6 ways to slow skin ageing
Have you ever wondered why our skin can easily return to its original state after stretching? The answer lies in elastin, the key protein that gives our skin its elasticity. However, this elasticity decreases as the skin ages. Read about the causes of skin elasticity loss and what we can do to slow it down!
What makes up the elasticity of our skin?
Collagen and elastin are extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that work together in the dermis. They also make up the connective tissue of the skin.
Elastin is also present in other dynamic tissues such as the lungs, ligaments and blood vessels. When elastin molecules link together, they form elastin microfibrils. A group of microfibrils then join together to form a mature elastin fibre. This network of elastin fibres allows our skin to return to its original state after stretching or shrinking.
The difference between collagen and elastin
The main difference between collagen and elastin is that collagen provides tensile strength to our skin, while elastin provides elasticity. Both proteins work together to give us firm and supple skin texture.
Another difference is that elastin is much more flexible than collagen. Elastin can stretch to about 200% of its original length, while collagen can only stretch to 10% of its resting length before breaking. Elastin is therefore primarily responsible for the elasticity of our skin.
What causes loss of elasticity?
As our skin loses elasticity, it becomes more and more wrinkled and saggy. Several factors trigger and accelerate this process.
1. Age-related skin damage
The slow decline of skin elasticity is a natural part of the primary ageing process.
Studies have shown that elastogenesis – the process by which elastin fibres are formed – mostly occurs when we are still babies. Tropoelastin is converted into elastin during elastogenesis. However, tropoelastin levels decrease significantly after childhood. Reduced tropoelastin also means that elastin fibres are not replenished throughout life. As such, elastin fibres become increasingly vulnerable to wear and tear as the skin ages. In addition, elastin fibres are degraded by proteolytic enzymes such as elastase and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This leads to accumulated fibre damage that is irreversible and the elastin fibre network in our skin loses its shape, resulting in a loss of elasticity. Reduced skin elasticity also leads to a decline in connective tissue, resulting in the appearance of loose, sagging skin.
2. Menopause
Menopause is a natural aspect of the female ageing process and is associated with a lack of oestrogen. Low oestrogen is known to accelerate the loss of skin elasticity.
3. Sun exposure
Sun exposure is another important factor in accelerating the breakdown of our skin’s elasticity. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers a condition known as solar elastosis – the build-up of abnormal elastic material in the dermis. In addition, UV rays stimulate elastase activity, which accelerates the breakdown of elastin. UV rays are also known to generate free radicals, which create oxidative stress that damages skin cells. This often results in deep wrinkles and a rough skin texture on photoaged skin.
4. Air pollution
Pollutants in the air, such as ozone particles, damage the elasticity of our skin. Ozone depletes essential antioxidants in the skin, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Reduced antioxidants lead to the presence of more free radicals, which promote oxidative stress. Studies suggest that ozone stimulation increases the expression of so-called MMP enzymes (Matrix Metalloproteinases or MMPs), which break down collagen and elastin. This further accelerates the destruction of our skin’s elasticity.
5. Glycation
Glycation refers to the modification of proteins such as collagen and elastin. This results in the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which promote oxidative stress. Glycation of collagen and elastin also leads to tissue hardening and loss of skin elasticity. Other factors such as the ageing process, the aforementioned sun exposure and foods with a high glycaemic index can also increase the negative effects of glycation.
6 ways to slow down the ageing of our skin
Now that we’ve described what contributes to the loss of skin elasticity, let’s look at ways to slow down ageing. Restore skin elasticity.
1. Make the most of antioxidants
We have previously established that oxidative stress is one of the main factors affecting the elasticity of our skin. Since oxidative stress is caused by free radicals, antioxidants are our best defence mechanism. Antioxidants are natural substances in our skin that neutralise free radicals. This helps to reduce and prevent oxidative damage to skin cells. There are two ways to increase the antioxidant content in the body, namely oral and topical application.
Oral use
A diet rich in antioxidants is synonymous with good skin health. Choosing foods with a low glycaemic index will also prevent the build-up of AGEs in our skin. In addition, phytoestrogens help to alleviate the effects of skin ageing due to estrogen deficiency. Phytoestrogens are a group of plant substances that have effects similar to those of estrogens.
If we want to improve skin elasticity, it is important that the following foods are often on our menu:
Carotenoids: carrots, grapefruit, kale, mangoes, oranges, spinach and tomatoes;
Lactobacilli: cheese, fermented milk, olives, pickles, sauerkraut and yoghurt;
Phytoestrogens: walnuts, white cabbage, soya, miso paste, red clover and red wine (in absolute moderation!);
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: chia seeds, flaxseed, mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna;
Vitamin A: pollock liver oil, eggs, dark green and leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and orange and yellow vegetables and fruit;
Vitamin C: peppers, blackcurrants, blueberries, citrus fruits, guavas and cockatoo plums;
Vitamin D: egg yolks and oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and tuna;
Vitamin E: almonds, avocado, cooked spinach, sunflower oil, sunflower seeds and wheat germ oil;
Local use
In addition to consuming antioxidants, it is also beneficial to apply to the skin. Studies confirm that a six-month application of 5% vitamin C significantly improved the elastic fibre network in photodamaged skin.
So you are welcome to try our NANU antioxidant face cream. The main ingredients are vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant, and bakuchi oil, a new discovery on the market, also called natural retinol. The vitamin complex is rounded off by the addition of extracts of Acmella, Chissandra and Dragon’s Blood, which further protect the skin against free radicals and keep it young, toned and elastic.
For even more protection from the outside environment, our excellent powerful antioxidant serum. It is formulated with a powerful blend of vitamin C, vitamin E and astaxanthin. The serum contains a total of 7 antioxidants that work together in synergy for an even greater effect.
2. Sun protection is a must!
As photo-radiation can accelerate the skin ageing process, protecting your skin from UV rays is essential. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
3. Skincare products
As mentioned, pollution is one of the leading causes of fine lines and sagging skin. To prevent this from happening, opt for products that will help cleanse and protect your skin.
Cleaner
Use NANU Gentle Cleansing Milkwhich is specially designed to remove all types of impurities. Ginseng macerate revitalises, regenerates, improves blood circulation and restores radiance to the skin. Hops extract has a strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action and stimulates collagen synthesis, increasing the skin’s firmness and hydration, thus reducing the visible signs of ageing. The milk is supplemented with a manjishta powder, which contains a wide range of antioxidants and helps to improve the skin’s texture.
Tonic
Our Invigorating tonic contains Damask Rose to refresh, moisturise and nourish the skin. It is also formulated with green tea to fight free radical damage. As well as providing exceptional hydration, with 10 moisturisers, the toner is also an excellent pH regulator for the skin.
Serum
On days when you think your skin needs a boost, try 3-in-1 Advanced Corrective Serum. It will protect your skin from pollutants and the added retinol will help reduce the appearance of fine lines. The benefits of retinol and retinoids have been proven in numerous studies.
4. Use an air purifier
Keep the air around you clean, further limiting the breakdown of elastin fibres in the skin. Place an air purifier in your office or home to ensure clean air. Make sure the size of your air purifier fits the square footage of the room. This will ensure that the air in the room is completely purified.
5. Hydration is key
Hydration is also essential for healthy and supple skin texture. Choose a moisturiser that will reduce transepidermal water loss from the skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the day. Try our Intensive Moisturising Fluidwhich is an optimal blend of super moisturisers and antioxidants that successfully fight the first signs of ageing.
6. Consider additional help
There are many treatments available to help keep skin supple and toned. You might try facial yoga or the currently very popular Japanese facelift. For a little less knowledge and in the comfort of your own armchair, a facial massage using a gua sha pad will do the trick. There are, of course, a whole range of cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, which are also quite effective.
Let’s take a holistic approach
To summarise: loss of skin elasticity is inevitable as a result of the ageing process, but this ageing process, and therefore the signs of ageing, can be greatly accelerated by other factors such as sun exposure and pollution. Fortunately, with the right diet and skin care products, it is possible to slow down the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. The trick is to take a holistic approach as soon as possible, so that you can enjoy firm, supple and youthful skin for years to come.
Sources:
https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article/110/3/298/1744763
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.6538
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405580816303624
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8660402/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2014.00011/full
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302422/
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