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Studies show that a healthy skin barrier protects against extrinsic factors like pollution, allergens, irritants, and radiation. Protecting the skin barrier should be an essential part of your skincare regimen.
We’re all familiar with the signs of aging skin (or we will be soon enough!) The skin becomes thinner, less plump, and less elastic over time. But what exactly is happening below the surface? Here’s a look at the biology of skin aging.
Intrinsic vs. extrinsic factors of skin aging
Skin aging is caused by a combination of intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are inevitable, pre-determined by a person’s genetics. As explained by Miranda A. Farage, MSc, PhD, in her study on aging skin, intrinsic factors also include changing hormones. For example, falling levels of estrogen contribute to thinning skin in women.
The signs of intrinsic aging look different for everyone, but a few are quite common. As we age, our skin starts to produce less collagen and elastin. The weakened connection to the epidermis causes skin to wrinkle. Our sweat and oil glands become less active, which causes dry skin. In turn, dry skin makes wrinkles more apparent.
While intrinsic aging is inevitable, we have the power when it comes to extrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors of aging, including sun exposure, pollution, and smoking, are shown to make a major difference on the health of our skin. Sun exposure is shown to account for up to 90% of visible skin aging. Signs of sun exposure are deep wrinkles, thickened skin, dullness, and, at its worst, skin cancer.
What can we do slow the signs of aging?
It’s not all bad news! While aging is a fact of life, there’s a lot we can do to help slow down the visible signs of extrinsic skin aging.
1. Shield your skin from the sun.
You’ve heard this time and time again, but we have to reiterate: it’s so important to limit your exposure to UV rays. This goes beyond wearing sunscreen. Doctors recommend wearing a hat and staying out of the sun during peak hours whenever possible.
2. Exercise regularly.
In a study at McMaster University in Ontario, researchers found that those who exercise regularly have healthier skin than those who do not. The results found that of the participants over age 40 who exercise regularly had healthier stratum corneums (AKA skin barriers) and thicker dermis layers than the sedentary group. Their skin was biologically closer to the skin of the 20- and 30-year old participants than the sedentary group of the same age.
3. Protect your skin barrier.
Aging affects the skin barrier in several ways. The skin barrier, or the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the epidermis. As described by Dr. Eung Ho Choi in his study on aging in the skin barrier, the functions and structures that are disrupted include the permeability function, lipid synthesis and processing, hydration of the stratum corneum, the pH of the stratum corneum, and the antimicrobial barrier.
Studies show that a healthy skin barrier protects against extrinsic factors like pollution, allergens, irritants, and radiation. Protecting the skin barrier should be an essential part of your skincare regimen.
When applied, our b-silk™ protein-packed formulations form a long-lasting barrier that supports the natural barrier function. B-silk™ protein acts as a vital defense against environmental stressors as well as a moisture depot, delivering immediate and sustained hydration for skin that looks fresh, healthy, and youthful.
Do you have questions? Comments? Topics you want us to cover? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at thelab@eighteenb.com.
