Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Aging

Intrinsic aging is determined by our genetic code. Without the proper products and health decisions intrinsic aging can be somewhat mitigated. The components of intrinsic aging are:

• The outer barrier of skin weakens
• DNA repair slows
• Blood flow decreases
• Chronic inflammation increases

Extrinsic Aging is determined by environmental factors. Photoaging (sun damage) is the number one cause of extrinsic aging. Components of extrinsic aging are:

• Sun damage
• Smoking
• Stress
• Poor nutrition
• Sleep deprivation

Don't fall into the play now, pay later skin care mentality. I was recently on a cruise and saw two young early twenty somethings slathering on the oil and tanning accelerator, their skin already dark crispy brown. It took everything I had not to lean over and tell them how much they would regret all this sun exposure once they reach their thirties!