WRINKLE: Causes and Treatment Option

Wrinkles are creases, folds or ridges in the skin. Most commonly, wrinkles appear as we get older. However, they may develop after our skin has been immersed in water for a long time. The first wrinkles to appear on our face tend to occur as a result of facial expressions. Sun damage, smoking, dehydration, some medications, as well as a number of other factors may also cause wrinkles to develop.


Wrinkles are an inevitable part of the natural aging process. As we become older our skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic. Our skin's ability to protect itself from damage is also reduced as we age. Eventually, wrinkles, creases and lines form on our skin. Apart from the factors mentioned above, a person's genetic makeup also influences how wrinkly we become, and when and where wrinkles start appearing.

Sure, some wrinkles are inevitable, but experts say you can reduce the number of fine lines you develop over time by scaling back on these regular habits:

Most wrinkles tend to appear in the parts of the body which receive the most sun exposure, including the:
    1. Backs of hands
    2. Face
    3. Neck
    4. Tops of forearms.

There are two main types of wrinkles:
    1. Surface lines
    2. Deep furrows.

Main Factors that Cause Wrinkles

Apart from the normal aging process, the following factors are known to promote the development of wrinkles:

1.   Smoking: 

Experts say that the link between regular smoking and the accelerated aging of skin is due to a reduced blood supply to the skin.

2.   Light Skin / Exposure to UV (ultraviolet light):

People with light skin tend to experience a higher level of sun damage, which usually accelerates the development of wrinkles.  Also, apart from those mentioned above who have jobs that expose them to more sunlight, people who spend considerable time out in the sun during their leisure hours are more likely to develop wrinkles earlier.
   

 3.   Genetic Factors:

If your parents developed wrinkles earlier than other people, your chances of also doing so are significantly higher than somebody whose parents developed wrinkles later than others.

4.   Hair  

Some hairstyles provide more shade for the face than others.

5.    Clothes / Attires

People who tend to wear hats and long sleeves usually develop wrinkles later in life compared to other people of the same skin type.

6.    Facial expressions 

People who repeatedly smile, frown, or squint will develop fine lines and wrinkles earlier than other who do not do these facial expressions so often. According to the Mayo Clinic, each time we use a facial muscle a groove forms under the surface of the skin. When you are young the skin springs back, but as it gets older and loses its flexibility springing back becomes harder and less frequent, resulting in more permanent grooves.

7.   Drinking Through A Straw

Frequently sipping of drinks through a straw can cause wrinkles to form around your mouth. This occurs When you drink through a straw, you end up pursing your lips.  This repetitive muscle motion breaks down the collagen around your mouth, creating permanent creases in your skin.

8.    Cranking Up The Heat Or Air Conditioner

It makes sense to turn up the heat in your place when it’s cold out, and the air conditioning when it’s hot. Unfortunately, central air can severely dry out your skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles around your eyes and face.

9. Chewing Gum

Chewing gum requires an excessive amount of muscle activity in the cheeks.  When that muscle activity is done repeatedly, it breaks down your skin’s collagen, causing wrinkles around your lips and cheeks. If you chew gum for fresh breath, try carrying a travel-size bottle of mouthwash in your bag instead and using it as needed.

 
10.  Resting Your Face In Your Hands

Frequently rest your face in your hands? It might be time to stop. Propping your face up in your hands can
create wrinkles in that exact spot. The action actually breaks down the collagen and elastic tissue by the pressure

11.   Sleeping On Your Side

According to research, 41 percent of people sleep in the fetal position, and women are twice as likely as men to snooze in this position. But sleeping on your side can cause wrinkles between the breasts.

12.   Eating Too Much Refined Sugar

Refined sugar isn’t just bad for your health — it’s bad for your skin, too.  Eating too much sugar causes glycation, a process that occurs when your body has excessive amount of sugar. This affects the normal function of your cells as the excess sugar molecules join together with protein molecules to create products that are foreign to your body, also known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Theses AGEs affect collagen and elastin, causing them to break down. As a result, wrinkles and lines form on your face. The bottom line: It’s best to skip the refined sugar whenever possible.

Treatment Options for Wrinkles?

Getting rid of wrinkles or taking steps to postpone their development are nearly always optional measures, because wrinkles are not usually considered as medical conditions or diseases - they are not generally life-threatening or harmful to physical health. It is important for the individual to bear this in mind when considering treatment options.

1.   Medications

Topical Retinoids - these are said to help reduce fine wrinkles, some pigmentations and skin roughness. Topical renitoids are derived from vitamin A. As this medication can make the skin more susceptible to burning from sunlight exposure, the patient needs to use it with a skin-care program to protect the skin. Topical retinoids may sometimes cause dryness, itching, a burning sensation, a tingling sensation and redness.

OTC (Over the Counter, no prescription required) wrinkle creams - the effectiveness of OTC wrinkle creams varies considerably, and depends mainly on what its active ingredient is.

Slight to modest results may sometimes be obtained from retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, kinetin, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides and antioxidants. The active ingredient concentration in an OTC wrinkle cream will be significantly lower than a prescription one. In most cases if any results are noticed, they do not usually last long.

2.    Surgery and Other Medical Procedures

Dermabrasion - a surgical procedure involving the controlled wearing away (abrasion) of the upper layers of skin with sandpaper or some other mechanical means. Dermabrasion is used for the removal of fine wrinkles, tattoos, nevi (moles), and scars (such as acne ones). There will be some scabbing, swelling and redness, which generally go away after a couple of weeks. The pinkness may take several months to fade. Desired results are not immediate and may take several months too.

Microdermabrasion - a powerful vacuum is used to spray microcrystals of aluminum oxide across the surface of the skin. The procedure removes the outermost layers of skin cells - part of the stratum corneum - as well as stimulating cell growth in the underlying dermis. Microdermabrasion is said to help give a fresher and smoother appearance to the skin, as well as diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, coarse skin, and sun damage. The patient may have slight redness in the areas of treated skin. Repeated treatments are required because results are temporary.

Laser, Light Source and Radio-frequency - in wounding (ablative) laser resurfacing, the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) is destroyed by a laser beam, while the dermis (underlying skin) is heated up - this stimulates the development of new collagen fibers. When the wound heals, new smoother and tighter skin is formed. Ablative laser resurfacing can take several months to heal up. Newer therapies using laser technology may result in faster healing times. Non-ablative lasers, radiofrequency devices and pulsed light sources do not damage the epidermis - the dermis is heated, triggering the formation of new collagen and elastin. The skin feels firmer and appears refreshed after several treatments, resulting in faster recovery times; while at the same time more treatments are required and results are subtler.

Botox - (Botulinum Toxin Type A) - Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. It is injected in small doses into targeted muscles. If the muscles can no longer tighten the skin flattens, giving a less wrinkled and smoother appearance. Botox is effective for lines on the forehead and between the eyes (frown lines), as well as crow's feet (around the corners of the eyes). As treatments generally last about three to four months, repeated injections are required.

Chemical Peel - a chemical solution is applied to wrinkly areas, causing dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off, hence the name. The regenerated skin is generally smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Some types of chemical peels can be bought and administered without a medical license. However, patients are advised have a medical health care professional perform the treatment.

Face Lift - also known as a rhytidectomy, this is a type of cosmetic surgery aimed at giving a more youthful appearance. A rhytidectomy usually involves removal of excess facial skin and fat, with or without tightening of underlying tissues. The skin of the patient's face and/or neck is redraped. According to the Mayo Clinic, USA, treatments usually last from 5 to 10 years. Healing times may be lengthy and the patient will experience bruising and swelling for a few weeks after surgery.

Soft Tissue Fillers - these may include collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat. They are injected into deeper face wrinkles, plumping and smoothing them out, giving the skin more volume. Patients may sometimes experience swelling, redness and bruising in the treated areas for a short period. As with Botox treatment, for lasting results the treatments will need to be repeated every few months.

How good the results are depend on several factors, including where the wrinkles are, as well as their depth. There is no current treatment that can stop the ageing process.

3.    Preventing Wrinkles and Lines

There is nothing we can do to stop the ageing process; eventually everybody will have wrinkles and lines, which become more prominent over time. However, the following steps may help slow the process down:

The Skin and Sunlight - the more the skin is exposed to the sun the faster it will age. Protecting your skin by wearing hats, protective clothing and sun screens will reduce sunlight damage, and consequent developing of wrinkles. Remember that sunlight is a vital source of vitamin D for humans. A growing number of experts today are recommending a healthy balance of some sunlight skin exposure, while at the same time avoiding excess.

Moisturizers - these will not prevent the wrinkling process, but may help temporarily make tiny lines and creases less evident.

Smoking - smoking accelerates the ageing of skin. Even if you have been a long-term heavy smoker, giving up will help slow down the current ageing rate of your skin.

Sleep - although this has not been extensively clinically proven, many experts say that people who get at least 7 hours good quality sleep each day will over the long-term enjoy better physical and mental health, as well as protecting the quality of their skin.

References

https://www.yahoo.com/health/7-ways-youre-giving-yourself-wrinkles-without-113796243147.html

Nordqvist, C. (2009). "What are wrinkles? What causes wrinkles?." Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174852.php

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COFFEE: Benefits and Side Effects

Coffee is a brewed drink with a distinct aroma and flavor, prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds found inside "berries" of the Coffea plant.  Coffee is slightly acidic (pH 5.0–5.1) and can have a stimulating effect on humans because of its caffeine content. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways. The effect of coffee on human health has been a subject of many studies; however, results have varied in terms of coffee's relative benefit.

Coffee is actually very healthy.  It is loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can improve your health.  Studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of several serious diseases.  Coffee may sport lots of health benefits, but when drinkers take it too far, they may be putting themselves at risk for these known and lesser-known effects.

Caffeine, the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, is the best known ingredient of coffee. Its beneficial effects on the human body has been researched quite well, but coffee as a whole is a complex beverage with a thousand different substances. 

Research on coffee and it's Benefits and Side Effects for humans is nowhere near finished, but here is a list of what can be ascribed at the moment:

Benefits of Drinking Coffee

1. Coffee Can Improve Energy Levels and Make You Smarter

Coffee can help people feel less tired and increase energy levels.  This is because it contains a stimulant called caffeine, this caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it travels into the brain. 

Coffee’s effects on the brain are actually quite profound, in the brain, caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine.  When that happens, the amount of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine actually increases, leading to enhanced firing of neurons.  Many controlled trials in humans show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function. This includes memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function.

2. Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat

Caffeine which is found in coffee is one of the very few natural substances that have actually been proven to aid fat burning.  Several studies show that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3-11%.  Other studies show that caffeine can specifically increase the burning of fat, by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people.  However, it is possible that these effects will diminish in long-term coffee drinkers. The Bottom Line is that, several studies show that caffeine can increase fat burning in the body and boost the metabolic rate.

3. The Caffeine Can Drastically Improve Physical Performance

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, causing it to send signals to the fat cells to break down body fat, it  also increases Epinephrine (Adrenaline) levels in the blood.  Adrenaline This is the “fight or flight” hormone, designed to make our bodies ready for intense physical exertion.

Caffeine makes the fat cells break down body fat, releasing them into the blood as free fatty acids and making them available as fuel. Given these effects, it is not surprising to see that caffeine can improve physical performance by 11-12%, on average.  Because of this, it makes sense to have a strong cup of coffee about a half an hour before you head to the gym.  It also leads to significant improvements in physical performance.

4. There Are Essential Nutrients in Coffee

Coffee is more than just black water. Many of the nutrients in the coffee beans do make it into the final drink.
A single cup of coffee contains the following:

•     Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 11% of the RDA.
•     Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): 6% of the RDA.
•     Manganese and Potassium: 3% of the RDA.
•     Magnesium and Niacin (B3): 2% of the RDA.

Although it may not seem like a big deal, But most people are drinking more than one cup per day. If you drink 3-4, then these amounts quickly add up.

5. Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a gigantic health problem, currently afflicting about 300 million people worldwide.  It is always characterized by elevated blood sugars in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to secrete insulin.  For some reason, coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The studies show that people who drink the most coffee have a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease, one study showing a reduction as high as 67%.  According to a massive review that looked at data from 18 studies with a total of 457,922 individuals, each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

6. Coffee May Protect You From Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide.  This disease usually affects people over 65 years of age.  Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s.  However, there are several things you can do to prevent the disease from showing up in the first place.  This includes the usual suspects like eating healthy and exercising, but drinking coffee may be incredibly effective as well.  Several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. 

7. Caffeine May Lower The Risk of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, right after Alzheimer’s.  It is caused by death of dopamine-generating neurons in the brain.  This is the Same as with Alzheimer’s, there is no known cure, which makes it that much more important to focus on prevention.

In studies, coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, with a reduction in risk ranging from 32-60%.  In this case, it appears to be the caffeine itself that is causing the effect. People who drink decaf don’t have a lower risk of Parkinson’s.

8. Coffee Appears to Have Protective Effects on The Liver

The liver is an amazing organ that carries out hundreds of important functions in the body.  Several common diseases primarily affect the liver, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and others.  Many of these diseases can lead to a condition called cirrhosis, in which the liver has been largely replaced by scar tissue.  It turns out that coffee may protect against cirrhosis. People who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk.  Coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing cirrhosis, which can be caused by several diseases that affect the liver.

9. Coffee Can Fight Depression and Make You Happier

Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life.  It is incredibly common and about 4.1% of people in the U.S. currently meet the criteria for clinical depression.  In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed.

Another study with 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to commit suicide.  According to studies, coffee appears to lower the risk of developing depression and may dramatically reduce the risk of suicide.

10. Coffee Drinkers Have a Lower Risk of Some Types of Cancer

Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death and is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body.  Coffee appears to be protective against two types of cancer which includes: liver cancer and colorectal cancer.

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, while colorectal cancer ranks fourth.  Studies have also shown that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer.  One study of 489,706 individuals found that those who drank 4-5 cups of coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer.


11. Coffee Does Not Cause Heart Disease and May Lower The Risk of Stroke

It is often claimed that caffeine can increase blood pressure.  This is true, but the effect is small (3-4 mm/Hg) and usually goes away if you drink coffee regularly.  However, the effect may persist in some people, so keep that in mind if you have elevated blood pressure.

That being said, the studies do NOT support the myth that coffee raises the risk of heart disease.  In fact, there is some evidence that women who drink coffee have a reduced risk of heart disease.  Some studies also show that coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of stroke.

 

12. Coffee May Help You Live Longer

Given that coffee drinkers are less likely to get many diseases, it makes sense that coffee could help you live longer. There are actually several observational studies showing that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death.  In two very large studies, drinking coffee was associated with a 20% lower risk of death in men and a 26% lower risk of death in women, over a period of 18-24 years.

This effect appears to be particularly strong in type II diabetics. In one study, diabetics who drank coffee had a 30% lower risk of death during a 20 year study period.

13. Coffee is The Biggest Source of Antioxidants in The Western Diet

For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may actually be the healthiest aspect of the diet.  That’s because coffee contains a massive amount of antioxidants.  In fact, studies show that most people get more antioxidants from coffee than both fruits and vegetables combined.  Finally on benefits, coffee is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. Period.

Side Effects and Risks of Coffee

There are several but few side effects of consuming coffee.  Some just as explained by researches includes:

 Drinking 

1.  Bad Coffee can be Toxic: 

Bad quality coffee can have a lot of impurities in it, which can cause sickness, headache or a general bad feeling. This can happen if your coffee is made from beans that have been over ripped or otherwise ruined. Even one ruined bean can make your cup toxic. If you invest and buy high quality, speciality coffee you don’t have to worry about this. This article will help you tell the difference between the two.

2.   Coffee can Lead to Death: 

Note if 80-100 (23 litres Appx.)cups of coffee is consumed in a short session. This dose is lethal and will amount in 10-13 grams of caffeine within your body. Before you reach this point, however, you'll be vomiting most of it out since 23 litres of any liquid is a lot. Even drinking 23 litres of water can kill you.

3.    Coffee can Cause Insomnia and Restlessness:

Again, it's the caffeine that works here. Your recommended maximum amount of caffeine is 400 milligrams, roughly the amount that you’ll get from 4 cups of coffee. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, be careful with coffee. You are probably already aware what amount and what kind of coffee suits, or doesn't suit you. The amount of caffeine that is safe for human consumption is actually written in our DNA.

4.    Coffee Has Effect on Pregnant Women 

Studies on coffee's effect on a fetus have been controversial, but one thing is sure: if you drink coffee when pregnant, caffeine will also reach the fetus, and your baby is highly sensitive to caffeine. So, if you’re a heavyweight coffee drinker and can’t stop drinking it while pregnant, at least reduce your coffee intake to one cup a day.  Caffeine during pregnancy first trimester is certainly harmful for your baby. Studies also suggest that the weight of your baby may get reduced due to the intake of coffee every day while pregnant. 

Caffeine increases the gestation period thereby making pregnancy period to be a longer one if you are addicted to coffee. Still on pregnancy, studies suggest that caffeine can create certain long-term health problems for your baby. If you care for the health of your baby, cut your intake soon.

5.   Increase in Cholesterol:

Coffee beans contain cafestol and kahweol, two ingredients that appear to raise LDL cholesterol levels. Filtering the coffee traps most of the LDL, but cafestol and kahweol are found in espresso, Turkish coffee, french press and Scandinavian style “cooked coffee”.  The intake of LDL from a cup of espresso is still so small, that for people with normal cholesterol levels, won't be at risk. There are also some studies at preliminary stages of diagnosis that have found marks that cafestol and kahweol may have some beneficial anti-cancer effects, and be good for your liver.
 

6.  Increase in Bed-wetting:  

One survey reported that caffeine consumption of 5-7 year old kids may increase enuresis a.k.a. bed-wetting.

7.   Sleep Interference:

 
Coffee can interfere with your sleep patterns. You might become restless and lack of sleep can affect your health too. This is one of the effects of caffeine during pregnancy.

8.    Iron Absorption:

 
Do you know the fact that excessive intake of caffeine can also interfere with the absorption of iron in your body? If you are pregnant, then you must ensure that your body absorbs iron well.

9.  Dehydration:

Caffeine can also dehydrate you as you have to urinate more often when you consume coffee.

 It’s pertinent to keep in mind that many of the studies in the article above are observational studies, which can not prove that coffee caused the beneficial effects.  But given the facts that the effects are strong and consistent among studies, it is a fairly strong indicator that coffee does in fact play a role.  Despite having been criticized in the past, the evidence points to coffee being very health, at least for some people.

Finally, If you have high cholesterol or you are caffeine sensitive, pregnant or a child (or a parent of one), you should pay little attention to coffee drinking.

For others, reasonable amounts (1-6 cups a day) coffee can be good for you. It can prevent serious diseases, boost your mind and muscles, and even help you with weight loss. Remember, as long as you drink toxin free, specialty coffee and brew it with care, you can and should be enjoying it knowing it's good for you. If you took the time to read this whole article (Stay Blessed and Thanks!), please endeavor to share it so your friends will get it right, too.

References

 http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/coffee/

http://authoritynutrition.com/why-is-coffee-good-for-you/

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-02/why-coffee-good-you-here-are-7-reasons

http://time.com/3145435/is-coffee-bad-for-you/

http://www.nurturepod.com/uncategorized/coffee-10-shocking-reasons-why-its-soooo-bad-for-you/

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_Letter/2012/January/what-is-it-about-coffee

http://authoritynutrition.com/why-is-coffee-good-for-you/

http://www.boldsky.com/pregnancy-parenting/prenatal/2015/effects-of-caffeine-during-pregnancy-060863.html

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