BIOLOGICAL PROCESS OF AGING OF THE SKIN

The question of aging of skin has been engaging the attention and efforts of beauticians and scientists. The R&D team of Herbally Radiant has experimented with a variety of combinations using herbal ingredients to create and maintain a youthful appearance. It also monitors the latest studies on aging factors and found the recent article by Yella Hewings-Martin, PhD in MNT  a good effort in explaining the biological process of aging.

Skin aging is caused by a combination of natural aging and exposure to sunlight. Add to this the inescapable factor of time, and the result is sagging skin, wrinkles, and discolorations: the characteristic signs of skin aging.

Our skin has two distinct layers. The epidermis makes up the outer barrier of our skin and protects us from environmental insults, such as bacteria and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Meanwhile, the dermis is rich in collagens and other proteins, which are responsible for skin's strength and elasticity.

The dermis contains a very complex arrangement of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including collagens and others, such as elastin, which provides elasticity.

Fibroblast cells in the dermis not only produce these proteins, but they are also firmly lodged in between these proteins and connected to them. As we age, the ECM progressively loses its integrity as the protein structures become fragmented.

Fibroblasts lose their ECM connections and slowly degrade the protein networks. This leads to a change in fibroblast shape, severely affecting the cells' function. Protein production by fibroblasts is reduced, contributing further to the breakdown of the ECM network.

This detrimental circle of events causes a significant reduction in elasticity and results in the loss of our part skin tone. Scientists think that it is caused by a combination of oxidative stress damage to DNA, cell senescence, and chronic inflammation.

Although we all experience some natural loss of elasticity and ECM integrity as we age, sun exposure makes this much worse.

But fibroblasts themselves do not react to direct irradiation with UV light in laboratory studies. Instead, scientists think that cells in the epidermis respond to UV exposure by releasing chemicals that diffuse into the dermis and lead to enzyme release in dermal fibroblasts.

This complex interplay is thought to result in deep wrinkles, which is a hallmark of UV-induced skin aging. And recent evidence implicates a third player in causing the signs of skin aging.

As our bodies age, the fat layer below the skin naturally shrinks, resulting in sagging. But until recently, scientists were unable to see any connection between UV damage and fat; UV rays do not penetrate deeply enough to reach the subcutaneous fat. However, a new type of fat depot in the deep dermis was recently discovered that can penetrate the upper dermis, which is well within reach of UV light.

These specialized fat cells can also respond to chemicals released by cells in the epidermis. In response to chronic UV damage, these fat cells die and are replaced by scar tissue.

Besides avoiding excessive sun exposure, Herbally Radiant has found certain combinations of herbs and essential oils extremely effective in preventing premature aging of the skin. The rich nutrients in its anti-aging formulations (Radiant and Rejuvenating), amazingly activate cellular cleaning process and accelerate epidermal regeneration.  These improve skin hydration and elasticity and reducing the appearance of over-pigmentation and skin inflammation.