Although all of this might look good on our health profile, there is one silent menace lurking out there that can be really harmful to our skin: the sun and its dangerous rays. What are we to do then? Play vampire and lock ourselves away from sun exposure altogether?

Luckily, there is a way to enjoy the benefits of outdoor summer life without risking our skin. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind:

Proper SPF: Vital Choice

Gone are the days when we could spend hours on the beach without worrying about getting protection. Every year, we learn about the damaging effects certain sun rays can have on our body. Proper care begins by choosing the right type of SPF (Sun Protection Factor). In its natural state, human skin takes about 20 minutes to start turning red if exposed directly to the sun. The factor, 15 for instance, extends this period that many times (15×20). This means that a person could spend five hours under the sun before they start getting red.

However, this is not sheer maths a person’s skin type will determine what type of SPF works best for them. In general terms, the lighter a person’s skin, the higher the factor. Special attention should be paid to young children and babies.

Sun block or sunscreen with proper SPF should be used on a daily basis, reapplied every couple of hours and used even on cloudy days.

Sensitive Areas First

Our body possesses certain sensitive areas that should be particularly protected in summer. Eyes and lips for instance, are among these. Wearing the right glasses with appropriate UV protection can be vital for your eyesight. Sunglasses should always be bought at a certified optician’s –never on the street!

As for lip care, a lip balm with SPF protection of 15 or higher is just the thing. The delicate tissue that covers your lips can get easily parched if left unattended. Most top cosmetic brands offer lip protection products you can resort to.

Protect your Scalp

Another way of protecting your facial skin and your hair is to wear a broad-brimmed hat that will block away potentially dangerous sun-rays from both your eyes and your hair. It is not only your hair that gets damaged in the summer, but also your scalp. Remember this, after all is very sensitive skin. Besides wearing hats or caps, there are certain sunscreen sprays that can be applied to your parted hairline in order to protect it. This tip is especially useful for the sporty type.

Lukewarm Water

Showering with hot water after a long sun exposure can further damage our skin. A god way to prevent dehydration is to use lukewarm water instead, this way our skin will feel both revitalised and moisturised.

Summer is just around the corner, follow these tips and prepare to enjoy a skin-friendly season.

Top 5 Causes of Premature Ageing

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We live in a physical world and are therefore attached to physical laws that include cell deterioration; however, we should all know that premature ageing is a process that can be prevented. Let’s take a closer look at the top five causes of this unwanted phenomenon.

It is natural for human beings to become concerned with the passing of time. Whether we like it or not, our bodies are bound to decay and eventually age. Some causes of this process are out of our hands; natural oxidation processes or genetic factors are variables we have little control over.

Nonetheless, there are a series of extrinsic factors that we are able to control if we have the will and the time to. Recent research suggests that these are the main causes of premature ageing:

Repetitive Facial Expressions:

Some people begin to look haggard way before their time due to the habit of making faces. Whereas some faces may become a trademark, close attention should be paid to excessive frowning or repeated eyebrow lifting can result in fine lines that deepen once the skin loses its elasticity.

Alcohol Consumption

Few external agents can cause as much damage as alcohol. All body cells experience a major shrinking process when affected with alcohol. As for skin, this substance deteriorates the skin-protecting vitamin A in the body, which is an anti oxidant as well. Alcohol also contributes to the dilation of blood vessels, thus creating blotchy and uneven appearance on the human skin. The liver is greatly affected by alcohol, resulting in duller-looking skin and improper bodily function. Remember your liver is a vital organ whose proper functioning is evident in a healthful-looking complexion.

Smoking

Another major enemy; smoking can accelerate premature ageing in a significant way, not only because of the toxic substances in a cigarette, but also because of the repeated facial movements involved in the smoking process. Major areas that are seriously affected include lungs, circulatory system, throat and mouth. In addition, skin deterioration is a telltale sign, as well. The area surrounding the lips for example, shrink and lose elasticity much more quickly than in non-smokers.

Poor Diets

One of the greatest causes of premature ageing involves eating habits that contain little or no antioxidants. The modern trend to eat highly processed foods and small amounts of natural fruits and vegetables has increased the rates of cell oxidation. Unhealthy -looking skin is a typical trait of this habit. On a deeper level, undernourished bodies are unable to produce the right amount of much-needed substances, such as collagen or melatonin, for instance. The better we eat, the more youthful we will look.

Sun Exposure

It is a well-known fact that solar rays can deeply damage the human skin. Even so, thousands of people still underestimate the sun’s power to negatively affect our skin. Recent research indicates that UV rays account for 80% of wrinkles, skin blotches and spots –visible signs of premature ageing. By taking the necessary precautions and using the appropriate SPF, solar damage can be kept under closer control.