Why Do We (and Our Skin) Grow Older? - Part 1

Once childhood ends and we stop growing up, we start growing older. We notice many progressive changes in all parts of our body, how we feel, and it shows outwardly on our skin, too. But why does aging happen in the first place? There are several process happening at once...
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In general, the aging process happens because there are many negative changes that occur in your cardiovascular system and your respiratory system. These changes lead to the poor delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your body. In a nutshell, the body’s ability to nourish and repair itself is impaired and aging ensues.

In your skin, the aging process leads to changes in its structure, how it functions, and how it appears. The most common skin issues are sagging, wrinkles, skin disorders, dryness, thinning, vascular problems, and pigment changes.

If you're concerned about aging well, it's important to understand the reasons why we grow older. There are several theories that all play a role. The good news is that once you understand the reasons, you can take steps to positively influence your health and grow older gracefully. 

Why do we age? Let's explore further....

​Oxidation

There are many theories as to why aging occurs, and the basis of many is oxidation.  

Science lesson: Damaged cells that have lost an electron become "free radicals" and they search to steal an electron from another molecule. This sets off a destructive chain reaction called "oxidative stress" or oxidation. This leads to a decline in health and biological functions. 

The truck in the photo above is rusty - that's an example of oxidation. Imagine the equivalent going on inside your body. Not good! Oxidation is a natural byproduct of your metabolism, but lifestyle and environmental factors such as pollution, pesticides, stress, alcohol intake, poor nutrition, overeating, and sun exposure can increase the production of free radicals.

Oxidation affects the aging of the skin because:

• Over time, the protective antioxidants found in the skin are greatly reduced.
• Oxidation causes the degradation of collagen and elastin within the skin.

What can we do about oxidation? A LOT! Thankfully, a diet rich in antioxidants will help protect your cell membranes, neutralize the free radicals, and prevent cellular and tissue damage.

How do you stop an avocado from browning (oxidizing)? You put lemon or lime juice on it. Why? The juice contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant!

• Learn more about antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Some of the worst foods that cause oxidation are unhealthy oils. My Guide to Fats and Oils. 

​Inflammation

If you are sick or injured, your body's intelligent immune system protects you by sending inflammation to a specific area for targeted healing. However, an unhealthy diet, toxins in your body or environment, obesity, hidden infections, and many types of stress can cause your body to be in constant fight-mode. Then, inflammation is becomes chronic and systemic. This can be the spark that ignites the fire of accelerated aging, illness, and disease. This destructive chronic inflammation also causes oxidation damage, (it's a vicious cycle), and it also affects the skin.   

However, inflammation can be controlled by eliminating or reducing the causes, plus eating whole foods that are rich in nutrients.

Read my awesome posts about:

• Inflammation
• Stress and Your Health
• Eliminating Toxins

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​Glycation

​You are aware of the browning process that occurs in most foods when they are heated; like in baked goods or barbecued foods. Well, that’s glycation, another reason why your body ages.

Glycation happens when sugar (or glucose) gets bound to the proteins and enzymes in your body. Glycation produces Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), which play an detrimental role in aging. The body’s proteins, lipids (fats), and DNA can be targets of AGEs. Inflammation and oxidation both accelerate AGE formation.  

In the skin, AGEs accumulate in long-lived proteins such as structural collagen. They contribute to skin aging by causing cross-linking, which deteriorates collagen, elastin, and the skin's water-holding components. AGEs also highly accumulate in skin that has been over-exposed to the sun. Smoking accelerates the formation of AGEs, too.

AGEs are found in processed foods and in foods that are fried, cooked longer, or cooked at higher temperatures causing more browning. Eating whole foods, antioxidants, raw foods, and cooking with herbs and spices decreases glycation and damage from AGEs. Because sugar is involved in glycation (plus oxidation and inflammation), keeping your blood sugar balanced and avoiding refined grains and sugary products is extremely helpful to protect the skin and forestall aging. 

Read my posts:

• The Guide to Choosing Carbohydrates
• Heart Disease & the Glycemic Index/Load
• The Benefits of Raw Foods

​NOW, CLICK HERE TO READ PART 2 of this article!  I'll introduce two additional aging theories that you may only hear about from someone who takes a holistic approach to health. And they're goodies!!!
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​Want to learn much more?

Take my e-course about the skin & how to age gracefully:

​Time Defying Skin discusses the causes of aging that you have control over. The keys to youthful skin and feeling healthy may not be that complicated or expensive after all. A nourishing diet and healthy lifestyle practices are the natural solution. It's never too early or too late. ​Take the course today!​

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​Sources:

• Callaghan, T., & Wilhelm, K. (2008). A review of ageing and an examination of clinical methods in the assessment of ageing skin. Part I: Cellular and molecular perspectives of skin ageing. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 30(5), 313-322. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00454.x
• Gkogkolou, P., & Böhm, M. (2012). Advanced glycation end products: Key players in skin aging? Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 259-270. doi:10.4161/derm.22028
• Haas, E., & Levin, B. (2006). Staying healthy with nutrition: The complete guide to diet and nutritional medicine (21st-century ed.). Berkeley: Celestial Arts.
• Hyman, M. (2006). UltraMetabolism: Awaken the fat-burning DNA hidden in your body : The simple plan for automatic weight loss. New York: Scribner.
• Pizzorno, J. (2015, May 3). Naturopathic Approach to Healthy Aging (Glowing Skin Summit) [Online interview].
• Scali, E., & Iorio, A. (2014). Anatomy and the Aging Process of the Face. In Minimally Invasive Procedures for Facial Rejuvenation. Foster City,CA: OMICS Group eBooks.
• Schmid, D., Muggli, R., & Zulli, F. (2002). Collagen glycation and skin aging. Retrieved July 28, 2015, from https://mibellebiochemistry.com/app/uploads/2015/03/GSP-T-for-Skin_Collagen-glycation-and-skin-aging-CT-2002.pdf