Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon Associate Professor İbrahim Aşkar gave important information about the subject. Although aging is a natural process that occurs over time, signs of aging on the skin can be noticed within a day. People may notice signs of wear and aging such as under-eye swelling, wrinkles on the skin, when they wake up one day. As Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, aging skin is one of the most common problems we encounter. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in aging. People can age earlier than they actually are. The better we understand aging, the better we can find solutions. Factors that play a role in aging;
1-Genetic factor: It is the only unavoidable cause of aging. Antioxidant enzymes are important in repairing DNA damage and can be produced by the body. In this way, antioxidant enzymes can repair DNA damage throughout life. This also varies with genetic capacity. In some people, this mechanism may be defective from birth. What we call premature aging occurs.
2-Sun rays: As our skin ages, the more sunlight and UV rays it is exposed to, the more it will slow down the production of new cells to replace damaged cells, due to DNA damage. This accelerates aging at that rate. UV rays are the most important environmental factor affecting aging. Although many people claim that they are protected from the sun, solarium, exposure to the sun for vitamin D production, unnecessary exposure to the sun, standing in the sun for work (such as construction, gardening, agriculture, fishing), dog walking, outdoor sports, driving Activities under the sun increase exposure to UV rays. In this case, it is the best prevention method to use sunscreen with a protection factor of 10 between 00:15 and 00:50 as you go out constantly. In addition, in environments with intense white light, sunscreen with a protection factor of 50 should be used.
3- Dirt and toxins: Air pollution, environmental pollution, unhealthy food increase free oxygen radicals. This increases oxidative stress in the body, reducing oxygen and collagen-elastin production in the skin. It causes skin problems such as staining, hyperpigmentation, acne and dryness on the skin. In other words, it accelerates skin aging. Natural and healthy diet and proper exercise will reduce free radicals as much as possible.
4- Frequency of mimic use: With frequent use of mimic movements for many years, deep mimic lines are formed on the skin. Over time, these lines become permanent and deepen.
5-Stress: The stress experienced by the person and the intense working tempo cause the formation of oily skin and acne, increasing the toxic environment in the skin through free radicals. Stress also increases the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. While increasing the sebum in the skin in a chain manner, it decreases the subcutaneous microcirculation and skin moisture. Thus, acne formation increases and older skin appears.
6-Insomnia or sleep disorder: Irregular sleep disrupts the release of growth hormone and melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, and accelerates aging. Metabolism and elimination of free radicals are also reduced. The irregularity of the sleep process, in which the body repairs itself, triggers the onset of other diseases.
7-Cigarette: It has been known for many years that due to the toxic substances it contains, cigarettes accelerate aging and cause problems such as increased wrinkles, dull appearance and hyperpigmentation on the skin. This includes electronic cigarettes and hookahs.
8-Alcohol: Alcohol blocks the skin's essential nutrients and reduces the moisture content of the skin. Known to be beneficial to health, red wine (with rich antioxidant content) reduces the moisture content of the skin when consumed excessively. Alcohol use causes excessive urination and dehydration. This leads to dryness of the skin, the formation of lines, and the acceleration of aging. Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts the metabolism in the liver, causing pigmentation problems on the skin. It is reported that alcohol causes a decrease in vitamin A and inhibits collagen production.
9-Bad nutrition: Nutritional habits have a direct effect on both health and skin aging. Malnutrition causes skin pallor, superficial irregularity, redness, acne and rapid aging. Excess carbohydrate consumption breaks down collagen and elastin and reduces skin elasticity. If there are no fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals in the diet, moisture deficiency occurs in the skin. In addition, seafood rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as fish, and fiber-rich grains or legumes should be included in the diet.
10- Collagen loss: With aging, fibroblast cells renew themselves and the production of collagen and elastin fibers decreases. Collagen, which is the main connective tissue piece in the body, is also found in bones, tendons and joints. Therefore, aging continues with the melting of bones and weakening of joints and tendons.
11-Weight loss: Rapid weight gain and loss can cause laxity and even sagging in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This can be caused by excessive weight gain, stretching of the skin and loss of elasticity.
12-Dehydration: People who do not get into the habit of drinking water regularly will experience signs of dryness and aging on the skin.