Understanding the Ageing Process
The ageing process has many effects on the skin. Here we explore how age affects skin and what measures we can take to protect it and reverse some of the effects of ageing.
Thinning Epidermis
The epidermis is the protective outer layer of your skin. It shields you from external elements like pollution and harmful UV rays. As you age, the epidermis becomes thinner and more delicate.
This thinning makes your skin more prone to dryness, damage, and increased sensitivity. The number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) also decreases, causing ageing skin to look thinner, paler, and translucent.
Pigmented spots (lentigo, also known as ‘age-spots’ or ‘liver spots’), may appear in sun-exposed areas.
Hydrafacial
Dermal Fillers
Sculptra
Profhilo
Chemical Peels
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Thread Lifts
Microneedling
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fat Dissolving Injections
Moisture Loss
Moisture Loss: The skin’s hyaluronic acid (HA) content starts to decrease from as early as twenty years of age and is reduced to half by the age of fifty1. Sebaceous glands produce less oil as you age. Men experience a minimal decrease, most often after the age of 80. Women gradually produce less oil beginning after menopause. The combined result of decreasing hyaluronic acid and decreasing oil production results in dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Laser Hair Removal
Skin Resurfacing
Tattoo Removal
Collagen & Elastin
Collagen and Elastin Depletion
Collagen and elastin depletion are key factors in the skin aging process. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to the skin, while elastin allows the skin to stretch and recoil.
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin gradually declines, leading to a decrease in the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and overall youthful appearance. This depletion is exacerbated by external factors such as sun exposure, pollution, smoking, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Over time, the loss of collagen and elastin results in the formation of wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of resilience.
Laser Hair Removal
Skin Resurfacing
Tattoo Removal
Blood Vessels
Blood vessel changes are another significant aspect of the skin aging process. As we age, our blood vessels undergo various transformations that can affect the overall appearance of our skin. The walls of blood vessels become thinner and weaker, leading to a decrease in blood flow and nutrient delivery to the skin. Additionally, the number of blood vessels decreases, resulting in a diminished ability to repair damage and regenerate new skin cells. These changes can contribute to a dull complexion, slower wound healing, and an overall reduction in skin vitality. Furthermore, fragile blood vessels in the dermis may become more visible, leading to the appearance of broken capillaries or spider veins.
Laser Hair Removal
Skin Resurfacing
Tattoo Removal
Protecting Your Skin
While we cannot completely reverse the aging process, we can take proactive steps to care for our skin and minimize visible signs of ageing.
Skincare Routine
Establish a comprehensive skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to combat free radical damage.
Sun Protection
Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by incorporating sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF (ideally SPF 50) into your daily routine. This simple step helps prevent premature ageing caused by sun damage.
Healthy Lifestyle
Nurturing your skin from the inside out is equally important. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and manage stress levels to promote overall skin health.
Professional Treatments
Medical grade skin care and treatments can help significantly with improving skin texture, restoring elasticity and firmness, decreasing pigmentation and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Here at Clinic 7, our clinicians can advise you on the skincare products and treatments that would suit you best.
Book now for a free skincare consultation.
Laser Hair Removal
Skin Resurfacing
Tattoo Removal
References
AESTHETIC DERMATOLOGY Volume 74, Issue 5, Supplement 1, AB18, MAY 2016 Immediate and long-term effects of a topical serum with five forms of hyaluronic acid on facial wrinkles and intrinsic skin moisture content. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.02.072
