There are two types of aging skin, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging (internal) is the normal process of the skin aging over time. Extrinsic aging, also known as Photo-Aging, is premature and controllable aging resulting from environmental factors. Scientific studies have shown that 90% of premature aging of the skin is caused by environmental aggressions, which include pollution, chemicals, extreme climates and, most importantly, ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Reactions to these environmental aggressions are free radicals that are generated in the body. The consequence is an acceleration of the skin's aging process.

What are the Signs of Aging Skin?

Intrinsic aging begins in the deep layers of your skin as early as your 20's. The rate at which intrinsic aging proceeds is controlled primarily by genetic factors. Intrinsic aging is also affected by changes in your body chemistry over time, as well as changes in the skin's life cycle. The effects of intrinsic aging include:

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• The cells divide more slowly, and the inner layer of skin (the dermis) starts to thin. Fat cells beneath the dermis begin to atrophy (diminish). In addition, the ability of the skin to repair itself diminishes with age, so wounds are slower to heal. The thinning skin becomes more sensitive and vulnerable to bruising, injuries and damage.
• The underlying network of elastin and collagen fibers, which provides scaffolding for the surface skin layers, loosens and unravels. Skin then loses its elasticity. When pressed, it no longer springs back to its initial position but instead sags and furrows.
• The loss of lipids (oil) in the skin, that help maintain the water content in the deeper layers, deprives the skin of its protective water-lipid emulsions. The skin's ability to retain moisture then diminishes and it becomes dry, dehydrated, sensitized and scaly. Lines and wrinkles form with the lack of moisture, as well as the slowing down of collagen production.

Photo-aging is a cumulative process that takes place gradually over decades. It begins with a child's first exposure to sunlight and accumulates throughout life with each additional exposure, whether prolonged or incidental. Ninety percent of what we think of as aging is actually caused by exposure to the sun. Photo-aging has the same signs as intrinsic aging but more pronounced and include:
• Greater loss of elasticity and deeper wrinkles.
• Broken capillaries or spider veins appear caused by weakening of the capillary walls.
• Uneven texture caused by the thickening of the surface skin layers.
• Irregular pigmentation or age spots. The number of melanocytes (pigment cells) decreases. The ones that remain get bigger and group together. This causes the age spots.

What Can Help Improve the Signs of Aging Skin?
Since the mid 1980's, there has been a great deal of research into anti-aging skin care ingredients. The breakthrough came with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, which was the first ingredient to make a dramatic difference to the skin. Antioxidants came along in the 1990's with vitamins C, A and E that show promising results in skin rejuvenation, as well as guarding against premature aging of the skin. Since then, scientific advances in skincare ingredients offer new technology into renewal of the skin. Many researchers have observed that fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen) in aged tissue do not produce much collagen. However, after they have been exposed to particular stimulating ingredients, they can produce significant quantities of collagen. Ingredients and products that help improve the signs of aging skin include:

• A broad-spectrum of antioxidants, like Vitamins C, A, E, and Pycnogenol®, combined together for a synergistic, maximized result to protect against the damaging effects of free radicals and to stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin. See ONLY YOURx Multi Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum and Ultimate Firming Serum.

• Feedback Peptides are the newest anti-aging technology. The peptide is composed of amino acids that act as "feedback peptides," selected natural messengers that act specifically on the cells of the dermis, signaling them to synthesize connective tissue composed of collagen and hyaluronic acid. The "Collagen Growth Accelerator", found in ONLY YOURx Ultimate Firming Serum and in several of ONLY YOURx salon-professional products for custom blending, contains this revolutionary 'feedback peptide'.

• One of the most recent vitamins to stir excitement in the skin care market is Vitamin K. The fat-soluble vitamin, also known as Phytonadione, has been used clinically for many years in the treatment of various disorders of blood coagulation. It promotes blood clotting, controls excessive bleeding and strengthens blood vessel walls. From numerous studies, topical Vitamin K was shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of broken capillaries, redness from Rosacea, bruising and under-eye dark circles. See ONLY YOURx Vitamin K Repair Serum and Vitamin K Eye Kreme.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids are designed to diminish the build-up of dead skin cells, stimulate cell renewal and visibly reduce fine lines, age spots and an uneven texture. AHA's reveal smoother, fresher, more radiant-looking skin. For more information, see the ONLY YOURx ExfoGel™ line of glycolic acid products.

• Naturally derived botanical extracts and antioxidants are being used to help fade and prevent irregular pigmentation, or age spots. Some of these ingredients include Vitamin C, Bearberry (Arbutin), Mulberry root, Licorice and Green Tea. See the ONLY YOURx Whitening Serum.

Prevention
Adopting a comprehensive skin care program can reduce the signs of aging skin. The most important step is to minimize sun exposure by avoiding outdoor activities at midday and by wearing protective clothing, specifically, hats and tightly knit, dry clothes. In addition, application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed skin with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher affords significant protection from ultraviolet radiation. See ONLY YOURx Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 and Oil Free Matte Sunscreen SPF 30. To achieve noticeable results, anti-aging products are intended for long-term use. With consistent, daily application, it is now possible to repair, prevent and maintain a more youthful complexion.