What’s happening to our Skin in our 30s?

We all know that as we get older there are dramatic changes in the way our skin looks. One of the reasons why the skin of a child looks so healthy is that the epidermis is so highly translucent – reflecting light making it look bright and healthy. More importantly at this age, there should be little or no obvious damage to the dermis from the effects of the sun – although this is the time at which potential damage is done and the effects will become visible within a few years. Ageing Skin As we grow out of childhood our skin naturally ages. During the teenage years, hormonal changes account for an increase in the production of sebum and the development of spots and possible acne. As we continue to age, the rate of loss of old skin cells from the stratum corneum slows down and the epidermis becomes less translucent and does not retain moisture as efficiently. In addition, as most people have been exposed to UV radiation over the years, the ‘damage’ to the dermis becomes visible through the thin and dry epidermis. Collagen Production decreases Usually from the age of about 29,  the amount of collagen and elastin renewal considerably slows down by 1-2% each year. In women, pregnant or perimenopausal women may notice significant changes in their skin due to fluctuations in hormones. This can cause the onset of acne or rosacea, even though they may never have suffered with their skin during puberty. Extrinsic Ageing More…

We all know that as we get older there are dramatic changes in the way our skin looks. One of the reasons why the skin of a child looks so healthy is that the epidermis is so highly translucent – reflecting light making it look bright and healthy. More importantly at this age, there should be little or no obvious damage to the dermis from the effects of the sun – although this is the time at which potential damage is done and the effects will become visible within a few years.

Ageing Skin

As we grow out of childhood our skin naturally ages. During the teenage years, hormonal changes account for an increase in the production of sebum and the development of spots and possible acne. As we continue to age, the rate of loss of old skin cells from the stratum corneum slows down and the epidermis becomes less translucent and does not retain moisture as efficiently. In addition, as most people have been exposed to UV radiation over the years, the ‘damage’ to the dermis becomes visible through the thin and dry epidermis.

Collagen Production decreases

Usually from the age of about 29,  the amount of collagen and elastin renewal considerably slows down by 1-2% each year. In women, pregnant or perimenopausal women may notice significant changes in their skin due to fluctuations in hormones. This can cause the onset of acne or rosacea, even though they may never have suffered with their skin during puberty.

Extrinsic Ageing

More significantly for most people are the external factors that cause extrinsic ageing – factors such as smoking and in particular, UV exposure. These changes affect the dermis in particular and result from changes in the chemical structure of the collagen and elastin, and the quality and quantity of proteins and natural acids in the skin. Understanding the changes that occur in the cells and layers of the skin with intrinsic and extrinsic ageing help us to understand why skin looks as it does and how to protect or alter its  appearance. With this in mind, it is important to remember that prevention is better than cure and so it is better to start using an anti-ageing moisturiser in your early 30s. That is – a moisturiser that contains AHA’s, glycolics, retinol (vitamin A) or hyaluronic acid that will boost collagen and elastin production and never forget sunscreen! Minimum SPF 30.

SkinBase Microdermabrasion

SkinBase Microdermabrasion will smooth out fine lines, even out the skin tone and boost the microcirculation, this will in turn, send oxygen to the skin to help the fibroblasts make new collagen and elastin as well as take toxins and free radicals away. A course of 6 treatments performed weekly is a very effective way to make the skin appear more youthful.
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