Skin Ageing

Ageing is a natural process that everyone goes through, and your skin is no different. Whether it’s the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation or reduced elasticity, skin ageing can present in various ways. This guide aims to provide you with a complete understanding of skin ageing and the factors that speed it up. We believe this is key in learning how to prevent it. Knowing the causes and process will also help you find successful ways to slow down and treat skin ageing.

Causes of Skin Ageing

Several factors drive the process of skin ageing. These can be broadly divided into two groups; intrinsic and extrinsic causes.

Intrinsic Ageing

Also known as chronological ageing, it is mainly determined by our genetics. This natural ageing process that begins in our mid-20s. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin. These are the proteins responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This results in thinner, drier skin and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Understanding the influence of our genetics on skin ageing can help us make informed decisions about our skincare and lifestyle habits.

Hereditary Factors That Determine Ageing

Genetics play a significant role in how we get older, including how our skin ages. Our genes control how quickly the normal ageing process unfolds. A variety of genetic factors affect skin ageing. For example, skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, or combination, is largely determined by our genes and can influence how at risk we are to certain signs of ageing. Dry skin, may be more prone to wrinkles. On the other hand, oily skin might be more prone to large pores or acne scars, which can give the skin an aged appearance. Our genes also determine our skin’s natural antioxidant and regenerative abilities These can protect it from damage and delay the onset of ageing signs. They also influence our skin’s response to environmental stressors such as sun light and pollution. These then contribute to “extrinsic ageing.”

Biological sex also plays a role. Women often experience a sudden decrease in collagen in the first five years after menopause. This can lead to a significant decline in skin thickness and elasticity. Race can also determine our skin’s resilience to ageing. For instance, people with more pigmented skin tones often show signs of ageing later than those with lighter skin. This is because melanin provides some protection from sun damage.

There are also some genetic diseases like Werner syndrome and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome that can cause faster ageing, including premature skin ageing.

Extrinsic Ageing

This results from environmental and lifestyle factors that can prematurely age our skin. This process is often referred to as “photo-ageing” due to the significant role that sun damage plays in ageing. Smoking, pollution, stress and lack of sleep are all external factors that also contribute to this.

Appearance of Ageing Skin

One of the first signs of skin ageing is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and mouth. Over time, these lines deepen, and more may form on the forehead and other parts of the face. Another common sign is a loss of skin elasticity and volume loss in the face. This leads to sagging and drooping, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. You may also notice changes in skin texture, with the skin becoming rougher and pores becoming more visible. Additionally, ageing skin often shows signs of photoaging due to excess sun exposure. This may present as hyperpigmentation in the form of melasma or age spots or a combination.

How to Prevent Skin Ageing

Skin ageing is a natural process. Whilst you can’t do much about the intrinsic factors, there are a few extrinsic factors you can control to reduce the extent of it. Here are the best ways to prevent it:

1. Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to prevent early onset ageing. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing and seek shade when the sun is at its highest.
2. Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to nourish your skin. Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy circulation and immune function which help to support younger looking skin. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake as these speed up skin ageing.
3. Good Skincare Routine: Keep your skin moisturised and look after its barrier. Use products containing antioxidants like vitamin C as well as anti-ageing ingredients like exfoliating acids, retinoids and peptides. These will help to resurface the skin and boost collagen production.

While it’s impossible to completely halt the process of skin ageing, these protective measures can help slow it down and manage the visible signs. Remember, taking care of your skin is a life long commitment, but it’s one that will keep it looking younger for longer.

Anti-Ageing Treatments

There are a variety of treatments available to address skin ageing. Over the counter products like niacinamide, Vitamin C, Arbutin, Retinol and Hylauronic or Polyglutamic acid can all help as part of an anti-ageing skincare routine.

Prescription creams containing active ingredients like Tretinoin or hydroquinone can be particularly effective. Tretinoin is a powerful retinoid that works by promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves texture and elasticity as well as fades age spots. Hydroquinone, on the other hand, is commonly used to treat moderate or severe dark patches. It works by lowering the production of melanin, thereby reducing the appearance of age spots and uneven tone. These products can be used alone, together and alongside other active anti-ageing products such as acid exfoliants, Vitamin C and peptides. You can access these prescription anti-ageing treatments through a dermatologist or a virtual skincare service like our online clinic.

There are of course also non surgical anti-ageing treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers as well as boosters like Profhilo and Volite. Professional skin treatments like lasers, chemical peels and microneedling or RF microneedling can also be very beneficial in smoothing and building up the skin. The mainstay of surgical options is face lifts, fat grafting and single procedures like eye lid surgery (blepharoplasty) and lip lifting.

For more info:

• https://cityskinclinic.com/treatments/skin-ageing/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/treatments/hyperpigmentation-treatment/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/treatments/melasma-treatment/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/the-skincare-routines/ageing-skin/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/the-signs-of-ageing-and-how-to-cheat-them/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/hydroquinone-tretinoin-hyperpigmentation/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/radiofrequency-microneedling/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/niacinamide-benefits-skincare/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/guide-to-laser-skin-treatments/
• https://cityskinclinic.com/alpha-arbutin-benefits/