Skin Aging
Skin is amazing and our body’s primary defence against the outer world. It’s our largest organ and a conspicuous measure of our health. The intricate alteration of our skin over time causes ageing. Although ageing is inevitable, extrinsic influences, such as sun exposure, hasten it.
The Natural Aging Process
Intrinsic ageing is a steady process that everyone goes through. Genetic and biological factors cause several apparent and unseen skin changes as we age.
Damage from the Sun
The natural ageing process is uncontrollable, however sun exposure accelerates skin ageing. UV radiation from the sun damages skin cells.
Need answers? Get in touch with us today!
What are the visible signs of aging skin?
Skin changes over time, both naturally and due to environmental causes like sun exposure. These alterations are signs of ageing. Let’s examine these skin ageing signs:
Rough, Dry, and Itchy Skin. Due to ageing, skin can become dry, itchy, and less able to hold moisture. Skin is rough, dry, and sometimes irritating. Low humidity or harsh skincare products can make skin dry and unpleasant.
Slack and Loose Skin. Collagen and elastin loss is a major cause of drooping and loose skin in ageing skin. Skin structure and suppleness come from these proteins. Skin that hangs loosely on the face, neck, and arms shows the affects.
Transparent Skin: Thinning of the epidermis and dermis increases skin transparency. Reduced skin thickness gives it a fragile aspect and transparency.
Fragile Skin. Age can cause a flattening of the junction between the epidermis and dermis, leading to more brittle skin. Loss of resilience makes the skin more susceptible to rips and abrasions.
Easily Bruised Skin. The skin becomes more vulnerable to bruising as humans age due to thinner blood vessel walls. Bruising can result from little bumps or pressure in older skin.
Skin Lesions and Tumors. Ageing skin is more susceptible to skin blemishes and benign tumours. Skin tags, age spots, and seborrheic keratoses are noncancerous. Long-term sun exposure can make these skin flaws more prominent as people age.
How does the sun cause aging of the skin (photoaging)?
Sunlight can permanently damage the skin, causing “photoaging.” Photoaging occurs when the skin is repeatedly exposed to UV rays from the sun. Photoaging can be prevented, unlike intrinsic ageing. Knowing how the sun ages skin emphasises the need for sun protection and skin care. How it happens:
Other Causes of Skin Aging
Skin aging is complicated by internal and external causes. Understanding skin aging factors can help avoid it and choose the right skincare. The main causes of skin aging are:
- Pollutants, chemicals, and toxins produce free radicals that harm skin cells and accelerate aging.
- Dehydrated skin is more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. Parched, aging skin can arise from insufficient water intake.
- Lack of sleep hinders skin repair and regeneration, making it look tired and older.
- Inflammation and oxidative stress from poor nutrition can age skin.
- Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, can cause wrinkles and age spots by affecting skin elasticity.
- Harsh or abrasive skincare products can dry out the skin and disturb its barrier, making it more prone to aging.
- Lack of Exercise. Regular exercise improves circulation and skin vitality, therefore sedentary lives may age skin.
- Genetic Predisposition. Some people are genetically predisposed to age their skin faster than others.
