Certain rays of the sun, UV light for example, can cause oxidative stress to the skin. Excessive stress leads to the destruction of proteins and lipids, as well as having a damaging effect on skin cells. Thus, UV light causes the deterioration of collagen in the extra cellular matrix and thereby speeds up the aging process and the formation of wrinkles in the skin. In the worst cases, constant and intense UV damage can lead to skin cancer.
It is suspected that also psychological stress, lack of sleep and unbalanced nutrition, as well as cigarettes and excessive consumption of alcohol, accelerate aging of the skin. The skin reveals all too often how we feel on a day to day basis. If we are healthy and happy and have had enough sleep, our complexion has a natural, beautiful colour. If we are very tired or do not feel comfortable in our skin, we are pale. Psychological problems can hinder the healing process in the case of eczema or rashes. Unsolved emotional conflicts often seek an escape route over the skin, the body’s vent.