Aging is a gradual process that starts at the cellular level long before visible signs appear.

Here's a breakdown of its progression:
Early 20s to Late 20s: Production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid starts to slow down. These changes are subtle and often take time to notice.
30s: Fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth, may begin to appear. The skin's natural exfoliation process slows, leading to a duller complexion.
40s: More pronounced lines and wrinkles develop. The skin loses more elasticity and firmness as collagen and elastin production decreases.
The 50s and Beyond: Skin may become drier and thinner. Menopause in women can accelerate these changes due to a decrease in estrogen levels, which affects skin hydration and elasticity.
Essential Proteins in Skin Health
Collagen, elastin, and fibrinogen are essential proteins that contribute to the skin's structure, elasticity, and overall health. Their production declines with age, leading to visible signs of aging.
Collagen
When Does the Decline Begin?
It starts declining in the mid-20s, with the skin losing about 1% of collagen yearly.
External factors like sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can accelerate collagen breakdown.
Impact of Decline
Diminished collagen leads to thinner, less resilient skin.
Skin health breaks down, and wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging become more noticeable than younger, undamaged skin.
Elastin
When Does the Decline Begin?
Similar to collagen, elastin production slows down in the mid-20s.
The decline is more noticeable in the 30s and 40s as the skin's ability to return to its original shape diminishes.
Impact of Decline
Diminished elastin in the skin results in sagging skin and reduces elasticity.
Skin becomes less firm and more prone to developing deep wrinkles.
Fibrinogen
When Does the Decline Begin?
Fibrinogen diminishes as normal aging, including hormonal changes as we age, and health conditions influence it.
Decline is less about age and more about overall health and liver function.
Impact of Decline
Lower levels can impair the skin's ability to heal and regenerate.
Poor wound healing and increased bruising can occur.
Factors Accelerating Decline
Sun Exposure: UV radiation damages collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature aging.
Smoking: Reduces blood flow to the skin, impairing collagen and elastin production.
Poor Diet: Lack of essential nutrients affects the body's ability to produce and maintain collagen and elastin.
Stress: Increases cortisol production, which breaks down collagen.
Pollution: Environmental pollutants generate free radicals that damage skin proteins.
Maintaining Collagen, Elastin, and Fibrinogen
While the decline in these proteins is a natural part of aging, confident lifestyle choices and treatments can help maintain their levels:
Healthy Diet: Rich in vitamins C and E, which support collagen production and protect against damage.
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen daily with at least an SPF 50 or higher to protect against UV damage.
Avoid Smoking: To prevent the breakdown of skin proteins.
Regular Skincare: Using products with retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants to support skin health.
Professional Treatments: Procedures like RF facials, microneedling, and laser treatments can stimulate collagen and elastin production.
What Causes Aging?
A combination of intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) factors influence aging by:
Intrinsic Factors
Genetics: Determine skin type, texture, and predisposition to specific age-related changes.
Biological Processes: Cellular turnover slows down with age. Telomeres shorten, leading to cell aging and death.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations, particularly a decrease in estrogen during menopause, affect skin thickness, moisture levels, and elasticity.
Extrinsic Factors
Sun Exposure: UV radiation from the sun damages collagen and elastin fibers, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation changes.
Smoking: Narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the skin. Chemicals in tobacco or vaping also damage collagen and elastin.
Pollution: Generates free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate aging.
Diet and Nutrition: A poor diet lacking essential nutrients impairs the skin's ability to repair itself and maintain elasticity.
Stress: Increases cortisol production, which breaks down collagen.
Lack of Sleep: Affects skin health by impairing the body's ability to repair and regenerate cells.
Alcohol Consumption: Dehydrates the skin and dilates blood vessels, leading to a dull complexion and broken capillaries.
Preventive Measures and Treatments
While aging is inevitable, specific measures can slow down its effects and maintain healthy, youthful skin layers:
Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage.
Our preferred medical-grade sun protection is from SkinCeuticals and Skin Better Science.
Our preferred over-the-counter, drug store brands are Supergoop, Abib, AHC, and Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Stay hydrated, get regular exercise, and ensure adequate sleep.
Our favorite antioxidant is the most powerful one called glutathione which can be taken orally or through intravenous administration or as an injection. However, our favorite formulation is the most convenient one, which is topical administration of the glutathione spray.
Our preferred supplements from our Full Script Store such as digestive enzymes, probiotics, vitamin D3, and amino acids help with digestion, gut health, bone health, and muscle building.
Skincare Routine: Incorporate products with retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants into your skincare regimen.
Our favorite hyaluronic acid is the Lipid Serum from Epicutis, because it is a high molecular weight serum that only contains eight clean ingredients, protects our skin from blue light damage, and fights collagen breakdown at the cellular level.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Reduce exposure to smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or other hobbies.
Professional Treatments: To stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin, consider treatments like RF facials, microneedling, hydrafacials, and chemical peels.
At Arawan MedSpa, we offer a range of advanced skincare treatments tailored to your specific needs. Our expert team can help you develop a personalized plan to combat the signs of aging and maintain youthful, radiant skin. Contact us today to learn more about our anti-aging solutions.
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