Aging is a process no one wants to go through, particularly women. We want to remain looking and feeling young -- forever.
Skin ages as a result of internal or external causes or a combination of both. Internal aging is caused by the genes we inherit, and is an ongoing process that commences in our mid-20s and continues until God calls us home. This occurs when the quality and quantity of collagen in the body begins to slowly decline. Collagen is an important structure of fibrous protein within the body that provides support and strength to many structures. Collagen in the skin ensures flexibility and strength, like building blocks to a building, along with elastin which is the substance that allows skin to snap back into place.
As we age, the loss of collagen in the skin leads to thinner and weaker skin that bears an increasing amount of fine wrinkles, thin and transparent skin, hollowed cheeks and sunken eyes, coupled with noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck and sagging skin, as well as dry skin that may itch. But the reality of what we do with our skin as we age depends on us, regardless of how old we are. Media and beauty companies promise ways to youthful, glowing and radiant skin -- for some it works -- for others it doesn't. And for those people for whom the products don't work, they tend to keep trying different concoctions hoping that what worked for their friends or colleagues would work for them. However, no two skins are the same -- not even people closely related to each other, and what one does to the skin can determine a positive or negative outcome.
Finding the appropriate sunblock is important for all skin types, and having the right moisturizer is key to preventing skin dryness and dehydration which in turn reduces skin discoloration, skin roughness and early development of fine wrinkles. The use of anesthetics, such as Botox and fillers, can also be beneficial in stalling deep wrinkle development of the forehead, smoothing out crow's feet around the eye's and erasing and reducing fine lines, frowning lips, droopy eye brows and thin lips. Peels and exfoliation procedures with chemicals and/or microdermabrasion can also be beneficial in restoring a healthy, youthful, less oily and smoother skin appearance of the face or body.
External aging is caused as a direct result of what the skin is exposed to, or what is applied to it. These products or the environment often act together with the normal internal aging process to prematurely age our skin. External factors include sun exposure, repetitive facial expressions, smoking and certain applied beauty products.
Sun exposure can lead to premature aging because of the ultraviolet rays that are given off by the sun. Several long, or multiple short intense sunbathing sessions cause gradual damage to the skin cells changing them from normal growing to abnormal or cancerous cells. These changes are more commonly seen in the fair skin population than those with dark skin. In the dark skin population, the signs of aging are usually limited to fine wrinkles and a discolored or an uneven skin complexion. However, that does not give the okay for dark-skinned people to spend long or short intense periods in the sun because they too can be at risk for abnormal skin cell changes that can be cancerous.
Repetitive facial expressions also cause premature aging. If you are constantly practicing facial exercises or expressions to either maintain a youthful-looking appearance, or want people to see what you really want to say, it is time you stop. Repetitive facial movements cause the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Every time your facial muscles move, grooves develop under the skin, which is why you may notice lines form with each facial expression. As we mature, our skin loses its elasticity and stops springing back to its line-free state, hence these grooves that are gradually developing become permanently etched on our faces as fine or deep lines and wrinkles.
Smoking on the whole is not good for you. Not only does it contribute to destroying your lungs and other internal organs, but it interferes with the normal growth and development of skin cells which speeds up aging. As a result, it helps in the formation of deeply wrinkled, leathery skin, and sometimes causes an unhealthy yellowish hue to appear.
Last but by no means least, certain beauty products that bleach, whiten, brighten or tone the face or body skin used regularly for prolonged periods can cause premature aging. It does this by drying out the skin, stripping it of essential moisture and disturbing the pigment cells so that an unnatural light complexion is obtained. Then, because the skin gradually becomes dry, it becomes more susceptible to premature wrinkling and to becoming more unevenly toned and sun sensitive. It is super important to always wear a sunblock to prevent further damage to the skin and precancerous development.

oDr. Rokeisha Clare-Kleinbussink studied at Cosmetology Cosmetic Training for Dermal Filler in London, UK and attended the Academy of Beauty Training for Laser and Microdermabrasion in Nottinghamshire, UK. She is also an associate lecturer of dermatology at the University of The West Indies. She has a private practice at Roseona House of General and Cosmetic Dermatology and can be reached at 422-2022.

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