The science of wrinkles

Q: Are the wrinkles you get when you sit in the bathtub for too long the same as the ones old people get?

 A: No, they are different, and this is what I will discuss in today’s column. The skin has two main layers. The top layer, the epidermis, acts as a barrier to protect the deep skin layer and body tissues from unwanted toxins, bacteria, etc.

It also helps with temperature regulation, is where the stratum corneum (the layer of dead skin cells) is located and is where sebum, a lubricating oil produced in the sebaceous glands, acts to "waterproof" the skin, regulating how much water is absorbed.
The deeper layer, the dermis, is made of collagen, elastic tissue and other structures, and acts as a cushion. It is also where the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, nerves (that sense temperature and touch), lymph vessels and blood vessels are located.

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Knowing this, we can now discuss how we get different kinds of wrinkles! The wrinkles that come from being "waterlogged" occur mostly in the fingers and toes, where the stratum corneum is thickest. This is because a long soak in the tub, pool or other body of water washes away a lot of the sebum, making the skin less waterproof. The water is then able to penetrate the skin, especially the dead cells of the stratum corneum. Absorbing this extra water causes the skin to expand, puff up and pull away from places where it is not completely anchored to the basement membrane (the connection between the epidermis and dermis). The result is wrinkles, or you might consider them "waves" of puffy skin. Once you are out of the bathtub, the absorbed water is soon released and more sebum is rapidly produced; your "waterlogged" wrinkles quickly disappear.
The wrinkles we get as we age are quite different. After age 20, we start to lose some of the collagen in our skin, making it thinner and more fragile. But much more important than this loss with aging is the skin damage due to exposure to sunlight and toxins (such as those that come from tobacco use, pollution and other sources). Some experts estimate that 90 percent of the skin damage leading to wrinkles (and other skin changes) comes from these exposures. The specifics of how sun and toxin exposure cause this damage is not completely understood, however it is thought that at least part of the process occurs because free radicals (molecules in search of loose electrons) are created that alter the skin’s cellular matrix.
As we get older the skin’s repair mechanisms do not work as efficiently. The cumulative burden from years of skin damage eventually surpasses the skin’s ability to repair itself, so the elasticity of the dermal layer diminishes and the skin becomes more brittle. Since the collagen in the skin is replenished on average about every 15 years, the skin changes from this process occur slowly over time. Eventually, these changes cause the skin to sag and wrinkle.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and especially (for the skin) molecules related to vitamin A protect against free radicals. Therefore, treatments with Retin-A (a derivative of vitamin A) and/or other treatments have been developed to help minimize/prevent wrinkles. Of course, since sun exposure is one of, likely the main, culprit, minimizing sun exposure, including using sun block, is also beneficial. All of us should understand and accept these changes, while minimizing the affects they have by eating well and exercising regularly (under the guidance of your healthcare provider). My Poppy told me "those are not wrinkles, those are smile lines from all the years of happiness I have enjoyed." That is how we should all think about the many wondrous changes that are in store for us as we get older and wiser.

Deal with low mood

Recently I talked to various friends about how to deal with low mood, feel lethargic, having this sense of lack of meaning in life.

One thing that appeared to help a lot of people is gratitude. In fact, the idea is the actual active exercise of gratitude. It appeared to help to take regular moments of becoming very aware of the little and big things in life that you can be grateful for, that have made, or continue to make, your life worthwhile.

It may not give a long-term solution to more severe depression, but even that it could do! Gratitude, done or felt regularly, can change your outlook or life, and as such, can also help you with more severe moods problems.

What do you think?

Anti-Aging Tips

Wondering what you can do to look younger or slow down the aging process without plastic surgery? Dr. Phil invites Dr. Tom Diaz, a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Physicians, to the show to offer some proven anti-aging advice. Tips on Preventing Wrinkles and Promoting Longevity
•Avoid the sun.
Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature wrinkles. If you must be out in the sun, wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Tanning beds have also been proven to cause cancer and wrinkle your skin.
•Don't smoke.
Smoking is the second leading cause of premature wrinkles. It upsets the body's mechanism for breaking down old skin and renewing it.
•Minimize alcohol consumption.
Alcohol dehydrates the skin, depleting it of moisture. It can also cause broken or distended capillaries on the nose and face.
•Exercise.
Exercise is the number one anti-aging medicine, and the benefits are immense. For starters, it is a great anti-stressor. It also improves circulation, which in turn improves skin complexion. It can help maintain healthy body weight, increase bone density, and build muscle. Exercise also strengthens the heart, and can reduce risk of certain cancers. We lose 4 percent of muscle mass for every 10 years after the age of 20. Running is good for the heart and weight training increases metabolism and bone strength. Stretching and yoga are also extremely beneficial.
•Get plenty of rest.
The body needs time to repair itself. Lack of sleep can upset the body's metabolism and possibly hasten the onset of age-related conditions.
•Drink at least eight glasses (64 ounces total) of water daily.
Water flushes waste out of our system and keeps the skin hydrated, acting as an internal moisturizer.

Tips on Reducing the Appearance of Wrinkles
•Over-the-counter products. Dr. Diaz recommends Glycolic Acid 15 percent, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Use at night and use it regularly. You can also ask your doctor about Retin A, a vitamin-based product that works really well.
•Avoid chemical peels and outdated laser machines. "I've seen the worst scarring in my life on people who have had chemical peels," says Dr. Diaz. There are some new products that can make you look younger. Ask your doctor about intermittent pulse laser and fluorescent pulse laser. "They actually stimulate the collagen and remove the discolorations from your skin, actually reversing the signs of aging skin," Dr. Diaz says. "But they will do nothing to prevent cancer." Anti-Aging Grocery List
•Buy green and red vegetables. These foods contain natural nutrients and anti-oxidants that prevent the formation of free radicals, which damage cells and can contribute to disease and premature aging. The high water content found in vegetables is also good for skin.
•Buy fish. Fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower heart-disease risk and stimulate the immune system. These oils are also good for skin and act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Supplement your diet with 12 ounces of fish a week. Some fish have high levels of mercury and should be avoided: Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel and Tilefish.
•Incorporate oils into your diet. Extra virgin olive oil and fish oils in a healthy diet are really good for the skin.
•Limit your sugar intake. Sugar acts as an oxidant, having the opposite effect of an anti-oxidant. It does not promote healthy body weight or healthy skin. Sugar also causes the body to release more insulin, increasing the risk of diabetes.
•Drink lots of water. Remember to drink 64 ounces a day.

Top 6 Anti Aging Skincare Ingredients and Their Benefits

It is a well-known fact that people want to be beautiful; it has been that way since the beginning of time. There is little that the human race won’t try or buy in order to increase their beauty. The trouble is however, that the natural aging process is going to happen. Thank goodness for the fact that it can be slowed down,” if the right skincare ingredients are used”.
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In the United States alone, people spent a whopping $33.3 billion dollars on cosmetics and
skin care products last year to make themselves look more beautiful. There are many cosmetic brands on the market today that promise a more youthful appearance. They slow the signs of aging by reducing wrinkles, hydrating dry and damaged skin, and even help ease common skin problems like excessive oil, reduce acne and relieve sensitive skin.
Everywhere you look today you see advertisements for skincare products and cosmetics. These products have been specially designed using special skincare ingredients that you should know about. Learning about the ingredients in your cosmetics and skincare products will help you to always choose the best skincare and cosmetic choices for your type of skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid is a water-soluble exfoliant that works primarily on the surface layer of skin to remove dead skin cells that can cause the skin to appear dull and dry.
Beta Hydroxy Acid is also an exfoliant the difference being that BHA is soluble and works deeper than AHA removing dead skin cells that block the facial pores and can cause skin problems such as pimples or even acne.
Ceramide are used to rehydrate skin that has been dried from the use of other chemicals on the skin, exposure to the sun and wind, and from the simple act of growing older. Ceramide is often used in the treatment of eczema.
Hyaluronic Acid makes skin soft and smooth by sealing in moisture when rubbed on the surface of the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is also used as an injection to fill in wrinkles, erase tiny lines, and to fill in sunken areas of the body.
Peptides are one of the main ingredients in many anti-aging cosmetics. Peptides actually enter into the cells of s person’s skin causing reduced redness, relaxed muscles, and reducing wrinkles.
Retinol is another stronger exfoliant that is used to remove many layers of skin all at one time to help reduce the scaring caused by acne or clogged pores that have become large and unsightly.

Top Best Anti-Aging Foods for Skin

If you have anti-aging properties of a given age, it is, but by some of the fruits, the process may be delayed. In contrast to the aging process, but the anti-aging foods for each person, regardless of their skin to see the work of the young. For Starters, and improve your lifestyle, take proper healthy diet to avoid smoke and drink, and try to get as much as possible the principle of organic foods. A poor diet does not smoke and drink, or take them earlier than the age of the people said..

Anti Aging Foods
Avocado – it is a fruit that is rich in fat. Hazardous blockage in the arteries nourishing fatty acids helps to reduce bad cholesterol in your body. Avocado is also good for the skin and Vitamin E, an antioxidant, has. It is the moisture level by improving its softness and promotes healthy skin. And a salad, sliced ​​avocados in the guacamole on top, or a fun.
Carrots – carrots, beta carotene is that it improves the health of your skin, detoxifies your body and have a positive influence on the health of the cell is full.
Cucumber – it is a good food for cell reproduction, and also the dark circles under the eyes of the face wash, or can be applied externally for the treatment.
Berries – block them and made them much stronger antioxidants called flavonoids that are blue. By your immune system is their eating.
Cruciferous vegetables – the cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage are. A beneficial effect on your skin benefits from the cancer fighting properties and they were raw.
Apples – pectin helps in removing toxic from the body, a nutrient found in this fruit. A body has a natural, healthy skin without toxic.
Coconut oil – which is to protect your cell structure, contains the Omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients. It promotes the health of your skin.
Nuts – The number of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants have. They are not conducive for good health of your digestive system and improve your skin.
Strawberries – Strawberry High content of vitamin C to fight free radicals to help those responsible for aging. It also filters out toxic from your body.
Guava – it is a great source of iron, and has great digestive properties. Flushing is very effective as it is toxic to your body, naturally improving the condition of the skin.
Based on factors such as aging of the skin may be particularly helpful, including remedies are completely natural ingredients. You can read up on them, you need to find the most suitable one. Although they may have to guarantee and provide immediate results, they have long term effects on your skin, there are no good and should be about. Some of the strongest anti-skin aging process and well-planned efforts to accelerate, especially for women, is required. To bring about positive changes in your lifestyle you need to be patient and it is the last.