Have you ever considered how important your skin is for your well-being? It's not only the largest organ in your body, but also a protective barrier that shields us from external influences. At the same time, it reflects our health and lifestyle.
But what can we do to keep them healthy and radiant for as long as possible? In this article, you'll learn everything about the functions of the skin, the natural aging process, and sensible skincare routines.
The most important points in brief
The skin protects the body from external influences, and a simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is crucial for its health.
Aging is accelerated by genetic predisposition and external factors such as UV radiation, smoking, and poor diet.
Antioxidants and collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity and help counteract premature skin aging.
What function does our skin have?
The skin is much more than just a covering. It protects you from sun, cold, injuries, and pathogens. Without skin, your body would be defenseless against external influences.
But she has many other important tasks:
- Regulation of body temperature
- Storage of fat and water
- Sensation of pressure, touch and pain
- Signal transmission to the brain (e.g., the rapid withdrawal of the hand when faced with excessively hot water)
The skin is divided into three layers:
- The outer layer of skin (epidermis)
- The dermis
- The subcutaneous tissue (subcutis)
Each of these layers has its own function. The epidermis forms the outer barrier, the dermis provides elasticity and strength, while the subcutis stores heat and serves as an energy source [1,2].
What happens during skin aging?
Skin aging is an inevitable process that affects everyone. Over time, the skin loses elasticity because collagen and elastic fibers decrease. This leads to wrinkles and a less plump appearance. Pigment spots, such as age spots, can also develop due to increased melanocyte activity. Melanocytes are skin cells that produce the pigment melanin, which determines skin color and protects against UV radiation. These signs become particularly noticeable after prolonged and frequent sun exposure throughout life [3]. However, skin aging is not only influenced by external factors – it is also genetically determined [4]. The timing and severity of this process vary from person to person.
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What causes premature skin aging?
Besides genetic factors that determine how quickly our skin ages, there are also external influences that can accelerate this process. The sun is our skin's greatest enemy. UV rays penetrate deep into the skin, damaging cells and increasing the risk of skin cancer. But smoking, poor sleep, alcohol, and an unhealthy diet also contribute to skin aging. Cigarettes, in particular, destroy collagen in the skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin [5].
Did you know?
Your skin sheds up to four kilograms of skin cells every year. A large portion of the dust in your home actually consists of dead skin cells!
What can you do to combat premature skin aging?
The best way to prevent premature skin aging is sun protection. Use sunscreen with an appropriate sun protection factor every day – even on cloudy days or in winter. A common myth is that sunscreen prevents tanning. This is not true! Sunscreen extends the time you can enjoy the sun without damaging your skin [6].
The right skincare
Many people believe they need tons of skincare products to have healthy, radiant skin. The truth is: less is often more.
In fact, a simple skincare routine using a few effective products is sufficient. You should thoroughly cleanse your skin morning and evening to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and excess sebum.
A good moisturizer provides your skin with the necessary care, although lighter products should be preferred for oily skin.
Many anti-aging creams advertise the effects of collagen and hyaluronic acid, but according to scientific studies, these have little effect on the depth of wrinkles. They offer no long-term effect on wrinkles or other signs of aging [7,8,9].
It's much more important to focus on the basics: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection!
Skincare from within: Nutrition for radiant skin
Healthy skin starts from within – what you eat has a direct impact on your skin health . A balanced diet provides the skin with essential nutrients that can help counteract premature aging and improve your complexion.
Important nutrients for skin health
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Antioxidants:
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Carotenoids such as beta-carotene (in carrots) and lycopene (in tomatoes) protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- These nutrients can reduce the risk of sunburn and support the regeneration of skin cells.
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Zinc:
- Zinc is essential for skin health and, according to studies, can alleviate skin problems such as neurodermatitis.
- It contributes to wound healing and supports the skin barrier.
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Collagen:
- While collagen creams often remain ineffective due to their molecular size, taking collagen supplements shows positive effects.
- Studies show that collagen can improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin – a valuable building block against skin aging.
How nutrition supports skin aging
A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals helps reduce oxidative stress . At the same time, it strengthens the skin barrier and slows down the aging process.
💡 Tip: Supplement your diet with high-quality nutritional supplements to optimally support your body. Products like collagen supplements from Cellavent Healthcare are specifically designed to promote healthy skin from within.
Our expert
Dr. Anne Bansleben
Nutritionist
Key areas:
Product development in analytical chemistry | botany | microbiology