Blog
Ageing and Genetics...Luck or destiny?
Tuesday 11th April 2017
Like mother, Like daughter, or not as the case may be...To what extent is the aging process predetermined by your parents?
When it comes to genetics, they certainly do have an influence over how well a person will age, and at the rate this process will happen, but all is not lost.
Sections of DNA called telomeres are attached to the end of chromosomes, acting like the plastic tips of shoelaces to stop them fraying. The length of your telomeres is an indicator of your longevity. Now here is the important part...Whilst the propensity for short telomeres is inherited, vitamin A can help to lengthen them.
Dr Des Fernandes, the founder (and anti aging GURU) of Environ says
"Vitamin A has an important effect on the telomere by promoting the enzyme telomerase which helps skin cells remain active for longer. Studies have shown that by adding extra doses Vitamin A to skin cultures, those skin cells live up to 1.8 times longer. Vtiamin A works on the DNA and has effects on about 1000 genes. No other molecule has been shown to work on so many fronts rejuvenating skin"
In addition to this fact, many other signs of ageing can be significantly reversed because these ageing factors are not under genetic control.
Sun damage, pollution, smoking and excess sugar consumption all are external factors that accelerate the ageing process. By ensuring your skin is high in Vitamin A, C and E as well as and free radical fighting anti oxidants, you ensure that your skin is being fed the best ingredients for it to protect and heal itself from within.
Vitamin A has the ability to
- Strengthen the skin
- Protect the skin
- Normalise pigmentation
- Balance oil production
- Stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Protect skin immunity
- Detox the skin
- Assist with the skins natural exfoliation process
- Normalise the skin
*Vitamin C has the ability to
- Neutralise cancer causing free radicals
- Stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Reduce redness in the skin
- Work as an anti inflammatory
- Lighten and brighten the skin
- Reduce pigmentation
- Hydrate the skin
- Heal the skin
All of these factors will result in a younger, healthier looking skin which radiates youth and glows.
Using an SPF in the sun will protect your skin from UV damage which is by far the biggest factor when it comes to premature aging.
Smoking decreases levels of Vitamin C in the body which can leave skin looking dull, dehydrated and lack lustre.
More about how excess sugar consumption speeds up the aging process can be read in my blog post here