An essential protective barrier between the body and its external environment, the skin is a vital organ made up of three layers of tissue: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
It consists of major cells that guarantee its effective functioning and external appearance. Skin reflects passing time and, as we get older, renewal of major skin cells slows down: skin becomes thinner, more susceptible to dehydration, starts to slacken and the first signs of aging appear.
Aging of the skin is a complex process which depends not only on each individual’s genetics, but also on a number of external factors related to our environment and lifestyle. And these are not to be underestimated, as dermatologists estimate that 80% of aging is related to external factors!
The skin aging process starts from 20 years of age after which collagen, an essential molecule for the skin’s support and firmness, reduces by 1% each year. At different stages in life, signs of aging develop and become increasingly visible.
The different steps of skin aging:
- Around the age of 30, fine lines and wrinkles start to appear on the forehead and around the corners of the eyes: the notorious frown lines and crow’s feet. Fine lines may also appear around the mouth.
- At the age of 40, the skin’s major support proteins (collagen, elastin, etc.) continue to deteriorate. The skin loses firmness and elasticity, expression lines deepen and become more accentuated on the forehead, around the eyes and lips. A gradual change in facial volume is also apparent.
- From the age of 50, skin aging accelerates, magnified by the menopause. Hormones are, in fact, signals which keep the skin on the alert and ensure its renewal and density. Cells are renewed more slowly and skin starts to thin. We can also lose up to 30% of our collagen within 5 years after menopause. This is evidenced by slackening and visible sagging of the skin, particularly affecting the facial contour and eyelids, along with increasingly deep and pronounced wrinkles. An increase in the number of pigment spots is also observed, especially in areas exposed to UV.
- After the age of 60, all signs of aging intensify. Cell renewal continues to slow, synthesis of nourishing and protective lipids decreases substantially and the microcirculation diminishes. The skin becomes thinner, drier and weaker, and the complexion becomes duller.
- Consequently, caring correctly for your skin with appropriate products for your skin type and its needs is essential to prevent premature aging and keep your skin looking beautiful.