How does the skin age and how can we slow down the process?

What actually happens to the skin as we get older? What causes it to age? This article explains how the skin ages and shares valuable tips on how you can counteract extrinsic ageing.

By the age of 30, our skin begins to show noticeable changes and signs of ageing. Collagen plays an important part in this process. Collagen is one of the most important structural proteins in the human body. It is largely responsible for the firmness, elasticity and structure of the skin, but as we age, collagen production decreases and its structure is altered. This means that fewer and fewer new collagen fibres are formed, and what is left is less effective at binding water. As a result, the sin loses some of its firmness and elasticity, which leads to wrinkles.

What happens to the skin as we age?

Free radicals too can play a role in premature skin ageing. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules or atoms that can be harmful in excessive amounts. When they encounter collagen fibres, they can attack them and damage their structure. Free radicals are also known for inhibiting collagen production. They are caused by UV radiation, environmental pollution (air, water, food) and oxidative stress. An increase in these free radicals, combined with the natural, age-related decline in collagen production can alter the texture and look of the skin, e.g. in the form of deep wrinkles, a leathery appearance or pigmentation spots.

Lines can also develop as a result of dry skin. As we age, our sebaceous and sweat glands become less active and the skin produces fewer water-binding, moisturising factors, leaving it less able to retain water and causing it to lose its elasticity, which in turn promotes the development of wrinkles.

Your anti-ageing skin care should therefore provide protection against free radicals and replenish your skin’s moisture levels.

There are different reasons why our skin changes as we get older. To understand these, we must start by distinguishing between the two forms of ageing. The first form of ageing is known as intrinsic ageing, described as a process which is genetically predetermined from birth and cannot be stopped. The second, which is known as extrinsic ageing, is caused by environmental factors and has far more consequences for us, because unlike our internal organs for example, the skin is our outer protective shell and is therefore particularly exposed to various environmental influences. In addition to poor nutrition, common environmental factors that cause extrinsic ageing include:

Why does skin age?

Sun exposure can contribute to what is known as photoaging). This means that prolonged and/or daily exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause premature ageing through the formation of free radicals, as these can cause the skin to lose its natural elasticity, leading to the formation of wrinkles.
Sleep is not only a time for the body and mind to recharge, but also for the skin to repair itself. Night-time rest allows it to recover from the stresses of the day. Insufficient or restless sleep can cause pale and puffy skin the next morning.
Cigarettes too can speed up the ageing process. Once again, collagen, the protein that supports our connective tissue, is an important factor in this regard. The nicotine in cigarettes destroys the elastic fibres and collagen in the skin. At the same time, tobacco smoke degrades these fibres and slows down collagen production. Smokers are also more prone to wrinkles because their skin contains less water.

How can we slow down the skin ageing process?

Knowing that there is one form of ageing you can do very little about, you are most likely wondering: How can I slow down the process? The following measures can help protect the skin at least against environmental ageing:

Apply sunscreen regularly when spending time outdoors
Eat a balanced diet
Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle (e.g. by getting enough sleep)

The right skin care for you

It is also important to use the right products for your skin type. This includes not only an anti-ageing day cream, but also an anti-ageing night cream and, if necessary, an anti-ageing serum and eye cream.

Get enough (beauty) sleep

Getting enough sleep is also good for the complexion. To ensure you get a good night’s sleep, try introducing healthy evening habits into your daily routine such as: reducing screen time on smartphones, sticking to fixed bed times or unwind listening to a podcast.

The right night time skin care routine

In addition to getting enough quality sleep, you can also help your skin by using the right night-time skin care, as it starts to naturally repair and renew itself while you sleep. During this time, the skin cells divide faster than usual, making your skin more receptive to the active natural ingredients of your serum and night cream. So, if you’re wondering when to use anti-ageing cream, we recommend you do so in the morning and evening.

Effective anti-ageing cosmetics: What makes a good anti-ageing cream?

The natural ageing process of the skin cannot be stopped, but using the right skin care can help delay it

A good anti-ageing cream contains moisturising ingredients. Moisturising ingredients can help replenish your skin’s natural moisture stores. Ingredients like coenzyme Q10, organic aloe vera, organic seaweed or bakuchiol are also great for maintaining a beautiful, radiant complexion.

A good anti-ageing cream should supply the skin with ingredients it can no longer produce itself in sufficient quantities (e.g. hyaluronic acid, ceramides, collagen). Hyaluronic acid for example is a substance which is responsible for storing moisture in the skin. The hyaluronic acid content of the skin decreases as we age. At the same time, more and more collagen is broken down in the skin.