The skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin – the building blocks that give our skin its shape, volume and definition – begins to decline as we get older. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear, but these aren’t the only signs of the skin’s natural ageing process.
As we get older, our skin’s ability to effectively shed dead skin cells also reduces. This can leave skin looking dull and lacklustre, but this build-up can be cleared effectively via manual or chemical exfoliation, which can help to reveal the fresh, youthful skin beneath.
The overall texture of our skin can also change as we get older. Skin can become dry as our sebaceous glands (which produce sebum, the skin’s natural, protective oil) tend to produce less sebum as we get older, resulting in drier skin. This can be exacerbated by conditions such as central heating and air conditioning, so it’s important to keep skin hydrated from both the inside and out. Drinking plenty of water and using a good quality moisturiser can help to combat dry skin.
There are other things that can also have an impact on our skin’s natural ageing process – these include overexposure to the sun, drinking alcohol and smoking, lack of exercise (as exercise helps to deliver oxygen to the cells in your body), and also diet (as too much sugar can have an impact on skin’s collagen and elastin).
Our skin does change as we get older, but thanks to advances in skincare and non-surgical aesthetics, these changes can be addressed – if you’d like to tackle any skincare concerns, please get in touch, as I’d be happy to talk through your skin’s unique requirements and find the perfect skincare options for you.