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.
