The Aging Face
Donald Aulds, M.D.
Many people feel that your face is the world’s window to you and, therefore, reflects whether you are happy or sad, tired or energetic, young or old. If not taken care of properly, your face can make you look older than you are. There is no way you can stop the face from aging, but simple lifestyle changes can slow the aging process. It is never too soon or too late to begin taking better care of yourself and your face to try to decrease premature aging.
What events occur that will lead to the aging of the face?
There are two processes going on the lead to the aging effect – internal factors, or natural aging process, and external factors. These involve:
- A slowing of collagen production. Collagen contributes to the firmness of the skin and slows down in production as we age.
- Decreased elastin production. Elastin is the component of the skin that gives the skin its natural elastic property. With aging, the production of elastin steadily decreases.
- Decreased fat cells in the face. This will lead to sagging of the skin.
- Decreased ability to retain natural moisture of the skin
- Contractions of the muscles of the face. These movements cause frown lines and “crow’s feet.”
- Decreased ability of the skin to shed dead skin cells
- Decreased production and turnover of new skin cells
Contrary to common beliefs, gravity is not a major contributor to the aging of the face. Studies have shown that gravity does not produce the drooping skin around the eyes, chin and neck.
What factors contribute to premature aging of the face?
Lifestyles and environment play major roles in the aging process of the face:
- Smoking. Exposure to cigarette smoke, whether your own or secondhand smoke, increases wrinkling and dryness of the skin. It has been shown that smoke decreases the body’s vitamin C which is vital for healthy skin.
- Poor diet. If a person does not get essential nutrients through the diet, the body cannot function properly and keep the skin firm and moist.
- Sun exposure. Too much exposure to ultraviolet light has long been known to increase wrinkling, brown spots and skin cancer. With excess exposure, the skin can become dry and leathery.
- Exercise. When people don’t exercise enough, their muscles become weak. Exercise helps promote muscle firmness and increases blood flow to the skin.
- Stress. Stress promotes circles around the eyes, dulling of the skin and wrinkles.
- Cold exposure. Too much cold and wind exposure decreases the natural moisture of the skin leading to dryness and irritation.
- Alcohol. Alcohol causes permanent damage to the blood vessels of the skin, leading to flushing, broken blood vessels on the surface of the skin and decreased nutrients getting to the skin. Excess use of alcohol is defined by the Center for Disease Control as more than one drink a day for women and more then two drinks a day for men.
What can you do to improve your skin?
Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a dermatologist for webmd.com, has described a three-phase program for younger skin that includes a special diet, supplements and creams. The natural tips for younger looking skin include the following:
- Decrease sugar and refined carbs. Sugars can attach to collagen and cause inflammation of the skin, making it appear older and stiffer.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. They provide antioxidants for skin protection and overall health.
- Drink more water. Nothing adds moisture to skin better than drinking water. A good rule of thumb is to divide your weight by one-half; that number is the minimal amount of water in ounces you should get each day.
- Take CoQ10 supplements. This antioxidant has been shown to slow or reverse the aging process. Dr. Perricone recommends 30 mg. daily.
- Take alpha-lipoic acid supplements. Alpha-lipoic acid is an anti-inflammatory agent that decreases the natural inflammation and has been reported to be 400 times stronger than vitamin C and E. Dr. Perricone recommends 50 to100 mg. daily.
- Do not use harsh soaps and cleansers. Commercial soaps contain tricolosan which can dry and increase inflammation of the skin.
- Moisturize the skin. With natural exposure to the environment and aging, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture.
- Cover up. Exposure to sun and cold temperatures will lead to premature wrinkles and dryness.
- Use a high-quality, all-natural clay mask. Dr. Perricone recommends that this should be a part of the skincare regime once a week. Clay removes toxins and impurities from the skin, and minerals in the clay are absorbed by the skin.
It is never too soon or too late to start taking care of your face! One study reported that using a good regimen can delay surgical procedures like facelifts for 15 to 20 years.
More about Dr. Aulds
Donald G. Aulds, MD is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and currently serves as the Medical Director for both the Women's Center and the Best Start Program of North Alabama. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dr. Aulds completed his medical education at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA and his Internship and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
Dr. Aulds has been an active member of the Huntsville Hospital Medical Staff since 1980.
