Anti-aging or slow-aging - what's the difference?
Advertising promises suggest that the natural aging process can be stopped or even reversed. We definitely don't want to join this dubious anti-aging trend. Rather, the aging process is a natural part of our lives that we have to face. Skin aging can neither be generally prevented nor stopped. However, we can slow down the natural aging process. In addition to a healthy lifestyle and psychological balance, effective skin care can help prevent premature skin aging. This is achieved with some potent slow-aging active ingredients that stimulate cell renewal, inhibit collagen degradation and improve moisture retention.
When does skin age?
Our skin structure begins to change as early as our mid-20s. The first visible signs of skin ageing are usually fine lines and expression lines around the eyes. In the 30s, the first wrinkles can also become visible around the mouth. The moisture content of the skin decreases. With the hormonal changes of the menopause from the age of 50, the skin becomes noticeably more sensitive. The menopause can lead to a further decrease in skin tension. In addition to wrinkles and sagging skin, uneven pigmentation such as age spots also become more prominent.
What changes does skin aging bring about?
These structural and functional changes in skin aging are caused by genetic and biological processes. These include:
- reduced production of collagen and elastin: Collagen and elastin are proteins that give connective tissue strength and elasticity. A decrease in these proteins makes the skin more susceptible to sagging, lines and wrinkles.
- reduced fat padding in the subcutaneous tissue: fat pads that lie under the skin make the face appear round, smooth and youthful. The fat pads in the subcutaneous tissue are broken down over time, causing wrinkles to appear more frequently.
- Weakening of the skin barrier & dry skin: The protective lipid-containing barrier layer of the skin becomes thinner and more porous with age. This leads to increased moisture loss through the top layer of skin (epidermis) and to dry skin that is less supple. Sebaceous gland production decreases.
- Slower cell division rate & reduced immune function: Blood circulation in the skin decreases, skin renewal slows down and the cells are less well supplied with oxygen and nutrients. This makes the skin appear paler and duller. Wounds heal more slowly. Susceptibility to infections and skin diseases also increases.
These aging processes are normal and unavoidable, but you can slow them down significantly with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. Good skin care with the right slow-aging ingredients plays a key role.
The most important slow-aging ingredients
Niacinamid
Niacinamide (INCI: Niacinamide) or vitamin B3 reduces inflammation and stimulates the formation of collagen fibers for elastic and smooth skin. It strengthens the skin barrier for improved moisture retention. Niacinamide also ensures a more even skin tone by lightening the skin slightly. Niacinamide makes pigment spots and acne scars disappear more quickly. Last but not least, vitamin B3 helps to reduce pores. At myrto you can find the Niacinamide Comlex Serum with 12% niacinamide.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid (INCI: Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate) is one of the most effective moisturizers. The body's own substance stimulates the formation of elastic collagen fibers. Hyaluron helps to slow down the skin's aging process. It tightens, smoothes and deeply moisturizes the skin. The deeply effective hyaluronic acid we use in different molecular sizes sustainably replenishes the skin's own moisture reserves. At myrto you will find the Deep Hydrating Hyaluron Serum 300 for deep-acting moisture.
Vitamin C
The ascorbyl glucoside we use (INCI: Acorbyl Glucoside) is a stabilized vitamin C derivative that is also very suitable for sensitive skin. Ascorbyl glucoside stimulates collagen formation, counteracts wrinkles and ensures a more even complexion. It smoothes the skin, promotes the healing process and helps to lighten pigment spots, age spots and acne marks, especially in combination with niacinamide. At myrto you will find the Vitamin C Complex Serum with 3% stabilized vitamin C for a radiant and even complexion.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol (INCI: Bakuchiol) ensures that skin cells renew themselves more quickly. Bakuchiol from the Babchi plant is a 100% natural and gentle alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol offers the same amazing benefits of retinol - but without the potential side effects such as skin irritation, redness, itching, or dry, flaky skin that often occur with retinol. Just like retinol, bakuchiol stimulates the skin's nuclear receptors, which are located in the dermis, the middle layer of skin beneath the epidermis. They are responsible for the formation of collagen in the connective tissue. Bakuchiol therefore supports the skin from the inside out to restore its firmness and elasticity. At myrto you will find the Refining Bakuchiol Oil Serum as a skin-friendly alternative to retinol.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (INCI: Tocopherol) increases the moisture content of the skin, smoothes the skin surface and slows down cell aging. As the vitamin also has an anti-inflammatory effect, it accelerates the healing of small, superficial wounds and scars. Vitamin E, as a skin protection vitamin, neutralizes cell-damaging free radicals in the skin that are caused by UV light, smoking, stress and other environmental influences. Free radicals are metabolic products that cause oxidative stress. They can destroy DNA, the structure of cells and vital proteins in the human body. At myrto you will find the Brightening Vitamin ACE & B3 Serum with a vitamin E complex.
Further Tips on how to delay skin aging
In addition to the right slow-aging facial care with the antioxidant active ingredients described, there are some tips on how to delay skin aging - far away from dermatological procedures such as laser, microdermabrasion or medical needling:- Protection from UV radiation: Avoid excessive sun exposure. This is one of the main reasons for so-called photoaging, which manifests itself in deep wrinkles, sagging skin or pigment disorders and can even lead to skin cancer.
- Healthy diet: Iß plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamins C, E and provitamin A (beta-carotene). Pay particular attention to omega-3 fatty acids: these are found in hemp oil, nuts and seeds.
- Less alcohol: alcohol dehydrates the skin and promotes inflammation in the body. Alcohol worsens the skin's appearance by increasing sebum production, promoting pimples and enlarging pores. Alcohol can permanently dilate blood vessels, resulting in a flushed face with dilated capillaries.
- Don't smoke: Nicotine accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Nicotine is deposited in the skin, making the complexion appear grey and wrinkled. In addition, nicotine stops blood flow in the smallest vessels in our body for several hours after smoking.The reduced blood flow, e.g. in the subcutaneous fat tissue, leads to a reduction in facial volume and sagging of the skin.
- Sufficient sleep: For beautiful and healthy skin, you should get around 7 - 9 hours of sleep per night. Sufficient and deep sleep is important for the accelerated regeneration of your skin cells, for improved blood flow and for hormone production. Growth hormones control the repair of cells and support collagen production.
- Stress management: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises are helpful in reducing ongoing stress.
- Sport & exercise: Regular exercise improves blood circulation and keeps your skin healthy and radiant. Regular sweating promotes the elimination of toxins and waste products.
