Skin aging can be categorized into endogenous and photoaging, with endogenous aging being the natural changes that occur over time and photoaging being caused by prolonged exposure to UV light. Endogenous aging can be prevented by lifestyle changes, while photoaging can be prevented by sun protection.
If you look around you, there are many people who entered college and had a tough year as a freshman. After a year, they suddenly look in the mirror and see a picture of themselves from a year ago when they entered college as a freshman, and they are surprised at how much they have matured in a year. It doesn’t stop there. We’ve all had the experience of looking at a family photo taken years ago and realizing how much our parents have aged in the intervening years. Witnessing these changes often makes us realize how fast and impermanent the years go by. Skin aging is one of those things that no one can escape as we age, so why does it happen?
There are two main causes of skin aging: endogenous aging, which is a change that happens to everyone over time regardless of any specific environmental factors, and photoaging, which is a change that occurs on the face, neck, hands, etc. due to prolonged exposure to environmental factors such as the sun.
The main cause of endogenous aging is damage to the cells and tissues of the body caused by free radicals, which are produced by the body’s metabolic processes. Exogenous aging differs from extrinsic aging in that the harmful free radicals are produced by UV light. Once they’re produced, if they’re not effectively eliminated by the body’s various protective mechanisms, they trigger a series of inflammatory reactions that result in skin damage. This damage, although invisible, continues to accumulate and accelerate skin aging.
The wavelengths of sunlight that are most prone to photoaging are in the ultraviolet region. It is ultraviolet B (UVB, 290-320 nm) and ultraviolet A (UVA 320-400 nm) that cause skin aging. Therefore, to prevent photoaging, it is necessary to block both UVA and UVB rays. In addition to sunscreen, wearing long-sleeved clothing, hats, and sunglasses are important preventative measures.
Endogenous skin aging is a change in the skin that normally appears in the sun, with a smooth texture but somewhat dry. The skin color becomes pale and fine, shallow wrinkles are also observed, but the decrease in skin elasticity is mild. While this endogenous aging process is a natural part of life, it can be slowed down by certain lifestyle habits. For example, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can help delay endogenous aging.
In photoaging, on the other hand, the changes are more severe and appear earlier than in endogenous aging. Skin texture is coarse and dry, and skin elasticity is significantly reduced, resulting in a sagging appearance, deep wrinkles, purpura, and sebaceous gland hyperplasia. These symptoms are more pronounced in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, so it’s important to take good care of your skin.
We all get old. Growing old is a natural process. It’s not something we can rebel against even if we want to. However, the factors that cause us to age, such as photoaging, can be delayed to some extent through our efforts. It”s better to let nature take its course and delay the aging process as much as possible. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper skin care, we can stay younger and more vibrant for longer. It”s also important to remember that loving yourself is an important factor, along with a positive attitude towards aging.
