Internal or intrinsic skin ageing.
Aging of the skin is a normal, continuous process. Wrinkling, increased pigmentation (liver spots), looseness, dryness and thinning are some of the general signs of skin aging. Other  possible but not necessary signs may be hair loss, hair graying and excessive nail hardness or brittleness.
Internal or intrinsic skin aging is caused by hereditary and biological factors. The onset of the following progressive changes takes place within the third decade of age, although they are not noticeable for many years.
 Collagen production decreases. Collagen is one of the most important proteins of connective tissue of our body, including the skin. It represents 30% of the overall body protein. Collagen is a fibrous, structural protein presenting twenty seven different types and numerous properties. Among them we can mention its major role in the healing process. Collagen is the means, which keeps the cells of a tissue connected in a proper structure. In fact, the term is Greek and means "glue generator". Lack of adequate amounts of collagen leads to skin looseness and impairment of healing ability. However, sagging skin can also occur due to loss of under laid bone tissue.
Elasticity of the skin declines. Elastin is another of a great importance protein in connective tissue. Its name is derived from its major property which is elasticity. Elastin allows body tissues to resume their shape after stretching or contracting. Elastin helps skin to return to its original state, when it is poked or pinched. The decline of skin elasticity results in the appearance of wrinkles.
Biochemical changes occur. Reduction of components of the skin and decline of certain functions may take place due to aging. Progressive impairment of water-retainability occurs and biochemical elements of the intercellular structure such as glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acids, polysaccharides and many others are depleted and not adequately restored.
DNA and RNA get affected. Because of the DNA and RNA changes cell reproduction and tissue renovation slows down.
Unwanted hair may appear. Appearance of unexpected hair occurs, especially on the nose, ears and breast in females.
Loss of underlying fat. This change results in loss of skin firmness, in hollowed cheeks or eye sockets and in thin and transparent skin. The latest makes anatomic elements, such as veins and bones, more apparent and prominent.
Sweating glands decline. This condition causes skin dryness, itching and lack of ability to adjust body temperature.
Hair color changes. Graying hair appears and gradually gets white. This happens, because the production of melanin that gives the characteristic hair color declines. |
