As we grow older, our skin naturally undergoes several changes due to internal and external factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposure. Some of the key changes include:
1. Loss of Collagen and Elastin - Collagen provides firmness, while elastin ensures skin’s elasticity. Over time, production slows down, leading to sagging and fine lines.
Ways to help your skin:
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Vitamin C, retinoids and peptides all work to increase collagen synthesis.
- Hydrate the skin with a good moisturiser, helping to make skin look supple and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
2. Reduced Hydration Levels - The skin's ability to retain moisture declines, causing dryness, dullness, and a rough texture.
Ways to help your skin:
- Hyaluronic acid helps to draw moisture into the skin to keep it plump and hydrated.
- Ceramides help to reinforce the skin's barrier and improve moisture retention.
- Look for moisturisers that create a barrier to lock in moisture specifically emollients and occlusives read more about these types of moisturisers here.
3. Thinner Skin Barrier - Skin becomes more fragile and prone to damage, making it more sensitive to environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays.
Ways to help your skin:
- Pick a gentle cleanser to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
- Use antioxidant rich products to help protect the skin against oxidative stress caused by pollutants.
- SPF helps protect your skin from UV rays which damage the skin barrier and accelerate premature skin ageing.
4. Decreased Cell Turnover - Skin renewal slows down, resulting in uneven skin tone, dullness, and longer healing times.
Ways to help your skin:
- Exfoliate with chemical exfoliants like AHAS, PHAs or BHA, these help to increase cell renewal, for smoother and brighter skin.
- Retinol helps to increase cell renewal, helping to even skin tone.
- Keep your skin hydrated to support the skin.
5. Sun Damage Accumulation - Years of sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity.
Ways to help your skin:
- SPF is the most important step in protecting your skin against sun damage and should be worn daily and should be a minimum of 30.
- Vitamin C helps to reduce the appearance of sun spots and pigmentation by brightening the skin.
- Niacinamide can help to reduce pigmentation.
6. Changes in Oil Production - Sebum production decreases, leading to drier skin and sometimes an increase in visible fine lines and wrinkles.
Ways to help your skin:
- Pick a moisturiser which helps to hydrate and lock in that moisture.
- Hyaluronic acid helps to draw moisture into the skin
- Adjust your routine to find out what works for your skin to leave it hydrated and nourished.
Whilst changes to the skin are inevitable, the right skincare routine can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin. By focussing on hydration, protection from UV rays and pollutants, and targeted treatments to increase collagen, elastin and cell turnover it can help to leave skin smooth, soft and supple.
Lucy, Lucy Bee
