It is precisely the condition of this collagen tissue (as well as hereditary factors, of course) that determines the skin appearance; whether the skin looks young or aged, smooth or wrinkled.
HOW COLLAGEN WORKS
Collagen forms a microscopic net of interweaved fibers just as the threads in a fabric. This net functions as a frame inside of which cells and blood vessels can grow. Therefore, it is collagen that provides skin with its flexibility and texture.
In the face skin that looks young, the interweaved collagen is intact; hence the skin is soft and smooth. However, as time goes by, this net becomes weak and, as this occurs, the skin firmness also gets affected. As a consequence, the skin begins to lose its shape and elasticity.
WHY COLLAGEN CHANGES
Every time we laugh, knit the brow or make faces, the skin is subjected to tension. With the years, the cumulative effect of this tension finally starts to show on the collagen net. This is when we start to notice wrinkles. Any repetitive facial movement can have this effect, like screwing up the lips when we smoke. However, the mechanical tension is not the only one that causes collagen to get weak, the exposure to sunlight can also have this effect and result in wrinkled and flaccid skin. (You can probably see for yourself the difference between the face skin and the skin usually covered with clothes.)
Infectious processes, illnesses and, of course, the age also have an effect on the collagen fibers.
WHY SKIN LOOKS OLD
In the young skin, the sudoriferous and sebaceous glands supply skin with lubrication and an adequate level of humidity. Nevertheless, around the age of 50, the activity of these glands starts to diminish resulting in a drier skin. This dryness tends to accentuate wrinkles and skin folds. In the same way, as we grow old, our bones, fat and muscles shrink gradually. The skin stretches and as a result, it loosens and wrinkles. As years go by, these biologic influences along with mechanical tensions, the force of gravity and exposure to sunlight can result in notable cutaneous changes.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN
In the first place, we can avoid the prolonged exposure to sunlight. In the same way, when can use different protective mechanisms when we are under the sunrays. Nowadays, sunscreens are marked with a sun protection factor (SPF) number which indicates the amount of time that the skin can tolerate the sun. Sunscreens allow us to get a tan and they protect us from the dangerous sunrays.
In the second place, we must get the eyes checked about every two years in order to make sure that the sight is in good conditions. The face muscles and skin are subjected to an unnecessary tension every time we force ourselves to see clearly. We must also go to the dentist regularly and practice a good oral hygiene. Periodontal illnesses can lead to tooth loss and loss of the jaw bone, both of which produce a hollow appearance in the face area.
In the last place, if you smoke, you must take into account that permanent wrinkles around the mouth can be caused by inhaling and screwing up the lips constantly.
WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH THE SKIN THAT LOOKS AGED?
Obviously, we cannot stop the ageing process; nonetheless, nowadays there is a variety of medical procedures that rejuvenate the skin appearance and help to improve skin flaws.
Clínica Dermatológica y Cirugía Estética de Puebla®
Clínica Láser Puebla
Cita de valoración + 52 (222) 243 65 05 y 243 77 40
Puebla, Pue. México www.laserpuebla.com info@laserpuebla.com