Extrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Aging

What is Intrinsic Aging?

Intrinsic aging is also referred to as chronological aging or simply the natural aging process. It’s the type of aging we have no control over because it’s genetic and predetermined by our DNA.

Our aging process begins at the age of 25, This is the phase in our life when the skin’s essential fibers which are responsible for elasticity, collagen, and elastin start to decrease.

Over the decades, signs of intrinsic aging become more prominent; these include sagging skin, loss of moisture, wrinkles, dry skin, hollowed cheeks, and age spots. Aging skin will also start to develop spots and discoloration; its tone will look uneven and dull or lackluster.

What is Extrinsic Aging?

Extrinsic aging is also referred to as photoaging or environmental and lifestyle aging. Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin due to frequent exposure to ultra-violet rays. Beyond UV radiation, extrinsic aging involves skin aging caused by external factors such as cigarette smoking, air pollution, diet, stress, and other lifestyle factors.

Extrinsic aging explains why identical twins may not look the same age. If one twin is a smoker and spends a considerable amount of time exposed to the sun and air pollution, their skin has probably aged faster than the twin who doesn’t smoke and avoids sun exposure. The twin who eats a well-balanced diet full of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, along with foods that are high in nutrients will likely have healthier skin than the twin who only eats greasy junk food.

Intrinsic aging follows your body’s natural physiological sequencing process; it’s inevitable and will happen when it’s meant to. Extrinsic aging, on the other hand, is something you can prevent by simply making better lifestyle choices and avoiding environmental factors that speed up the aging process.

However, if your skin already shows signs of extrinsic aging, there’s still hope. Apart from committing to avoid the external factors that contribute to extrinsic aging, there are skin treatments that can help repair the damage to your skin.

A fantastic skin regimen with sunscreen, retinols & vitamin c, along with advanced skin treatments can make all the difference!