Old age: how to keep your skin young
One of the causes of early aging is considered to be the so-called oxidative (oxidative) stress. Free radicals damage cells, harm health and beauty, and undermine the immune system. What is the algorithm of an unpleasant phenomenon, how to protect yourself from its destructive effects and what will help preserve the youthfulness of the skin — in the material of Izvestia.
What are free radicals?
Denis Prokofiev, a general practitioner with the status of "Moscow Doctor," explained to Izvestia that oxidative stress is a modern "fashionable" term that refers more to blood biochemistry than to diagnoses. Sometime in the 80s of the last century, this definition began to be used in medicine, and then it got into the medical history. Patients have also included this concept in their vocabulary, and with it the term "free radicals." The latter are unstable chemically active compounds that inevitably form in the body throughout life. In small quantities, they are useful, but in excess they "attack" cells and damage them, contributing to the development of various diseases and premature aging.
— As a result of metabolism, millions of different processes take place in the body, and a huge number of cells circulate. But in the first place, of course, are the cells containing oxygen. This constant movement, coupled with a variety of biochemical reactions, is aimed at providing organs and systems with oxygen, and at constantly renewing immune cells," says Denis Prokofiev.
As soon as a molecule of a substance containing oxygen enters the body, it is transported to the organ, and then decomposes.
— The breakdown may be complete, or it may be incomplete, and then a huge amount of constantly circulating free radicals accumulates in the blood. They are a byproduct of cellular processes," comments Denis Prokofiev.
The expert emphasizes that the body needs free radicals in reasonable quantities because they play a signaling role — they help the body recognize both viruses and bacteria. In some cases, they deposit (accumulate) the necessary elements, for example, medicines. Such useful radicals in small amounts include cholesterol, which is normally necessary and performs a building function. But when there are too many of these unstable compounds, the same oxidative (or oxidative) stress occurs.
— As a result, pathological conditions are triggered: free radicals destroy healthy body cells. This can lead to various problems, in particular, the development of cancer and autoimmune diseases, the doctor warns.
The symptoms of oxidative stress are similar in all cases: general weakness, increased fatigue, possible sleep disorders, gastrointestinal upset, and the very premature aging that Russians are most afraid of. In particular, an excess of free radicals makes itself felt by the early appearance of wrinkles and a generally unhealthy skin condition.
How to keep your skin looking healthy
Svetlana Girina, a cosmetologist at the Scandinavian Health Center, calls oxidative stress an imbalance between the amount of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them. Since this condition is accompanied by cell damage and impaired function, it contributes, in particular, to the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, pigmentation and dryness.
— Oxidative stress on the skin is manifested by decreased elasticity, dull complexion, dehydration, wrinkles and impaired microcirculation. Free radicals disrupt the work of fibroblasts, the cells that produce skin fibers. Collagen, which is responsible for skin density, and elastin, which is responsible for elasticity, are also affected," says the cosmetologist.
Membranes are damaged, lipids (fat molecules), proteins and DNA are oxidized. The skin loses its density, becomes less elastic and flabby. According to Svetlana Girina, the area around the eyes is especially vulnerable — the thin epidermis and facial activity accelerate the appearance of wrinkles.
— The external causes of oxidative stress include ultraviolet radiation and polluted air. UV radiation triggers photochemical reactions (processes caused by exposure to light) and the formation of reactive oxygen species. Environmental pollution is a source of particles that penetrate the skin and cause inflammation. Smoking and an unbalanced diet enhance these processes, warns cosmetologist Girina.
The cosmetologist calls chronic stress, inflammatory conditions, diseases and lack of sleep the internal causes of oxidative stress. With age, the skin's resources decrease, and it copes worse with high stress.
— Early signs of oxidative stress are a dull skin tone, dryness and increased reactivity, that is, sensitivity to irritating factors. Later, wrinkles, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and vascular network appear. The fastest changes are visible in the eye area, where the skin is thinner, says the cosmetologist.
To protect the skin from oxidative stress, Svetlana Girina advises to enrich the diet with vegetables, fruits, fatty fish and green tea — these products contain natural antioxidants.
— Serums and creams with vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10 (a substance that supports cell energy), the plant antioxidant resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid (a component that enhances the effect of other antioxidants) are effective in care. Protection with SPF is required in the morning. The eye area requires separate products with delicate ingredients," comments Svetlana Girina.
According to the cosmetologist, light, dry and sensitive skin with a broken barrier is more susceptible to oxidative stress. People with these skin types should pay more attention to daily care and protection.
Sleep, nutrition, physical education
It turns out that oxidative stress is not a specific diagnosis, but a condition that actually precedes the complete deterioration of the body. An experienced doctor will always identify the cause of ill health based on the clinical picture — data on heredity, daily routine and lifestyle of a person — and will tell you how to withstand the unpleasant effects of this stress.
— Now it is very fashionable to install so-called health droppers, apply detox programs, and also put patients in barometric chambers using oxygen therapy methods. All this seems to be aimed at fighting free radicals. In fact, a healthy lifestyle, as well as adherence to nutrition, sleep and wakefulness, will help to avoid oxidative stress," comments Denis Prokofiev.
A general practitioner considers the control of chronic diseases and the proper treatment of acute conditions to be the main condition for resisting free radicals. If you follow a healthy lifestyle, then no additional cleansing of the body will be required, the expert summarizes.
— It is important to improve sleep, reduce stress, stop smoking and control alcohol consumption. Moderate physical activity and limited sun exposure will support the skin. Prevention at an early age helps to maintain skin health for longer, adds Svetlana Girina.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
