Many people are worried about aging. For quite a few, the inevitable physical changes and health problems that come with aging aren’t a primary concern; instead, they fear the visible signs of getting older. Those include fine lines, wrinkles, skin discoloration, and other issues. An estimated 40 percent of women express concerns over the aesthetic changes that happen as they age, and approximately 33 percent of men have the same fears based on recent reports.
An array of options has been developed to help slow or reverse the visible signs of aging. Some are more effective, and potentially more dangerous, than others. A couple of the most popular right now are Botox and LED light therapy according to this guide that provides in-depth information about both. Botox is a minimally invasive treatment that targets fine lines, wrinkles, and certain other issues whereas LED light therapy is a non-invasive solution to various aesthetic issues. Before delving into anti-aging treatments, though, it’s important to understand what causes the skin to age.
Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation is, by far, the most significant cause of skin aging. Prolonged exposure to the sun, or artificial sources of UV radiation, damages the skin on the surface and on the cellular level. Over time, it can cause the skin to take on a rough, leathery appearance. It also speeds up the natural decline of skin’s elasticity. Beyond that, UV radiation exposure increases the risk of developing age spots and broken capillaries that cause red patches. Ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer as well.
Stress
Stress is another leading factor in skin aging. Everyone experiences heightened stress from time to time, and for some people, it’s an ongoing problem. It can affect the skin’s health and its outward appearance. When we’re stressed, the body produces excess cortisol. This hormone is essential because it helps to regulate blood sugar, immunity, blood pressure, and sleep. It also aids in regulating inflammation. When the body produces too much of it, though, it can cause an array of problems, like weight gain, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. It also leads to changes in the skin, such as dryness, wrinkles, and discoloration.
Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption can cause premature aging as well. Nicotine and other toxins in cigarettes can cause collagen and elastin in the skin to break down more quickly than they should, which leads to wrinkles, sagging, and hollowed-out cheeks among other issues. Alcohol consumption tends to cause dehydration and can prevent the skin from receiving essential oxygen and nutrients. That causes it to age more quickly than normal. It also increases the likelihood of developing redness from dilated and broken blood vessels near the skin’s surface.
Reversing the Visible Signs of Aging
Some of the causes of skin aging can’t be avoided. It’s impossible to avoid exposure to UV radiation, and stress is an inevitable part of life. That said, it’s possible to reduce their effects on the skin. Protecting the skin when spending time outside, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, limiting nicotine and alcohol consumption, and finding effective ways to manage stress are among the most helpful. When those signs of aging start to appear, though, several solutions are available to help reverse them, including invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive options.