External or extrinsic skin ageing.
Extrinsic or external skin aging occurs due to environmental factors which cause the same results with normal aging by accelerating this natural process.
These factors are the following ones:
 Exposure to the sun light. By the term "photo-aging" dermatologists describe the type of  skin aging caused by the sun rays. Facial vein complexes, liver spots, wrinkles on the face and neck, loose skin, actinic keratosis and cancer may be the aftermath of prolonged end frequent exposure to the sun. Over time, the ability of the skin to recover declines and the existing damage gets worse and irreversible.
Ultra violet light destroys collagen and reduces the production of new molecules. Elastin is affected negatively by sun rays too, resulting in wrinkled skin.
Exposure to the sun may cause increased pigmentation, otherwise called "liver" or "age spots". The medical term is "solar lentigines". These resemble large freckles on the backs of the hands. Occasionally, they may reach the size of one centimeter. Liver spots are more common in middle aged and older people.
Photo-aging may remain unnoticed for years, before the signs get apparent. People with dark skin are less vulnerable or susceptible to photo-aging.
Smoking and pollution. There has been specific evidence that smoking and air pollution accelerate skin aging. Statistics have shown that smokers are five times more susceptible to skin wrinkling than non-smokers of the same age and history of sun exposure. The explanation for this has not been established yet but the free radicals contained in smoke are the most likely causative factors of external skin aging. There is a lot of speculation that smoking damages elastin and impairs the production of collagen.
Facial expressions. Each time a group of facial muscle contract, the overlaid skin gets ruffled. As soon as the muscles relax, elastin helps the skin to recoil to its original state. Over the years, the elasticity of the skin declines and fine wrinkles appear. Crow's feet, which are wrinkles around the eyes, are the most typical aftermath of facial expressions.
Sleeping positions. People who have the habit to sleep on their sides frequently are more prone to face wrinkling than others who prefer to sleep on their backs. Wrinkles occur due to uneven pressure against the pillow and reduced skin elasticity.
Body care products. Personal care products, such as perfumes, antiperspirants, certain soaps and bubble baths containing detergent, may result in dryness and external skin aging. This can make skin itchy, bridle and less flexible.
Gravity. Gravity and reduced skin elasticity and firmness can lead to "sleepy eyes", when the eyelids get loose and drop. Gravity combined with loss of bone tissue can result in sagged skin.
Diet. Studies have given specific evidence that there is a link between diet and skin aging. People who prefer fruits, vegetables, fat-free dairy products, poultry, olive oil, beans and tea are less prone to skin wrinkling than others who prefer red meat, fried foods, full-fat dairy products, margarines and foods or drinks rich in carbohydrates. In general diet rich in protein and fiber helps in delaying external skin aging.
In-house appliances. Central heating in winter and air conditioners in summer can dry the indoors air dramatically. Apart from causing respiratory problems, dry air may accelerate external skin aging process on a long term basis. A humidifier can add moisture to the environment and prevent the air to get too dry. |
