In the fight against aging, most of us need all the help we can get. The following are the five theories anti-aging experts attribute to its causes, amplification and prevention.
Inflammation
The activation of the immune system-due to an infection, allergen or toxin-leads to internal inflammation at the cellular level. Poor nutrition, too little sleep, and radiation are common culprits of low-grade inflammation, which has been linked to arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.
Lifestyle
What we eat (too much sugar, fat and sodium), drink (too much soda, juice, etc.), do (get overstressed, work too much), don’t do (exercise or sleep enough), and what we expose ourselves to can speed up the aging process and the development of chronic diseases.
Hormones
Levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid and/or human growth hormone drop as we age. But by increasing these all-important biochemicals, it may be possible to improve health and forestall the aging process. A controversial approach, hormone therapy requires oversight by an experienced physician.
Antioxidants
Call it the “rusting” theory. As we get older, we’re subject to oxidative stress, the byproduct of free-radical damage, a natural process in which unstable molecules disrupt cell and tissue functioning. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, glutathione and alpha lipoic acid can help protect cells.
Detoxification
When the body can’t rid itself of toxins, including high amounts of sugar, trans fat, mercury and chemicals we ingest from our food, its equilibrium is impaired, leading to fatigue, poor skin, heart disease, cancer and more. Detoxification and inflammation are closely linked.
This Information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
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What are Free Radicals?
Antioxidants are the only defense you have against free radical damage. What are free radicals? A free radical is a molecule in your body which is missing one electron. In an attempt to regain that lost electron, the molecule steals electrons from other molecules, which causes a ton of problems. These free radicals are so highly reactive and unstable, that they cause immense damage to the cells they come in contact with. Sometimes the damage is so severe, that it can even harm your DNA!
You may be asking yourself: what does this have to do with skincare? Well, everything! The harm caused from free radicals doesn’t just affect you on the inside, it affects your skin as well. If your skin has been in particularly bad shape lately, or you’re noticing wrinkles have been forming easier, you may be exposing yourself to too many free radicals. If that is the case, you should examine your surroundings to determine the sources of the radicals.
Smoking, UV ray exposure, and poor diet are very common free radical producers. As you age, and the ability to produce collagen decreases, free radicals penetrate much further, causing much more damage. They will also speed the decline of collagen in the body, allowing wrinkles, dark-spots, and sagging skin to form much quicker.
Antioxidants & Anti-Aging
Luckily for us, there is a way to prevent free radicals from causing damage in the body. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega-3, and many others have proven to minimize free radical damage by donating a spare electron of theirs to end the harmful electron-seeking chain reaction. Taken orally or absorbed topically, antioxidants are the answer to becoming healthier overall, both inside and out.
With your body becoming healthier, your skin will reflect the newfound protection. In the anti-aging skincare world, antioxidants are no secret. The positive benefits antioxidants produce for the skin have been utilized for generations, however they are now harvested synthetically as well as naturally and are incorporated in many skincare & supplement products.
Look for anti-aging products that feature antioxidants, such as Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, as well as a range of hydrating & firming agents. Please call our office at (817) 473-2120, to find out how we can help you to maintain a healthy face for years to come.
Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Mark A. Bishara, M.D., serving Fort Worth, Arlington, and the surrounding area.
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