Ageing Skin
Ageing of the skin is a gradual process that is associated with changes to the appearance, characteristics and function of the skin. A combination of genetic, lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors contribute to skin ageing.
Intrinsic Ageing
Intrinsic ageing, also known as the natural ageing process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and the turnover of new skin cells decreases between the ages of 20 and 60.
The signs of intrinsic ageing include:
Ageing of the skin is a gradual process that is associated with changes to the appearance, characteristics and function of the skin. A combination of genetic, lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors contribute to skin ageing.
Intrinsic Ageing
Intrinsic ageing, also known as the natural ageing process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and the turnover of new skin cells decreases between the ages of 20 and 60.
The signs of intrinsic ageing include:
- Fine wrinkles due to changes in the dermis (deep layer of skin)
- Skin laxity
- Dry skin
- Skin pigmentation & skin grow
Changes below the skin also become evident as we age:
Most premature skin ageing is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, diet and smoking.
Photo Ageing
Exposure to sunlight is the single biggest culprit in skin ageing. Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight damages the elastin and collagen fibres in the skin and the skin sags, wrinkles, stretches and becomes blotchy. Sun damage may not show in your younger years but it will later in life.
The most obvious signs of photoageing include:
Sun protection of the skin is always important. Nothing can completely reverse the sun damage done in youth. However, you can prevent the skin becoming more damaged by staying out of the sun, wearing sunscreen, sun hats and protective clothing.
Physical Therapies for Ageing Skin
In conclusion, ageing is not a disease but a normal process that happens to everyone. To age gracefully and confidently has become many people’s dream.
- Loss of fat below the skin in the cheeks, temples, chin, nose and eye area may result in loosening skin, sunken eyes and a “skeletal” appearance
- Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which also causes sagging skin
Most premature skin ageing is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, diet and smoking.
Photo Ageing
Exposure to sunlight is the single biggest culprit in skin ageing. Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight damages the elastin and collagen fibres in the skin and the skin sags, wrinkles, stretches and becomes blotchy. Sun damage may not show in your younger years but it will later in life.
The most obvious signs of photoageing include:
- Freckles and age spots
- Spider veins on the face and cherry angiomas
- Rough and leathery skin
Sun protection of the skin is always important. Nothing can completely reverse the sun damage done in youth. However, you can prevent the skin becoming more damaged by staying out of the sun, wearing sunscreen, sun hats and protective clothing.
- Moisturiser can be used to smooth the skin’s surface, reduce flaking and scaling. Use bland emollient or moisturiser after showering while the skin is still warm. Reapply moisturiser as often as necessary throughout the day. Your dermatologist can recommend a good emollient or moisturiser to use.
- Long-term use of retinoid creams, vitamin C and E, alpha–hydroxyl acids and nicotinamide may reduce fine lines and fade irregular pigmentation.
Physical Therapies for Ageing Skin
- Botulinum toxin injections can be used to reduce dynamic frown lines and lessen deep furrows
- Fillers made of hyaluronic acid can be used to reduce deep expression lines and wrinkles. Other fillers used less commonly are calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHa) and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA.)
- Chemical peels (superficial, medium and deep) can be used to improve the appearance of the skin texture and even out skin colour
- Resurfacing procedures such as dermabrasion, fractional laser and laser resurfacing remove the top layer of damaged skin. This is replaced by a new fresh layer of skin over a number of weeks
- HIFU, one of the latest energy device which stimulate the deeper layer collagen synthesis from the skin up to the SMAS area. Ideal for non-surgical face lift and the best part is there is zero downtime after procedure
- Cosmetic surgery is required to remove excess and redundant sagging skin, such as a face lift to tighten jowls, neck lift for wrinkled and sagging neck skin and blepharoplasty for baggy eyelids. These procedures should be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon
In conclusion, ageing is not a disease but a normal process that happens to everyone. To age gracefully and confidently has become many people’s dream.