As you get older, your skin will naturally become less elastic and more fragile. Visible signs of ageing vary from one person to another but some common skin changes include: dull appearance, dehydration, rough texture, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, lack of firmness, loss of fat and fullness as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin ageing results from biological changes in the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. This is known as intrinsic ageing which is a natural and chronological ageing process that normally begins in the mid 20’s and is ultimately determined by genetics.
A decrease in production of natural oils starts to dry your skin and can make it appear more wrinkled. Fat in the deeper layers of your skin diminishes and the skin loses elastic fibres whilst collagen production starts to slow. The loss of elastic fibres causes wrinkles and, without collagen, skin begins to lose its elasticity, causing it to sag, wrinkle or in some cases look leathery.
Extrinsic ageing accounts for around 80% of skin ageing and is more controllable as the most common causes for this are sun exposure, pollution, lifestyle and stress.
Prevention
Although we all age and there is no way of stopping this as such, there are ways in which you can support and potentially slow the process.
Limit UV exposure by simply protecting your skin from the sun. Adhere to the times in which the sun is at its hottest and always wear protective clothing. When you are in the sun be sure to wear a wide brim hat, where possible long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses. Most importantly, wear a broad spectrum sunscreen all year-round.
When deciding on a sunscreen look for a broad spectrum cream that blocks UVA, UVB, HEV and Infrared lights with at least an SPF 30. Amongst sun filtering ingredients, look for Zinc Oxide, which is a safe, mineral-based filter that offers sun protection to all, but especially for those with sensitive and acne prone skin types.Those with deviated skin colours would benefit more from chemical sunfilters, which are able to blend in perfectly.
Keep your skin hydrated and activated: having dry or dehydrated skin can make the skin appear dull and unhealthy. The overuse of non-cosmeceutical grade moisturisers can make these symptoms worst by making the skin lazy which will then not produce adequate moisture on its own. However, by choosing an appropriate hydrator with active ingredients such as ceramides, saccharides and some type of vitamin A will help to retain water in your skin and ultimately result in a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Diet: is one of those subjects which is heavily discussed in the context of the skin. There is evidence to support that a diet that is rich in plant chemicals called polyphenols will contribute to a soft and healthy-looking skin. The antioxidant capacity of colourful fruits and vegetables protect the skin from oxidative damage which would otherwise occur from environmental stressors, such as UV radiation.
Active ingredients to treat ageing skin
L-Ascorbic Acid - Topical Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid with a concentration of between 5-15% is proven to have a skin anti-ageing effect by inducing the production of collagens Type 1 and 3. Collagen is the main structural protein found in the dermis layer and provides strength and elasticity along with elastin. By using the L-ascorbic acid, it helps to stimulate collagen synthesis and the cross linking of collagen fibres ultimately making them stronger. It is also a powerful antioxidant, however, can easily oxidase if in a pipette packaging, thus, ensure that your product is equipped with a pump.
Retinol - Vitamin A stimulates collagen and increases cell turnover which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Whilst it is also inhibiting the transfer of melanocytes to skin cells resulting in an even complexion. This is also a great product to use for acne prone skin as it assists in unblocking the pores. Retinol should always be in a packaging that does not allow the product to be exposed to air nor sunlight and used as part of an evening skincare routine.