As we age, the quality and appearance of our skin changes. Collagen and elastin – proteins found in the dermis (middle layer of the skin) that provide our skin with elasticity and strength – break down. The rate at which our skin produces collagen also slows down as we age, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles appearing on our skin.
Factors that make our skin age:
Although our genes play a role in the way our skin ages, there are some modifiable factors that can accelerate or decelerate the ageing process.
- Sun damage
Excessive exposure to UVA and UVB wavelengths in sunlight increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage collagen and elastin. UV radiation also damages the DNA in skin cells, which impacts the growth and appearance of the skin. Over time, the skin can become less elastic and may appear more wrinkled, thinned or thickened and leathery.
- Stress
The cortisol that is released when we are stressed speeds the ageing process and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin by accelerating the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Chronic stress also leads to inflammation that can damage the skin barrier.
- Sleep
Sleep is restorative. During sleep, damaged skin cells and the overall skin barrier is repaired. When sleep quality is disrupted, the skin ages faster as this slows down recovery from environmental stressors like UV radiation. One study revealed that people that sleep well have a 30% greater recovery of their skin barrier compared to people that have poor sleep.
- Inflammatory and nutrient-deplete diet
Processed and packaged foods, refined sugar and refined grains are not only lacking nutrients that are crucial for collagen synthesis and healthy skin, but eating this Western style diet is also inflammatory and can contribute to oxidative damage that may cause premature ageing of the skin.
- High toxic load
High exposure to toxins from poor indoor and outdoor air quality, eating pesticide sprayed produce, drinking unfiltered water and using conventional personal care products can impact the skin barrier by contributing to oxidative stress and inflammation, which speeds up the ageing process.
How can we slow down skin ageing, naturally?
- Use a natural, mineral-based sunscreen when you are spending extensive lengths of time outdoors, especially around midday. We stock the Raiee Sun Milk Drops and the People for Ocean range of sunscreens.
- Adopt stress management strategies like meditation, deep diaphragmatic breathing, spending time in nature and mindful movement.
- Prioritise good quality sleep by restricting exposure to blue light (phones, computer screens) an hour before bedtime and creating a relaxing bedtime ritual (soft lighting, self-massage, journaling and diffusing lavender essential oil).
- Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins by switching to natural skin and hair care products, eating spray-free or organic produce, choosing stainless steel or cast iron cookware over teflon coated non-stick cookware and avoiding storing foods in plastic.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory wholefood diet that is rich in nutrients.
→ Include plenty of bright colourful fruit and vegetables for antioxidants
→ Include collagen-rich foods (bone broth, meat stock) and try the collagen powders we stock at the Hana shop like Two Islands Marine Collagen Beauty Powder and The Gut Co. Protein {collagen+WPI}
→ Include foods rich in fat soluble vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish and egg yolk
→ Include foods rich in vitamin C to aid collagen synthesis like capsicum, broccoli, citrus fruit and blackcurrant berries. And the Cymbiotika Synergy Vitamin C - a liposomal Vitamin C supplement derived from a blend of Non-GMO L-Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Ascorbate, with added Biotin (Vitamin B7) to support the production of proteins and enzymes that are needed for healthy skin.
Discover how our treatments may provide anti-ageing benefits
Contrast Therapy
Exposing your skin to intense bursts of cold with our ice baths stimulates collagen production and slows the breakdown of collagen. Cold therapy also lowers inflammation, improving the quality and texture of the skin. And a drop in body temperature increases the body’s production of antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase, which protect our skin from oxidative damage.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas boost circulation, bringing oxygenated blood and nutrients to the skin to plump it up and support the rejuvenation of skin cells. The far-infrared wavelengths of light also boost the production of collagen and elastin in skin cells, which improve skin elasticity and may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
PBM Red Light Therapy
The free radicals we are exposed to through our diet and environment damage the mitochondria – cellular organelles involved in energy production. A reduction in mitochondria speeds up the ageing process as it results in less cellular energy production, which means our cells are not able to renew and replenish as well. Applying red and near infrared light to the skin with PBM boosts mitochondrial function and cellular energy production, slowing down the ageing process. These wavelengths of light also stimulate collagen synthesis, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as stretchmarks and scars.
Massage Therapy
Massage calms the nervous system to alleviate stress which may improve the quality of the skin. It also supports lymphatic flow and drainage, helping to remove waste and toxins from the skin and reducing puffiness and swelling. Also, the boost in circulation brings oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the skin’s surface to support rejuvenation of the skin cells.
Shop Anti-Ageing Tools
We have a range of lymphatic massage tools for your face and body at the Hana store including the Lymphatic Brush Combo by Cecily Braden, Biotyspa's Face and Body Gua Sha and Tronque's Ionic Body Brush.
And for at-home healing red light support, we stock the Omnilux LED Contour Face Mask - red light therapy for your face.
