Dermal aging is an intrinsic part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely submit to the process. The question of how to treat mature skin has been one that has been raised for millennia, and it has been met with many responses, but relatively few solutions that are actually backed by science. Although it stands to reason that there is not one hard-and-fast cure for aging skin, a few proven methods do exist for helping to stave off the years for longer.
In order to effectively tend to mature skin, knowing its main triggers can aid us in understanding how and why such treatments work. Despite there being many variables that contribute to when and how fast our skin ages, the main culprits can be narrowed down to a combination of two factors: internal changes and external stressors. Internal changes refers to the biological changes that occur within our bodies, more specifically in our skin, whereas external stressors allude to the outside forces that tax our skin on a daily basis, from pollution to free radicals.
As far as internal changes go, one of the most significant alterations that our skin experiences is the steady decline of the fibrous proteins we have come to know as collagen and elastin. Although there are numerous other factors that affect our skin’s appearance, from bone density loss to fat loss, approximately 80% of our skin is composed of collagen, which is why its decline is one of the variables that makes such a visible impact. As we age, the fibers of collagen and elastin gradually loosen and thicken, resulting in a loss of dermal elasticity and volume. This is when we start to notice our skin displaying the first signs of wrinkles, fine lines and a lack of tautness.
From free radicals triggering oxidative stress to the pollution most of us encounter on a daily basis, our skin has to fend off a lot of external stressors that pose a threat to its well being, which can all have a much larger domino effect than a lot of us realize. UV, for example, is reportedly responsible for an astronomical 90% of the aging signs that we see when we look in the mirror. Pollution, similarly, is capable of precipitating the process of premature dermal aging. Together, they’re the worst combination for our dermal health. However, the positive takeaway from this is that they can be fought head-on. This is where your skincare routine comes into play.
A good skincare regime is quite literally a balm to all skin types, but especially to those who are already confronting dermal maturity. Despite the fact that wrinkles may already be visible on your skin, the right products can help to soften their appearance and inject some glow back into your complexion. As we age, not only does our skin lose its bounce, but its moisture levels are also affected. Whilst it’s possible to have oilier skin well into your later years, it’s more common to be afflicted by dryness. If this is the case for you, this is the time during which you should be taking care of your skin, especially in terms of moisturization. Turn your attention to hydrating ingredients like natural oils (which you can read all about in our DIY Skincare section), hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, and bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative that’s sun safe and doesn’t thin the skin) rather than chemical-driven formulas and products that rely solely on exfoliation as a means to reduce wrinkles. In order to give your skin the best chance at retaining its youth, hydration is key and exfoliation should never be overdone. This is because such products aid in replenishing lost moisture and therefore have a plumping effect on the skin in contrast to exfoliation, which has been said to have a thinning effect on the face over time and can cause inflammation and further dermal discomfort if indulged in too frequently.
Especially with mature skin, an absolutely crucial step in fending off UV-related damage is to never forget your SPF or antioxidants before you head out the door. SPF aids in defending your skin on a surface level whereas antioxidants get to work on the deeper layers. One such example of this are the vitamins B12, C and E, which are praised by dermatologists the world over for being able to improve the complexion, with vitamin C being most notable for its collagen-promoting, melanin-inhibiting and free radical-neutralizing abilities.
On the subject of anti-aging aids, ingredients such as frankincense essential oil, coenzyme Q10 and white tea are unexpected youth-boosting gems. Although you can read more about these on our Mature Skin page, they are definitely worth an honorable mention on this blog post for their anti-aging capabilities. They pack quite the rejuvenating punch and are very deserving of recognition in skincare circles.
It’s a well-known fact that the anti-aging skincare market is one that’s ever-expanding. With this in mind it should be noted that, while there are indeed many products that are worth their salt, price tags aren’t always an indication of quality. While some ingredients like natural, plant-based oils and bakuchiol tend to fall on the slightly pricier end of the scale, it doesn’t mean that you have to pay top dollar to get your hands on effective products.
On the topic of effectiveness, when on the lookout for anti-aging products, always ensure that you pick the containers they come in equally carefully. This is because such formulas usually include potent, active ingredients which are known to perish quickly when exposed to various elements such as bright lights, changes in temperature and oxygen. Taking this into account, seek products with air-tight packaging, dark UV-blocking glass, and always store your products in a cool place unless instructed otherwise.
Of course, when looking to dial back your dermal clock, your diet can have just as much influence on your skin as the products you apply to it. Eating foods rich in skin-nourishing vitamins such as vitamin A can really help to feed your complexion from the inside out. To read all the details on which foods and vitamins are best for youthful skin, visit our Diet and Dermal Vitamins pages respectively.
If you’d like to discover more about mature skin, visit our blog posts below for more information: