Inflamation and Skin Aging
While this is an essential topic that particularly relates to Rosacea and Sensitized Skin, chronic inflammation to any skin type can contribute to rapid, accelerated skin aging.
The inflammatory response is the skin’s natural immune response to irritation. Any time there is irritation to the skin, a whole cascade of biochemical reactions occurs (this is called the Arachadonic Acid Cascade).
In brief, what happens is this: as a result of irritation (for example, from over-exfoliation with home microdermabrasion kits, or from tanning & unprotected sun exposure) this biochemical cascade begins with a breakdown in the skin cell membrane. Arachadonic acid leaks out of the skin cells, causing dilation of the blood vessels and the release of white blood cells. Enzymes that break down the skin’s cellular structure (hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase) are in turn released, resulting in moisture loss, sagging, and wrinkling of the skin…and premature aging!
Some major causes of inflammation include:
Sun Exposure: Sadly, that beautiful tan is actually a result of damage to the skin caused by UV rays! Apply daylight defense (sun screen or sun block with UVA and UVB protection) every day, even on cloudy days.
Over Exfoliation - from agents like Glycolic Acid, Retin-A, or harsh, abrasive scrubs
Climatic Conditions (such as winter cold and wind)
Skin Care Products and Cosmetics with irritating ingredients
Improper Skin Care Practices (such as scrubbing, using very hot or very cold water, not moisturizing, wearing makeup to bed)
Environmental Stressors, such as pollution (ground level ozone), indoor heating systems, and smoking
Healthy skin should be balanced and uncomplicated. Restoring the skin to its natural vitality and radiance is the goal at Mirabella Skin Care. Regular facials can promote great skin health and help ease irritation but proper home care combined with a healthy lifestyle is essential to keeping skin it’s healthiest – at every age and every stage.
Schedule a complementary “Face Mapping” Skin Analysis to learn more about how to best care for your skin at home.
