Every person has their own unique skin type . As we age , our skin naturally slows down its production of hyaluronic and collagen.
This is why we see signs of ageing appear on the skin — also did you know that it takes up to 20 years for damage to show through on the surface of your skin.
That said, some people experience more signs of ageing than others or at different ages. Factors like genetics and environmental damage can also play a role in how quickly you age.
Ageing skin is not a single age range; it’s an ever-changing process that begins at birth and continues until our days end. It can begin as early as 20 years old or as late as 80 years old, but the average age for visibly ageing skin is around 45 years old.
So what exactly constitutes ageing skin ? The answer depends on two factors: chronological age and biological ageing . Chronological age refers to how old you are based on your birth date, while biological age refers to how well your body is aging in relation to your chronological age. For example, one person may be 60 years old but have the biological age of a 50-year-old because they’ve taken great care of their health and appearance over the years.
The process of skin maturation, or ageing , while a natural occurrence, is influenced by a combination of intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) factors:
INTRINSIC:
- Genetics: The genetic makeup of an individual plays a significant role in determining how their skin ages. Some people may be genetically predisposed to age more slowly or experience fewer signs of aging.
- Hormones: Changes in hormone levels, particularly during menopause for women, can affect the skin. For example, a decline in oestrogen can contribute to a loss of collagen and moisture.
- Natural Ageing Process: As the body ages, the skin undergoes intrinsic changes, such as a decrease in collagen and elastin production, slower cell turnover, and a reduction in oil gland activity along with a reduction in hyaluronic acid production.
EXTRINSIC:
- Sun Exposure: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major external factor contributing to premature ageing . It leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation issues.
- Environmental Exposure: Pollution, harsh weather conditions, and exposure to environmental pollutants can contribute to skin damage and accelerate the ageing process.
- Lifestyle Habits: Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact skin health and contribute to premature ageing.
- Skincare Rituals: Inadequate skincare routines, such as not using sunscreen, not moisturising, and using harsh skincare products, can contribute to skin ageing. Whilst cell turnover slows as we age - some exfoliation is beneficial- too much exfoliation can cause premature skin ageing.
- Repeated Facial Expressions: Certain facial expressions, repeated over the years, can contribute to the formation of lines and wrinkles, known as expression lines .
- Lack of Sleep: Inadequate sleep can affect the body's ability to repair and regenerate, leading to tired-looking skin and contributing to premature ageing.
- Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can result in dehydrated skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and fine lines.
- Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect the skin, leading to inflammation and premature ageing.
While intrinsic factors are largely beyond one's control, adopting a healthy lifestyle, protecting the skin from the sun, and following a proper skincare routine can help slow down the ageing process and promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
The effects of aging on the skin are diverse and can be influenced by both intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic (environmental) factors. Here are some common changes that occur in the skin as a person ages:
- Collagen Breakdown & Decreased Elastin: Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin, decreases over time, resulting in sagging. Elastin, responsible for skin elasticity, also diminishes, contributing to the formation of wrinkles.
- Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation: Prolonged sun exposure can cause age spots and uneven pigmentation.
- Slower Cell Turnover: The turnover of skin cells becomes slower, leading to a duller complexion and the accumulation of dead skin cells.
- Decreased Sebum Production: Sebum, the skin's natural oil, diminishes, contributing to dryness, lack of moisture, and an increased susceptibility to irritation.
- Weakened Barrier Function: The skin's barrier function weakens, making it more susceptible to environmental damage and dehydration.
- Reduced Wound Healing: The skin's ability to repair itself is impaired, leading to slower wound healing.
The age at which skin starts to lose elasticity can vary among individuals due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, as discussed earlier. However, some general trends can be observed:
20S:
During this period, the skin is generally firm and elastic. Collagen and elastin production are at their peak, contributing to a youthful appearance. This is the time in which many experts recommend getting into a general skincare routine as a way to get ahead of aging signs to come. One of the most important habitual boxes to check daily is the consistent application of a quality SPF so that there is always an added barrier of protection when venturing outside. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50 and above should be enough for most people to be fully protected.
30S:
Around this time, the production of collagen and elastin begins to decline gradually and this is very much a transitional period for the skin and body. The skin may start to show initial signs of ageing , such as fine lines, sun damage, and a subtle loss of elasticity.
Including a retinol product at this point can be a great way to stay ahead of ageing signs, as retinol is one of the strongest over-the-counter ingredients used by skincare users to prevent premature ageing or reduce the appearance of symptoms. Certain skincare procedures such as injectables, microneedling, IPL , laser and chemical peels can also be beneficial treatments for treating signs of ageing.
Visible signs of ageing is generally considered normal after the age of 40 . This is a period when many people notice a more significant reduction in skin elasticity and signs of aging and this is when mature skin becomes the most prominent. Wrinkles and expression lines become more pronounced, and there may be visible sagging in certain areas, especially if preventive measures haven't been taken.
You may need to start incorporating a mix of in clinic procedures and at-home treatments into your routine as a way to maintain supple skin while your body is going through these natural changes. Hyaluronic acid products can be a beneficial resource, as these products encourage moisture retention and promote hydrated skin, dehydrated skin being one of the leading causes of dullness and aging signs. Rich restorative night creams that contain humectants and ceramides are also beneficial to promote the repair of a damaged skin barrier.
50S:
For women, this is a period when many start to go through post menopausal period. The body experiences a hormonal shift as oestrogen levels begin to decrease and androgen levels increase. While androgen levels are normal in men and are typically considered male hormones, the increased presence of these hormones in women can lead to tiredness and even affect the skin’s appearance.
A major symptom of this change is dryness and dullness, which can sometimes lead to acne breakouts and skin inflammation. It is even more essential that at this period the skin is retaining as much moisture as possible and there are countless products available not only focusing on this purpose but that are targeted for this life transition. Medical procedures such as anti wrinkle injectables , polynucleotides , PRP are also more popular for people among this age group as a way to maintain skin integrity . It’s best to use these treatments in moderation, as the body can build up a tolerance to these solutions over time.
60S AND BEYOND:
The ageing process continues to show more evidence of ageing in to the 60’s as skin elasticity declines. The skin may become thinner, more fragile, and prone to sagging. Factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in how rapidly these changes occur. Certain lifestyle choices, including sun protection, a healthy diet, and proper skin care, can have a significant impact on maintaining skin elasticity.
It’s never too late to get in the habit of an effective skincare routine, even later in life. Regular use of sunscreen, avoid smoking, stay hydrated reduce or cut out alcohol, all help slow down the loss of elasticity and minimise the visible signs of ageing. A diet rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and nutrients play a very significant role in maintaining healthy skin..
