How Does Skin Age?

Over a lifetime your skin goes through many changes. As a newborn, the skin is smooth and soft. Then, as a teenager, you might experience greasy skin and spots. After which your skin settles down for a while until you’re in your 30s when you may begin to notice the appearance of fine lines.  Intrinsic ageing Intrinsic ageing occurs due to genetics and time. Collagen is a protein in our skin, muscles, bones and tendons. It makes your skin firm and supple. When we are young collagen production is high and our skin is hydrated with plenty of volume, appearing plump and youthful. Collagen production slows As we get older, collagen production slows down and our skin loses its volume and elasticity. This can begin in your 30s. By the time you have reached your 40s and 50s, you’ll notice fine lines and wrinkles have become noticeable. In your 60s and 70s, deep wrinkles may appear as the skin becomes thinner and less hydrated. External Factors Apart from time and genetics, our skin is also affected by external factors. Smoking, alcohol, nutrition and stress can all have an effect on our skin’s appearance. Another factor is called photoaging.  Photoaging takes place due to sun damage. Sunlight comes in three forms: Ultraviolet A – UVA Ultraviolet B – UVB and Ultraviolet C UVB rays are a double-edged sword. They provide vitamin D which gives you healthy bones. But, too much UVB and you’ll get sunburn and premature skin ageing. If you go…

Over a lifetime your skin goes through many changes. As a newborn, the skin is smooth and soft. Then, as a teenager, you might experience greasy skin and spots. After which your skin settles down for a while until you’re in your 30s when you may begin to notice the appearance of fine lines. 

Intrinsic ageing

Intrinsic ageing occurs due to genetics and time. Collagen is a protein in our skin, muscles, bones and tendons. It makes your skin firm and supple. When we are young collagen production is high and our skin is hydrated with plenty of volume, appearing plump and youthful.

Collagen production slows

As we get older, collagen production slows down and our skin loses its volume and elasticity. This can begin in your 30s. By the time you have reached your 40s and 50s, you’ll notice fine lines and wrinkles have become noticeable. In your 60s and 70s, deep wrinkles may appear as the skin becomes thinner and less hydrated.

External Factors

Apart from time and genetics, our skin is also affected by external factors. Smoking, alcohol, nutrition and stress can all have an effect on our skin’s appearance. Another factor is called photoaging. 

Photoaging takes place due to sun damage. Sunlight comes in three forms:

  • Ultraviolet A – UVA
  • Ultraviolet B – UVB
  • and Ultraviolet C

UVB rays are a double-edged sword. They provide vitamin D which gives you healthy bones. But, too much UVB and you’ll get sunburn and premature skin ageing. If you go into the sun a lot without protection your skin will age much faster than someone who stays out of the sun or always wears protection.

Cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion can help improve your appearance and the effects of ageing. It can reduce fine lines and fade sun spots (hyperpigmentation). Other procedures, like Intense Pulsed Light or Radio Frequency treatment, can also help to promote collagen growth and increase the skin’s volume. With treatment, your skin will be rejuvenated and younger looking.

Sound good? You can find your nearest therapists offering these treatments here.

image:istock.com/evgenyatamanenko