Why your skin ages

Veel vrouwen zien op een bepaald moment veranderingen in hun huid. Fijne lijntjes worden zichtbaarder, de huid voelt minder stevig aan of pigmentvlekken beginnen op te vallen. Vaak wordt gedacht dat dit simpelweg bij ouder worden hoort. Toch zijn er verschillende processen die samen bepalen hoe snel en op welke manier je huid veroudert.

Skin ageing begins deep within the skin

The first signs of skin ageing often develop long before you see them in the mirror. In the deeper layers of the skin, the processes responsible for firmness, repair and hydration begin to change. In time, this leads to visible changes at the surface. Many women first notice that their skin feels different. It loses some of its resilience, looks less fresh or responds to products differently than before. What you see on the outside usually begins with changes that have been taking place beneath the skin for years. Would you like to know which changes you may eventually see? In Which signs of skin ageing do you notice? you can read which signs are most common.

Collagen decreases every year

Collagen is one of the skin’s most important building blocks. It provides firmness, volume and a smooth skin texture. From around the age of twenty-five, the skin produces a little less collagen each year. This process is gradual, which is why many women only begin to notice it after several years. The skin feels less firm, fine lines linger for longer and the contours become less defined. At Babassu we regularly see that it is the loss of firmness that surprises women most. Wrinkles are often thought to be the first sign of skin ageing, whereas a loss of volume and elasticity tends to become noticeable earlier.

Elastin also becomes less active

Where collagen provides firmness, elastin provides resilience. Thanks to elastin, the skin can spring back after you laugh, talk or make an expression. As the skin ages, the quality of elastin also declines. As a result, the skin stays taut less easily, and slackening and deeper lines can appear. These changes often become visible around the eyes, cheeks and jawline in particular.

Sunlight accelerates skin ageing

One of the biggest causes of visible skin ageing is UV radiation. Many people associate this with sunny holidays or getting burnt, but daily exposure plays a part too. Sunlight breaks down collagen and speeds up the processes that lead to wrinkles, pigmentation and a loss of firmness. Because this damage builds up slowly, the effect often only becomes visible years later. In our boutiques we regularly see two women of the same age with a completely different skin condition. The amount of sun damage that has built up over the years often plays an important part in this. Would you like to know more about the pigmentation that sunlight can cause? Then do also read Reducing pigmentation for more even skin.

Hormones influence the skin

Hormones play a role in the condition of the skin throughout life. During the menopause in particular, many women notice that their skin suddenly changes. It can become drier, react more sensitively or lose firmness more quickly. Many women tell us that their trusted products suddenly seem to work less well. That is not surprising. At this stage of life the skin often has different needs than before. Would you like to know more about the influence of hormones? In How your skin changes during the menopause you can read exactly what happens in the skin.

Why one person’s skin ages faster than another’s

Some women develop fine lines at a young age, while others only see changes much later. That difference comes down to a combination of factors. Genetic predisposition plays a part, but hormones, sun exposure, lifestyle and skincare all have an influence too. This is why there is no single age at which skin ageing follows the same course for everyone. The combination of all these elements is what makes personalised skin advice so valuable. What works for one person’s skin is not necessarily the right approach for another’s.

Treatments that focus on collagen loss

When a loss of firmness plays an important part, many women choose treatments that encourage the skin to renew itself. One treatment that suits this well is the Microneedling SkinPen Face & Neck Treatment. It is often chosen by women working on firmness, skin texture and collagen stimulation.

Frequently asked questions about the causes of skin ageing

What is the main cause of skin ageing?
Skin ageing results from a combination of natural ageing, UV radiation, hormones, lifestyle and genetic predisposition. Sunlight is one of the biggest causes of visible skin ageing.

At what age does skin ageing begin?
Collagen production begins to decline slowly from around the age of twenty-five. The first visible changes usually appear later.

Why does my skin age faster than other people’s?
This can have several causes. Genetic predisposition, sun exposure, hormones, lifestyle and skincare all play a part.

Does stress affect skin ageing?
Yes. Prolonged stress can affect the skin’s repair processes and contribute to a tired appearance.

Can you prevent skin ageing?
You cannot prevent the natural ageing process. However, with SPF, good skincare, a healthy lifestyle and suitable treatments you can help to keep the skin stronger and healthier.



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