Skin secrets: The everyday habits that could be aging your heart and boosting dementia risk!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
When it comes to maintaining our health as we age, we often focus on diet, exercise, and managing chronic conditions.
But there's a crucial aspect of our well-being that might be slipping under the radar: our skin health.
It's not just about vanity or avoiding wrinkles; the condition of our skin can have profound implications for our overall health, including the health of our heart and brain.
It's easy to dismiss skin care as a superficial concern. However, Dr. Cory Goldberg, a Toronto-based plastic surgeon, cautions that this perspective is dangerously narrow.
“The skin is not just an indicator of health; it's a driver of health,” he asserts.
This organ, often underestimated, is a dynamic player in our body's aging process and can influence the function of other organs.
The Zombie Cells Phenomenon
One of the most startling discoveries in recent years is the role of senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells,” in the aging process.
These cells, which accumulate in our skin and other tissues, have stopped dividing but don't die off. Instead, they release inflammatory substances that can wreak havoc on our bodies.
The spread of these cells from the skin to other organs can accelerate aging across the board, affecting the heart, liver, kidneys, and even the brain.
A study from the Mayo Clinic underscores the gravity of this issue, linking senescent cells in the skin to broader systemic aging and cognitive decline.
Sun Exposure: A Double-Edged Sword
Sunbathing might seem like a harmless pleasure, but it comes with a heavy price.
Dr. Goldberg warns that just an hour in the sun can increase the number of zombie cells in your skin.
This is where sunscreen becomes a hero, not only preventing skin cancer and the leathery appearance of skin but also inhibiting the accumulation of these harmful cells.
Also read: The anti-aging secret you might be overlooking—and how to address it
Senolytics: The Cutting-Edge Defense
To combat the spread of senescent cells, Dr. Goldberg recommends senolytics, a class of drugs designed to clear out these cellular troublemakers.
He highlights Fisetin, a natural flavonol found in strawberries and available as a supplement, as a particularly effective senolytic.
Exposure to the sun increases “zombie cells” in the skin, which can age other organs, highlighting the importance of wearing SPF to prevent skin and broader body aging. Image source: Content Pixie / Unsplash.
The Gut-Brain-Skin Axis
Our skin is part of a complex network that includes our gut and brain, known as the gut-brain-skin axis.
The microbiomes of these three systems are interconnected, meaning that the health of one can influence the others.
For instance, maintaining a healthy skin microbiome can impact gut health, which in turn can affect brain health, potentially influencing conditions like depression and seizures.
Regular hygiene, moisturization, and a diet rich in plant fibers and low in processed foods can nurture a beneficial microbiome, promoting overall well-being.
You might like: The simple sun secret that may add years to your life–Find out how!
Oxidative Stress: The Invisible Threat
Oxidative stress, the byproduct of our body's metabolic processes, can be exacerbated by external factors such as diet, smoking, and environmental pollutants.
Our skin, being the most exposed organ, is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which can lead to a myriad of health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's.
A study highlighted by Dr. Goldberg found that moisturizing the skin could significantly reduce levels of age-related inflammatory proteins in the blood. This suggests that a simple skincare routine could have far-reaching effects on our health.
Recommended for you: Unlock the secret to eternal youth–This supplement destroys “zombie cells”, but heed doctors' surprising caution!
Antioxidants: Your Skin's Best Friend
To combat oxidative stress, incorporating antioxidants into your diet is key.
Foods like walnuts, berries, carrots, tomatoes, artichokes, and dark chocolate are rich in these protective compounds.
Supplements, such as GliSODin, can also provide a concentrated dose of antioxidants.
As we navigate the golden years, it's clear that skin care is more than skin deep, so, let's rethink our skincare routines, not as a luxury, but as a necessary investment in our long-term health.
Have you experienced a change in your health after improving your skin care? Do you have tips for maintaining healthy skin? Share your stories and questions in the comments below!
When it comes to maintaining our health as we age, we often focus on diet, exercise, and managing chronic conditions.
But there's a crucial aspect of our well-being that might be slipping under the radar: our skin health.
It's not just about vanity or avoiding wrinkles; the condition of our skin can have profound implications for our overall health, including the health of our heart and brain.
It's easy to dismiss skin care as a superficial concern. However, Dr. Cory Goldberg, a Toronto-based plastic surgeon, cautions that this perspective is dangerously narrow.
“The skin is not just an indicator of health; it's a driver of health,” he asserts.
This organ, often underestimated, is a dynamic player in our body's aging process and can influence the function of other organs.
Proper skin care is vital as skin health significantly impacts overall body health, affecting conditions ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. Image source: Content Pixie / Unsplash.
The Zombie Cells Phenomenon
One of the most startling discoveries in recent years is the role of senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells,” in the aging process.
These cells, which accumulate in our skin and other tissues, have stopped dividing but don't die off. Instead, they release inflammatory substances that can wreak havoc on our bodies.
The spread of these cells from the skin to other organs can accelerate aging across the board, affecting the heart, liver, kidneys, and even the brain.
A study from the Mayo Clinic underscores the gravity of this issue, linking senescent cells in the skin to broader systemic aging and cognitive decline.
Sun Exposure: A Double-Edged Sword
Sunbathing might seem like a harmless pleasure, but it comes with a heavy price.
Dr. Goldberg warns that just an hour in the sun can increase the number of zombie cells in your skin.
This is where sunscreen becomes a hero, not only preventing skin cancer and the leathery appearance of skin but also inhibiting the accumulation of these harmful cells.
Also read: The anti-aging secret you might be overlooking—and how to address it
Senolytics: The Cutting-Edge Defense
To combat the spread of senescent cells, Dr. Goldberg recommends senolytics, a class of drugs designed to clear out these cellular troublemakers.
He highlights Fisetin, a natural flavonol found in strawberries and available as a supplement, as a particularly effective senolytic.
Exposure to the sun increases “zombie cells” in the skin, which can age other organs, highlighting the importance of wearing SPF to prevent skin and broader body aging. Image source: Content Pixie / Unsplash.
The Gut-Brain-Skin Axis
Our skin is part of a complex network that includes our gut and brain, known as the gut-brain-skin axis.
The microbiomes of these three systems are interconnected, meaning that the health of one can influence the others.
For instance, maintaining a healthy skin microbiome can impact gut health, which in turn can affect brain health, potentially influencing conditions like depression and seizures.
Regular hygiene, moisturization, and a diet rich in plant fibers and low in processed foods can nurture a beneficial microbiome, promoting overall well-being.
You might like: The simple sun secret that may add years to your life–Find out how!
Oxidative Stress: The Invisible Threat
Oxidative stress, the byproduct of our body's metabolic processes, can be exacerbated by external factors such as diet, smoking, and environmental pollutants.
Our skin, being the most exposed organ, is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which can lead to a myriad of health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's.
A study highlighted by Dr. Goldberg found that moisturizing the skin could significantly reduce levels of age-related inflammatory proteins in the blood. This suggests that a simple skincare routine could have far-reaching effects on our health.
Recommended for you: Unlock the secret to eternal youth–This supplement destroys “zombie cells”, but heed doctors' surprising caution!
The gut-brain-skin axis explains how maintaining a healthy skin microbiome can influence mental health, including depression, through diet and regular hygiene. Image source: Kevin Laminto / Unsplash.
Antioxidants: Your Skin's Best Friend
To combat oxidative stress, incorporating antioxidants into your diet is key.
Foods like walnuts, berries, carrots, tomatoes, artichokes, and dark chocolate are rich in these protective compounds.
Supplements, such as GliSODin, can also provide a concentrated dose of antioxidants.
As we navigate the golden years, it's clear that skin care is more than skin deep, so, let's rethink our skincare routines, not as a luxury, but as a necessary investment in our long-term health.
Have you experienced a change in your health after improving your skin care? Do you have tips for maintaining healthy skin? Share your stories and questions in the comments below!
