Theories On Ageing

The “Wear and Tear” Theory

The body and its cells are damaged by overuse and abuse. Our organs are worn down by toxins in our diet and in the environment such as drugs, fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, ultraviolet rays of the sun and emotional stress.  With age your body loses its ability to repair damage. This differs from person to person.

The Hormone Theory

When we are young hormone levels tend to be high and decline as we mature and get older, usually after the age of 30. From 30 we may require hormone supplementation. A drop in hormone production causes a decline in your body’s ability to repair and regulate itself as well.  Thus, hormone-replacement therapy helps to reset the body’s hormonal clock and so can reverse or delay the effects of ageing.

The Genetic Control Theory

Each of us comes into the world as a machine that is pre-programmed to self-destruct.  This theory focuses on the genetic programming encoded within your cells DNA.  You were born with a unique genetic code.  Genetic inheritance has a great deal to say about how quickly you age and how long you will live. Our genetic inheritance clock is subject to enormous variation. If you would like to know how you would age, look at your parents.

The Free Radical Theory

Free radicals are another contributing factor of skin ageing. External factors, like ultraviolet radiation, nicotine or unhealthy food, attack the collagen fibres, cellular membrane and lipid layer of the skin.

Free radicals are highly reactive by-products of normal reactions in cells that cause tissue damage. They attack the structure of our cell membranes, creating metabolic waste products. These waste products can be shown as darkening of the skin, so-called “age spots” indicating an excess of metabolic waste resulting from cell destruction and death.  Free radical disruption of cells can lead ultimately to cancer and death. Substances that prevent the harmful effects of cell breakdown are known as antioxidants.  Natural antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta-carotene to produce Vitamin A.  Flavonoids occur naturally in plants.  Many vitamins and minerals fight ageing by acting as free-radical scavengers.