Beauty Grail

image credit: Dove

I had no plans announcing my turning 30. It just happened. Literally out of the blue, friends and family started saying, “You’ve got wrinkles!”

Even my uncle, a man who normally missed such things couldn’t help but say, “Oh, you have lines”. Yes, hello “new 20’s”.

#1 Chronoligical or Genetic Skin Aging

Up until that stage, the only aging I was aware of was the type that was related to birthdays. That is Chronological Aging or Genetic/Biological Aging .

In my teens, I lost my baby fat. The only upset I had were angry pimples and overly excited sebaceous glands;

In my twenties, more baby fat went along with some pimples. My hair thinned and sprouted premature gray hairs;

Come 30…well you already know, the development of wrinkles or what I liked to call ”happy lines” (as they became more pronounced whenever I smiled). Unfortunately, I also still had very persistent adult acne! (Grrr)

image credit: peterdconroy

#2 Environmental Skin Aging

On my first trip to Vietnam, I couldn’t help but notice most of the women fully clad complete with masks and gloves in sweltering heat! It was disbelief as I was wanting to jump out of my shorts and singlet for a little relief.

However, perhaps the last laugh was on people like me who freely basked in the elements as this is attributed to the 2nd type of aging, ”Environmental Aging”

Factors such as over exposure to the sun, extreme climate, pollution, harsh chemicals, dust and cigarette smoke (whether first or second hand) can throw havoc to your skin and cause premature aging.

So no more sunbathing (more precisely, sun-baking) or going without SPF for me and I always make it a point to wear gloves each time I do the dishes. These are just some of the simple and common sense habits I’ve taken up.

#3 Hormonal Skin Aging

I came across this concept when reading an interview with Celebrity Dermatologist, Dr. Kaplan.

The skin’s youthfulness can be attributed to 3 basic materials. These are Collagen, Elastic Tissue and Hyaluronic Acid.

1. Collagen, which acts like rope to give our skin strength and prevent sagging.
2. Elastic Tissue acts like rubber bands, and gives our skin elasticity and “bounce back.”
3. Hyaluronic Acid keeps our skin plump and hydrated.

(source: Care Fair)

Dr. Kaplan explains that hormones maintain and regulate the production of these, thus fluctuations, imbalance or decline in hormone levels can lead to undesired consequences such as increased skin sensitivity and dryness; acceleration of fine lines and wrinkles; uneven skin pigmentation and occasional itchiness or breakouts.

Mention hormone imbalance/decrease and people often think menopause. However there are other factors that can play in hormonal decrease or fluctuation. Some examples are stress, bad diet and lack of exercise!

That said, I’ve decided to take a break, tuck into some berries and then take my puppies for a brisk walk up Red Hill. Catch you all later!