Ageing Skin

Lets start with what does ageing skin look like?

While the visible ageing process varies from person to person, some common skin changes include:

• Dehydration
• Dull appearance
• Rough texture
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loss of elasticity or a slower “snapback” when skin is pulled
• Hyperpigmentation
• Lack of firmness
• Loss of fat and fullnes

Our skins ageing results from biological changes in the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. In the epidermis, barrier function is reduced causing an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL). TEWL is the diffusion of water from the blood circulation through the dermis and epidermis finally to evaporate at the surface. Skin cell turnover slows causing dryness and from there our pigment production changes, aggravated by sun exposure, leading to uneven skin tone.

Now there are different types of ageing to discuss, for example:

1. Collagen Depletion which leads to thinning of the dermis
2. Free Radical Damage Pollutants which leads to lines and wrinkles. Ultraviolet radiation produce free radicals which cause our skin to weaken and become dull.
3. Slow cellular turnover leading to dull, thinned skin.

In the dermis, collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels decrease leading to reduced firmness, elasticity and hydration. This results in fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and decreased skin tone.

Hypodermis ageing is marked by the loss of fat in the face, which leads to decreased fullness, sagging skin and wrinkles.

Ageing of the skin can be divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic ageing, known as natural or chronological ageing, normally begins in our mid-20s and is determined by genetics.

Extrinsic ageing accounts for up to 90% of skin ageing and is largely controllable. The most common causes are:

• Sun exposure – the major cause, often referred to as PHOTOAGEING
• Pollution and environmental stressors
• Lifestyle choices, such as smoking and alcohol consumption
• Stress is a MASSIVE influence on our skins

The great news is that you can reverse some of this damage and prevent future negative effects on the skin.

If your concerned with the ageing process and want to understand how better to look after your skin for the future and to reverse damage that is already present then please do get in touch. Simply request a consultation on my online booking service and we can take you through the next steps.