When it comes to fine lines and wrinkles, who is more to
blame—mommy dearest or Mother Nature? Murad research says it’s
not always that simple. There are three distinct ways in which
our skin ages: genetic, environmental and hormonal. And while
a very lucky few seem immune to all three, most of us, at some
point, will see the effects of at least one. Following is a brief
explanation of the different kinds of aging and how they affect your
skin.

Genetic Skin Aging is considered the natural aging process. Also
known as intrinsic or internal skin aging, this is the aging process we
can’t avoid. Genetics play a key role in genetic aging—if you’re
parents aged well, chances are you will also. In the skin, genetic
aging results in loss of collagen and elastin and reduced water
content in the cells.

Environmental Skin Aging, also referred to as extrinsic or external
skin aging, is the type of aging we can control. Factors such as sun
exposure, smoking, stress, poor diet and intake of drugs or alcohol
contribute to the aging process. Environmental aging effects can be
reduced with preventative and corrective care. Signs of
environmental aging are loss of collagen and elastin,
hyperpigmentation, redness, dryness, thinner skin and loss of water
in the cells.

Hormonal Skin Aging occurs in women as levels of estrogen
decline. Low estrogen levels result in weakening of the collagen and
elastin fibers. Skin becomes more fragile and thin with increased
wrinkling, sagging and possible acne breakouts. And since the face
has a high concentration of estrogen receptors, menopause may
be at its most visible there – in the form of deep creases, dull tone
and crepe-like texture.

Read Dr. Murad’s article on menopause