4 surprising factors ageing your skin

By now we’re well-versed in anti-ageing ingredients, have our skincare routine fine-tuned and know the importance of a daily, broad-spectrum SPF.

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However, changing environmental conditions and revealing new skincare studies prove that our hard-learned approach to skincare no longer suffices—it’s time to rewrite our skincare script.
Here, four surprising factors that could be ageing your skin and the BAZAAR guide to unlocking a brighter, younger looking complexion.

1. BAD SLEEPING HABITS

Not getting enough shut-eye impacts on more than just your energy levels. While it may be one of beauty’s most overused terms, ‘beauty sleep’, or lack thereof, could be the reason for a fatigued complexion (read: puffy eyes, dark circles and fine lines). Just like your mind and body, your skin regenerates while you sleep.
When the body has insufficient sleep it produces an excess of cortisol, which leads to a breakdown in collagen and results in the premature ageing of skin. During sleep the body releases human growth hormone which increases muscle mass and strengthens skin, and increases blood flow to the skin—cue: a glowing complexion.
Cherish your sleep and prioritise it as you do the rest of your skincare regimen. Adequate sleep (seven to eight hours each night) will assist in the repairing and rebooting of skin, helping it protect itself from exposure to harmful daytime elements such as UV.

2. POLLUTION

Pollution is at an all-time high; in November, Sydney was named within the top 10 of the world’s most polluted cities with record ‘hazardous’ air quality. Though its environmental impacts can be detrimental, so too can pollution’s impact on our complexion.
As we get older our levels antioxidant levels decrease. When free radicals (a combination of our own and those we absorb from the environment) begin to outnumber our body’s antioxidant levels, oxidative stress occurs. This process breaks down collagen and skin DNA, and overtime can cause wrinkles and pigmentation.
To effectively slow and prevent the visible signs of ageing, it’s essential to treat the causes of ageing at a cellular level. Potent ingredients such as vitamin C, zinc and Kakadu plum act as antioxidant defence systems and help prevent oxidative stress.

Leading supplement and skincare brand Vida Glow has just launched its new Anti-G-Ox powder which effectively treats the root conditions of premature ageing—an easy way to help safeguard skin against harmful pollutants.

2. AN UNBALANCED SKIN MICROBIOME

We’ve long known about the link between gut and complexion health, and now, newer research indicates that our skin’s microbiome is just as crucial in determining the condition of our skin.
Our skin is home to a rich ecosystem of micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that co-exist on the surface. Known as the microbiome, it plays a crucial role in the barrier function of our skin. However, as a result of our lifestyle, diet and medications, as well as pollution (see above), our microbiome’s bacteria balance can be thrown off, causing our skin to become dry, irritated and stressed.

Science has found that women who display premature signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and pigmentation, present a skin microbiome signature closer to that of an older woman.
Newer skincare products are being formulated with live bacteria to help nourish and strengthen the skin’s good bacteria. Void of harsh chemicals and alcohol, these innovative topical solutions are helping to maintain a youthful balance of bacteria.

3. INFLAMMATORY FOODS

Good skin starts at the supermarket: foods that are high in sugar or saturated fats, or are highly processed, can cause inflammation which may lead to accelerated wrinkle formation. Inflammation has also shown to be behind other skin concerns, including acne and enlarged pores.
Through glycation, sugars found in foods with a high glycaemic index bind to collagen and elastin, gradually weakening them—a major cause of wrinkling and sagging skin. While glycation can’t be completely stopped, it can be slowed.
Introduce a daily supplement into your routine that’s specifically formulated to target inflammation and glycation. Vida Glow’s Anti-G-Ox contains curcumin and vitamin E which help to prevent and improve skin damage caused by chronic inflammation. It also includes ingredients such as niacinamide, chromium and biotin, which protect collagen from destructive glycation reactions by lowering blood sugar levels to protect collagen’s structural integrity.
To further prevent premature ageing and promote a healthy complexion, opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acids (ALA) such as avocados, salmon, blueberries and dark chocolate. These antioxidant powerhouses help to protect skin cells from DNA damage.Words by BTYB Vida Glow 
Main image credit: Getty