The Aging of Skin



Posted: Wednesday, June 03, 2009

by
kursh

aging of the skin is a process that takes many years and can be influenced by many different factors. One does not necessaarily age as one's parents have. Many outside factors like the sun, the enviroment, health habits, and general lifestyle influence aging to such a great extent that heredity has little to do with the overall process.

The sun and its ultraviolet rays have the greatest impact on how our skin ages. approximately 80 to 85 prcent of our aging is caused by the rays of the sun. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin naturally weaken. This weakening happens at a much faster rate when the skin is frequently exposed to ultraviolet rays without proper protection. The UV rays of the sun reach the skin in two different forms, as UVA and UVB rays. Each of the rays influence the skin at a different level.

UVA rays, also known as "aging rays," contribute 90 to 95 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays that reach the earth's surface. These rays weaken the collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkling and sagging in the tissues.

UVB rays, also called the "burning rays," cause tanning of the skin bt affecting the melanocytes , the cells of the epidermis that are responsible for producing melanin, the skin pigment. Melanin is designed to protect the skin from the sun's UV rays, but can be altered or destroyed when large, frequent doses of UV light are allowed to penetrate the skin. Although UVB penetration is not as deep as UVA , these rays are equally damaging to the skin and can damage the eyes al well.

UVB rays do contribute to the body's synthesis of vitamin D and other inportant minerals.

While the sun may play the major role in how the skin ages, changes in our environment also greatly influence the aging process. Pollutants in the air from factories, automobile exhaust, and even secondhand smoke can influence the appearance and overall health of your skin. These pollutants affect the surface appearance of the skin, they can also change the health of the underlying cells and tissue, thereby speeding up the aging process.

Aging of the skin cannot be blamed entirely on out side influences. What we decide to put in out bodies also has a profound effect on the overall aging process. The impact of poor choices can be seen on the skin. Smoking, drinking,taking drugs and making poor dietary choices all greatly influence the aging process.

PJLeblanc, as an author approaches many topics that she believes are of concern to todays readers.  The author  is a biologist, and an educator, the author also understands that some topics are controversial.  Particular attention is paid to topics concerning family and health.
http://removewartsnaturally.homestead.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Anonymous
 2 years 241 days ago.
yes i will pass it in to my sister her teanagers seem to suffer with acne, theyve tried just about everything going.
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