Two of a Kind in Anti-Aging Skin Care: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging

If you think that aging is just one big skin care woe of wrinkles and fine lines, you're ignoring two of the most significant players in the age game: intrinsic and extrinsic aging. What does this have to do with you? A lot.


There's more to aging than just getting older every year. To better learn how to prepare yourself for the later years--as well as tailoring your skin care routine to fit your needs--it's important to know the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic aging. If these terms are new to you, read on to find out what you need to know.

The Differences Between The Two

In a nutshell, intrinsic aging happens naturally in the aging process. This aging begins in our mid-20s. Extrinsic aging happens when the skin is exposed to outside factors, such as excessive sun exposure.

Intrinsic Aging

Intrinsic aging is inevitable. This is the kind of aging that normally comes to mind when you think about getting older. The most common signs of intrinsic aging include fine lines, dry skin, thin/transparent skin, and collagen and elasticity loss. While these signs of aging take decades to surface, the genes we inherit are the ones that determine when these changes become apparent.

In addition to fine lines and wrinkles, intrinsic aging also manifests itself in the form of dull, sagging skin. This happens due to bone loss and the decrease of skin cell turnover. As a result, you may notice mottled, uneven or blotchy skin.

Extrinsic Aging

There's a reason dermatologists and other skin care specialists stress the importance of sun care. Extrinsic aging is one of the main contributors to premature aging and the chances of this happening to you is entirely in your hands. The majority of premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Even just the smallest amounts of sun on unprotected skin can result in freckles, age spots, spider veins, fine lines and wrinkles and rough, leathery skin.

Aging caused by exposure to the sun is also called photoaging. When the sun gets a hold of your skin, the ultraviolet rays breaks down collagen and elastin, making skin loose and weak. The amount of photoaging depends upon the person's skin color and their history of sun exposure. Fair skinned individuals who have spent years in the sun are more prone to photoaging than those with darker skin. Regardless of your skin color, it is vital to use sunscreen and sunblock at all times you expect to be out in the sun.

To prevent extrinsic aging, avoid tanning in salons or out in the sun, wear protective clothing and try to avoid being out in the sun during 10:00am and 4:00pm when the sun's rays are strongest. If the latter is impossible for you to do, then you must apply sunscreen no matter what season it is.

Cellex-C Bio Tan Sunless Tanning Gel is a great product for achieving the perfect tan without the hazard of sitting out in the sun or in a tanning booth. This soothing sunless tanning gel goes on without streaks and creates color from with your skin.

Dr. Brandt Lineless Cream - Age Inhibitor Complex addresses the main components of aging: the breakdown in collagen and elastin. This revolutionary product promotes healthy collagen and elastin as well as repairs existing UV damage.

Source: www.skincare-news.com