Old age is characterized by the progressive loss of physiological integrity, susceptibility to various diseases, and death. Our skin is the most delicate organ and the largest organ of the human body, and it’s not an exception to all the degradation. There are various types of skin aging; namely;
- Intrinsic aging
- Extrinsic aging
Intrinsic aging, also known as chronological aging, involves the pathological processes known to most organs in the body. In contrast, extrinsic aging, also known as photoaging, is unique only to the skin and is related to the effect of ultraviolet rays that comes mainly from the sun and other external factors that the skin is exposed to. Let’s look closely at what intrinsic and extrinsic entails here for a sec.
A QUICK LOOK AT INTRINSIC AGING
Intrinsic aging, also known as chronological aging, is related to well-known cellular aging traits, including;
- Genomic instability
- Inflammation
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Telomeres shortening and senescence
It is also related to the weakening extracellular matrix molecules like collagen and elastin. The most notable intrinsic aging changes occur between the basal cell layers. This includes; the procreation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocyte cells at the basal layer, and the degradation of the epidermis, which turns out thinner. This leads to a reduction in contact surface area between the epidermis and dermis layers.
Also, the papillary dermis experiences an increase in width with a reduction of elastic fibers, collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and mast cells. Also, there’s a significant decrease in blood supply to the skin due to the reduction in the number of dermal blood vessels.
A QUICK LOOK AT EXTRINSIC AGING
Extrinsic aging, also called photoaging, is mainly linked to the long-term effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure and various environmental agents. Just like the thinner epidermis experienced in intrinsically aged skin, UV- radiated epidermis tends to thicken. This is because of the failed coenocyte, desmosome degradation, and a damaged epidermal keratinocyte differentiation process.
BUT WHAT CAUSES PREMATURE SKIN AGING?
We all get old, that’s the fact, but premature aging is when you age faster than you should. The cause of this is most times due to environmental and lifestyle factors. The most notable signs of premature aging include; hair loss, or having gray hairs, sunken cheeks, different skin damages like age spots, dryness, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation around the chest region, loss of skin tone, and sagging skin.
Talking about the various causes of premature aging, controllable and preventable factors come into play. However, light exposure still stands as the major cause. Sun exposure is responsible for many skin problems. Ultraviolet rays damage your skin cells, leading to premature skin damage like age spots. Exposure to sunlight also increases your risk of getting caught up with skin cancer. Other environmental or lifestyle factors known for causing premature aging include; alcohol; taking a lot of alcohol can leave your skin damaged and dehydrated with time, leading to various signs of premature aging.
- Smoking: When you puff that smoke, the nicotine toxins alter the cells in your body. These toxins are responsible for the skin’s breakdown of collagen and elastic fiber. This leads to wrinkles, a gaunt face, and sagging skin.
- Poor diet: A few research postulate that diets that are high in sugar or refined carbohydrates may also be the major cause of premature aging. Opt for diets rich in fruits and vegetables to help nourish and protect your skin.
- Stress: When you are much stressed, the brain tends to release cortisol, a stress hormone. This cortisol is responsible for blocking two major substances known for keeping the skin fresh and vibrant, I.e., collagen, and synthase.
- Lack of sleep: Studies also show that low-quality sleep makes the cell age faster.
Now talking about HBOT, it utilizes 100% oxygen in an environmental pressure generally higher than one absolute atmosphere (ATA) to boost the level of oxygen dissolved in the body’s tissues. HBOT can help foster the growth of more collagen that assists the skin and clears off wrinkles.
When the body is exposed to 100% oxygen, it regains its strength for collagen production, as well as the regrowth of blood vessels to improve blood flow; and reduce to an extent the various signs of aging. HBOT has gained full endorsement by the British Board of anti-aging and interactive medicine for its ability to boost beauty and the anti-aging effects.
HBOT can also improve bruising and swelling after aesthetic procedures like chemical peels, liposuction, facelifts, and lasers. Aside from the skin benefits, HBOT also positively affects the brain. It improves brain tissue oxygenation, which helps combat the cognitive decline that accompanies aging. This helps stimulate your memory, as well as your executive functions and mental clarity, amongst others.
A CLOSER LOOK AT OXYHELP HYPERBARIC CHAMBER
OXYHELP hyperbaric chambers stand as the most safest hyperbaric oxygen chambers in the market. The amazing fact about these chambers is that they can also be used at home. Designed primarily for personal and professional use, these chambers are the perfect machine for salons, gyms, and the spa.
OXYHELP hyperbaric chambers are also certified, but they are; however, non-medical devices specialized in carrying out oxygen therapy. They are perfectly isolated and sealed, so there’s no pressure escape from the chamber. Having a look at the interior, it’s primarily made with anti-bacterial and leather-like materials. The resin fiber loops of the mattress and pillows also provide extra comfort. OXYHELP hyperbaric chambers are designed in two forms, namely;
- Monoplace hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber (OXYLIFE I)
- Multiplace hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber (OXYLIFE C)
OXYLIFE I hyperbaric chamber is a non-medical chamber that fits just one user at a time. It’s easy to install and operate, ideal for wellness and therapy centers and serves well at home. The OXYLIFE I uses an air-filled system with oxygen supplied through BIB masks. With these hyperbaric chambers, you don’t have to worry about power failure as it’s got an automatic emergency depressurization.
However, the OXYLIFE C is a multiplace hyperbaric chamber ideal for more than one user. It has a larger room that can accommodate up to 12 users with the operators. For convenience, OXYLIFE C hyperbaric chambers are designed with foldable seats, gaskets to prevent gas leakages and flexible seals.
CONCLUSION
Aside from the multiple benefits HBOT seeks to provide; it can also be the perfect choice when talking about anti-aging. With OXYHELP hyperbaric chambers, you’ll get a high influx of oxygen into your system, boosting the regeneration process of certain skin cells.
