Skin Aging: what factors influence and how to delay it?

All dermatologists agree, aging is photoaging, that is, it is the action of the sun on the skin. That’s why most will place sunscreen as the essential cosmetic, not only to preserve young skin, but to prevent skin cancer, says the dermatologist in Rajouri Garden.

Photoaging accounts for about 80% of skin aging, and although there is no discussion and it is the main one, we can abound in the other 20% and its reasons. Beyond creams, we will focus on what we do every day, on our lifestyle.

Aging is caused by internal and external factors, also called extrinsics. Sun exposure is primarily responsible for skin aging. But beyond the sun, what other external factors cause aging?

There are numerous environmental factors such as diet, tobacco, pollution, menopause, chronic diseases, which accelerate the decline of our skin and may require more concrete management, explains the dermatologist in Shastri Nagar.

Remember, the main exposure of skin aging is ultraviolet radiation from the sun, responsible for the appearance of spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer. But what are the others?

10 factors that influence skin aging

1. Infrared radiation.

Infrared is a radiation present in the electromagnetic spectrum that reaches the skin through sunlight and occasionally from the appliances.

According to the skin specialist in Rajouri Garden, infrared reaches the deepest layers of the skin, the dermis, in a high percentage, where up to 65 percent of the radiation is distributed. And even up to 10 percent reach the fat below. Infrared radiation releases heat and induces inflammation of the skin (metaloproteinase) and free radicals similar to ultraviolet radiation.

2. Pollution.

Environmental pollution ages the skin. It does this through two mechanisms. One of them is when combined outdoors with solar radiation. Thus, combined with UVA increases aging and the risk of skin cancer and combined with ozone decreases vitamin E levels in the corneal stratum, in the shallowest.

Remember that vitamin E is one of the natural antioxidants of our skin, and it defends us from ageing and skin cancer, states the skin specialist in Shastri Nagar.

Without being outside the pollution also affects our skin, it does so again through the release of free radicals and metalloproteinase, such as infrared or ultraviolet.

3. Tobacco

The harmful effects of tobacco have been known for decades. Studies say that if you smoke your skin it looks 5 years older. The skin wrinkles, affects the vasculature and stains.

More specifically, it affects keratinocytes, fibroblasts and the microvasculature of the skin, also resulting in a delay in wound healing. The mechanism is also very similar to that of ultraviolet radiation.

4. Sleep.

If you get little sleep, your skin loses water and defends itself worse from the aggressions of ultraviolet radiation. During sleep our skin repairs itself. Chronicly poor sleep is associated with increased signs of aging, decreased skin barrier and worse appearance, says the dermatologist in Vishnu Garden.

5 Diet.

Antioxidants defend us from oxidative stress and have anti-aging action. They are vitamins and micronutrients such as zinc, selenium or cobalt present in vegetables and fruits mainly.

A study of 4000 female patients found that the diet rich in antioxidants, vegetables and olive oil was associated with fewer wrinkles.

On the other hand, in a study, it was found that the diet rich in meats and snacks was associated with the presence of facial wrinkles. Diets high in sugars and low protein have also been related to aging.

6. Body mass index.

For all of the above, it seems reasonable, that obesity is associated with further aging of the skin if good dietary habits are associated to the contrary. Obesity produces insulin resistance and higher blood glucose levels. These levels have been shown to correlate with subjective perception of age.

On the other hand, highly restrictive diets, inadequate protein intake and a body mass index of less than 18.5 is associated with skin aging.

7. Exercise.

Moderate exercise increases oxygen in the skin and reduces glucose rates. Women who exercise moderately seem younger. However, strenuous exercise, such as that of athletes, increases oxidative stress related to aging.

A moderate program of three weekly one-hour sessions combining aerobic exercise and strength training has been shown to be effective in reducing oxidative stress in women over 40 years.

8. Chronic emotional stress.

Stressful emotional situations cause changes of the skin barrier in animal models. In people, cortisol levels and oxidative markers related to skin aging increase and in addition, we perceive people stressed by financial problems (common stressor) as older, says the skin specialist in Vishnu Garden.

9 Menopause.

Decreased estrogen in menopause results in drier skin, changes in texture, hair density, hot flashes, delayed healing and dermis atrophy which results in the appearance of more wrinkles.

These symptoms revert to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with estrogen, however, most experts do not recommend its use beyond 5 years. The use of estrogen in the form of creams is safe.

Alternatively, there are isoflavones of phytoestrogens, present in plants. It has been postulated to produce estrogen-like effects with fewer side effects.

10 Chronic diseases.

The interaction between the body and the skin makes it reflect our inner state. The chronic disease most related to wrinkles and aging is diabetes, because of its relationship with blood glucose products.

However, there are many chronic inflammatory processes, countless, that affect the skin and our appearance. They include kidney, lung, rheumatological, liver disease, etc.

Skin Ageing: Conclusions

Aging is a multifactorial process, derived from the passage of time and the external factors we receive or exhibit.

The main responsible for the aging of the skin is ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and to a lesser extent other factors on which, as in sun exposure, we can intervene, says the skin specialist in Delhi.

What is Eczema, what are the Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatments?

Reddish spots, itching and wounds: know what is eczema, a skin problem with several causes and that has no cure, but that can be treated and prevented.

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that causes red spots, blisters and itching, resulting in coarse-looking lesions. This problem has no cure, but it is possible to have good control of the disease. For this, however, it is necessary to better understand what eczema is and how it develops, suggests dermatologist in Rajouri Garden.

Also called dermatitis, eczema is more common in childhood, affecting 20% ​​of children at some point in life. However, symptoms tend to be more severe when they appear in adults - even though the prevalence of the problem is about 4% in this population.

The appearance of damaged skin can lead to social damage due to fear of contamination - an effect felt even more significantly by children. However, eczema is not a contagious disease, so it cannot be spread from one person to another, explains skin specialist in Rajouri Garden.

Symptoms of eczema

The symptoms of eczema vary according to the type of the disease and the stage it is in (acute or chronic), and may appear and disappear periodically or last for long periods of time. Know the main ones:

• Reddish spots;
• Swollen and inflamed skin;
• Very intense itching;
• Water bubbles;
• Dryness;
• Flaking of the skin and scalp (dandruff);
• Cracks due to dryness;
• Rough and thicker skin;
• Wounds or ulcers;
• Increased sensitivity to hygiene and cleaning products.

Depending on the type of eczema, symptoms can affect any part of the body, reappearing in different regions with each crisis. It is important to remember that the patient does not need to present all of them to characterize the problem.

Causes of eczema

The symptoms of eczema arise from damage to the corneal layer, which is on the surface of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) and is our first protective barrier against the entry of disease-causing microorganisms, says dermatologist in Shastri Nagar.

Because it is the most exposed, the horny layer is constantly suffering from environmental aggressions, such as the sun, wind, cold and scratches. In healthy skin, this layer is always renewing itself, with the replacement of old and damaged cells with new and functional cells, so that protection is maintained.

However, in people with eczema, this cell renewal process is hindered by inflammation, which can happen for several reasons. The causes are not fully explained, but it is possible to highlight some of the most common:

• Genetic factors: such as the mutation of a gene that reduces the production of proteins important for the maintenance of the corneal layer;
• Dry skin: insufficient oil production due to genetics or others favors eczema;
• Predisposition to allergies: although eczema is not an allergic reaction, hypersensitivity of the immune system can contribute to the problem;
• Disorders of the immune system: flu, colds, nutritional deficiency, stress, inappropriate use of medicines, etc. may favor inflammatory responses to skin microorganisms;
• Contact irritation: when the skin is affected by certain substances that cause irritation or allergy.

Eczema: a set of diseases

When talking about eczema, we are not referring to a single disease, but to a set of problems of an inflammatory nature. According to skin specialist in Shastri Nagar, there are at least six pathologies considered eczema, which can vary according to their causes, symptoms and locations of the affected body:

1. Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis

It is the most common type of eczema and is related to allergies such as rhinitis and asthma. It usually arises from the second month of life onwards and manifests itself mainly in the face and in the folds of the arms and legs, with intense itching being the most prominent symptom.

The condition can be aroused or aggravated by elements such as emotional tensions, climate changes, domestic allergens (mites, fungi, animal hair, etc.), wool clothing, among others.

2. Contact eczema or contact dermatitis>

It arises when the patient comes into contact with materials or products capable of causing skin irritations or allergies, which especially affect hands, feet, neck and face.

Some of the most frequent triggers are hair dye, nail polish, nail polish remover, aftershave lotion, fragrance hygiene items, nickel, some plants (poison ivy, mango peels etc.), rubber and latex (gloves, condoms, balloons, etc.) and insect repellents.

This type of eczema is common in groups such as healthcare professionals, who often wash their hands with bactericidal soap and gel alcohol, and cleaning professionals, who constantly deal with abrasive products.

3. Nummular eczema or nummular dermatitis

Of unknown cause, this type of eczema is characterized by coin-shaped patches, which have crusts and bubbles and can be distributed throughout the body.

Nummular eczema is more common in middle-aged and elderly people, especially those who have dry skin.

4. Stasis eczema or stasis dermatitis

It is the inflammation of the skin located in the lower legs as a result of poor circulation, which compromises the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. It usually occurs in people who have varicose veins and suffer from lower limb swelling.

5. Dyshidrotic eczema or dyshidrosis

It is characterized by the appearance of red and liquid-filled bubbles on the palms of the hands, on the sides of the fingers or on the soles of the feet.

This type of eczema is more frequent in adolescents and young adults and is usually caused by mycosis, emotional tension and contact dermatitis, among other factors.

6. Exfoliative eczema or exfoliative dermatitis

It is a severe inflammation that brings risks to the patient's life because it causes redness, cracks and flaking of the entire surface of the skin, causing it to come off in large scales. It can also cause hair and nails to come off the body.

Although the cause is mostly unknown, this type of eczema can be caused by some medications (such as antibiotics and barbiturates) or it can appear as a complication of other skin diseases, lymphomas and leukemias.

Treatment of eczema

The treatment of eczema is done according to the type of the disease, offering good control for symptoms. Medicines should be indicated by a dermatologist in Delhi and may include moisturizing or urea-based ointments, antiseptics for wounds, topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, among others.

In the case of atopic or contact eczema, treatment and prevention also include measures to avoid exposure to allergens, materials and products known to cause symptoms.

Knowing what eczema is and how it manifests is essential to be able to recognize its symptoms and seek medical attention. Although there is no cure, it is possible to have a good quality of life by following specific guidelines for each case.