The sun is bad for the skin. Although we are all (more or less) aware of sun protection, we do not always know why the sun harms the skin and accelerates its ageing. And unfortunately, it's not the only skin enemy to worry about... Here are some examples, and especially some tips on how to protect yourself from their effects.
Have you ever heard of skin senescence? It is the reflection, over time, of various factors on our skin.
First of all, internal factors. Skin ageing is written into our genes and is temporally programmed. A progressive and natural alteration of the skin's functions takes place and will modify its appearance (wrinkles, lack of radiance, slackening, discomfort).
But cell damage is also insidiously caused by environmental factors. Sun, pollution, smoking, stress... the accumulation of these damages promotes skin ageing.
Exposed to these numerous aggressions, the skin can sometimes age at an accelerated rate.
What is senescent skin ?
Free radicals have many faces: these oxygen elements help the body to rid itself of waste and to fight viruses and bacteria. However, when too many of them are produced as a result of external factors, they become harmful to the body. This is what is known as oxidative stress, which is involved in certain neurodegenerative diseases, joint diseases or certain cancers, and skin ageing.
As you can see, the sun, pollution, smoking, etc. are some of the external factors responsible for oxidative stress. But since these skin enemies are the result of our environment and our lifestyles, it is possible to act on them.
How to prevent skin ageing ?
The sun is the main factor in the ageing of your skin. Should it be avoided at all costs? No, of course not. But if you want to delay the appearance of the signs of ageing as much as possible (and reduce the risk of skin cancers...), "consume" the sun in a reasonable way. Not during the hottest hours and not without proper protection. Quitting smoking will also help you fight oxidative stress, as will a diet rich in antioxidants, found mainly in fruit and vegetables. The daily fight against the skin's enemies also involves proper moisturising.
Eau Thermale Avène skincare products to reduce the signs of skin ageing
