Ageing is a natural process that every individual undergoes. It’s multifaceted, influencing us both internally (our organs, cells, and bodily systems) and externally (our skin, hair, and overall physical appearance).
However, by uncovering the intricate link between internal and external ageing, we can actively shape how we age. Yet, what if we told you that internal and external ageing are not isolated processes, but intricately interlinked? That the steps you take to support your internal health can have a profound impact on your external appearance, and vice versa?
This compelling connection between internal and external ageing, when understood and leveraged, can empower you to age gracefully – from the inside out.
Internal ageing refers to the gradual decline of our bodily functions, driven by factors like genetics and lifestyle. Over time, cells lose their ability to function optimally, impacting our organs and systems.1
External ageing, on the other hand, is often reflected in skin wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, primarily influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Interestingly, internal and external ageing are interlinked.
For instance, chronic inflammation, a key factor in internal ageing, can speed up external ageing, manifesting as premature wrinkles and age spots.2
This is because chronic inflammation can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, proteins that are key to maintaining skin’s elasticity and firmness.
In this light, our efforts to age gracefully should not be compartmentalized into ‘internal’ and ‘external’ boxes. Instead, recognizing and nurturing this intricate link can lead to a more holistic, effective approach to ageing, benefitting our overall health and physical appearance.
Studies point to free radicals, unstable molecules that damage our cells; chronic inflammation; stress; poor nutrition; and environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution as the primary causes of ageing.3 Furthermore, stress and poor nutrition can accelerate both internal and external ageing.
Chronic stress has a harmful effect on our cells and can speed up ageing, while poor nutrition can hinder cell repair and regeneration, affecting both our internal health and external appearance.8
Hence, to slow down ageing, it’s important to understand and address these factors, whether they’re internal conditions like inflammation and oxidative stress or external elements like sun exposure and environmental toxins.
By doing so, we can ensure that our bodies age as naturally and gracefully as possible.
Here are some scientifically-backed tips to support internal and external ageing:
Embracing each phase of life while nurturing our bodies from the inside out is the key to ageing gracefully. After all, ageing is a testament to our experiences, resilience, and the paths we’ve navigated in life.
Our internal health and external appearance are interconnected, and caring for one will benefit the other. It’s all about fostering balance and harmony as we journey through the different stages of life.
The Phytoceutics™ Healthy Ageing Range includes a variety of innovative, high quality, and highly researched products you can trust to help your body manage the natural ageing process and promote a long, healthy life.
| # | References |
|---|---|
| 1 | van Beek JH, Kirkwood TB, Bassingthwaighte JB. Understanding the physiology of the ageing individual: computational modelling of changes in metabolism and endurance. Interface Focus. 2016 Apr 6;6(2):20150079. |
| 2 | Franceschi C, Garagnani P, Vitale G, Capri M, Salvioli S. Inflammaging and ‘Garb-aging’. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2017;28(3):199-212. |
| 3 | Poljsak B, Šuput D, Milisav I. Achieving the Balance between ROS and Antioxidants: When to Use the Synthetic Antioxidants. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013;2013:956792. |
| 4 | Harvard. The Nutrition Source: Antioxidants. 2023. |
| 5 | El Assar, M.; Álvarez-Bustos, A.; Sosa, P.; Angulo, J.; Rodríguez-Mañas, L. Effect of Physical Activity/Exercise on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Muscle and Vascular Aging. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 8713. |
| 6 | Besedovsky L, Lange T, Born J. Sleep and immune function. Pflugers Arch. 2012;463(1):121-137. |
| 7 | Iannacone, M., Hughes, MCB., & Green, AC. Effects of sunscreen on skin cancer and photoaging. Photodermatol, Photoimmunol, & Photomed. Vol 30, Issue 2-3. 2014. |
| 8 | Sharma M, Rush SE. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a Stress Management Intervention for Healthy Individuals. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2014;19(4):271-286. |
