Extrinsic Aging

Extrinsic aging occurs due to outside factors that have affected the skin. In extrinsic aging, the epidermis thickens; the amount of collagen and elastin increase, but the structures of these proteins become disorganised. .

A number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age the skin. Sun exposure is the main cause of premature aging. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are:

1. Cigarette Smoke: Smoking, or spending time with a smoker is highly detrimental to the skin. Research has shown that exposure to cigarette smoke significantly increases skin wrinkles and dryness. Cigarette smoke depletes the body of Vitamin C, which is a key ingredient for keeping skin plump and moist. Research also shows that a person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a nonsmoker. Additionally, a study conducted in 2002 showed that facial wrinkling, while not yet visible, can be seen under a microscope in smokers as young as 20. Some researchers believe that exposure to cigarette smoke is as harmful for the skin as exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

2. Lack of Exercise: As exercise helps tone muscles and promotes blood flow, it forms an important part of every anti-aging skin care program. Needless to say, the benefits of a regular exercise program will show on one’s face.

3. Exposure to Cold Weather: Cold winds and low temperatures sap the skin of natural oils. It is important to use a good moisturizer before venturing out in the cold. It is also important to use a moisturizer indoors as air conditioners can be very drying to skin. Using a humidifier to keep the natural moisturizers of the skin intact can prove useful.

4. Alcohol Use: Alcohol dilates small blood vessels in the skin, which causes increased blood flow near the skin's surface. Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, causing a flushed appearance and broken vessels on the surface.

5. Stress: Stress and worry cause frowning, and over time the muscles in the face eventually conform to that movement. Each time we use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin, and over time, as skin ages and loses its elasticity, the skin stops springing back to its line-free state, and these grooves become permanently etched on the face as fine lines and wrinkles. A good anti-aging skin care program should include meditation, yoga, gentle exercise or other relaxation techniques.

6. Lack of Sleep: One of the first places where lack of sleep shows is on the face, with dark circles and bags under the eyes, and sagging skin. Research has shown that most adults function best with 8-9 hours of sleep each night. Reducing caffeine intake (especially in the morning); staying away from food for at least 2 hours before bedtime; and maintaining a regular sleep routine can help in the reduction of these symptoms.

7. Gravity. Gravity constantly pulls on our bodies. Changes related to gravity become more pronounced with age. In our 50s, when the skin’s elasticity declines dramatically, the effects of gravity become evident. Gravity causes the tip of the nose to droop, the ears to elongate, the eyelids to fall, jowls to form, and the upper lip to disappear while the lower lip becomes more pronounced.

8. Sleeping Positions. Resting one’s face on the pillow in the same manner every night for years on end also leads to wrinkles. Called sleep lines, these wrinkles eventually become etched on the surface of the skin, and do not disappear when the head is not resting on the pillow. Women, who tend to sleep on their sides, are most likely to see these lines appear on their chin and cheeks. Men tend to notice these lines on the forehead since they usually sleep with the face pressed face down on the pillow. People who sleep on their backs do not develop these wrinkles since their skin does not lie crumpled against the pillow.