The process of dermal aging is a lengthy and complex one with many factors contributing to the overall result. Here, we’ll try and break down this process as well as showing you how to combat it.
When it comes to dermal aging, collagen and elastin are two major components that alter the appearance of our skin as we age. Collagen’s role goes far beyond that of just the skin – it’s integral to our body’s connective tissues, too. To put this into perspective, collagen comprises approximately 80% of our skin’s composition and up to 35% of our body’s protein. A fibrous protein, collagen – alongside elastin – helps to support and promote skin cell renewal as well as dermal strength and elasticity. Collagen loss first takes effect when we’re around the age of 25. From this point on, our skin decreases its collagen production by 1% per year. Not only does this alter the density of the epidermis (our skin’s surface layer), but the fibers of collagen and elastin thicken, loosen and eventually break as time goes on. This means that our skin becomes wrinkled, gets increasingly less supple and subsequently sags. Those with older skin often find that, because facial fat and sebaceous gland production declines, the skin becomes drier, bruises more easily and noticeably reduces in volume. Detectable locations for fat loss are the cheeks, lip area, nose, chin and temples. Fat loss has been known to give a somewhat ‘skeletal’ look to the face due to these now-sunken fat pockets which, in addition to the natural bone loss that takes place with age, can accentuate certain parts of the face whilst making other parts look a little droopy.
That’s all very well, but is there anything you can do to stop this? Ultimately, no. As of now, there is no singular treatment that completely prevents dermal aging as a whole. However, don’t despair – the good news is, there are a great many things you can do to slow this process down and make the skin age a little more gracefully. The main ones are: SPF, a good skincare routine tailored to your skin type, and a balanced diet. Though such steps may at first seem a little mundane, these three factors actually have more bearing on the aging process than a lot of us initially give them credit for.
First of all, SPF plays a vital part in preventing what’s known as photoaging. Photoaging is responsible for the majority of the visible signs of aging – in short, it’s a direct consequence of the skin being exposed to UV radiation for prolonged periods of time, causing premature dermal aging (in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, etc), which is something none of us want to experience. This isn’t to say that sunlight’s bad for you, but being exposed to it repeatedly and for an extended duration of time without the proper precautions is. This is why it’s important to incorporate SPF into your routine in its various forms – whether it’s a skincare product infused with SPF, or just good old fashioned sunscreen. Whatever age you are, you’re certainly never going to lose out by giving your skin the protection it needs. Remember – your facial skin is thinner and more delicate in comparison to the rest of your body, which makes it particularly susceptible to damage.
Turning our attention to skincare routines, the importance of constructing one tailored to your skin type is absolutely vital to maintaining a youthful appearance. Take a hydrating product, for example. A non-comedogenic moisturizer or serum is a game-changer in any anti-aging regime because it not only helps to lock in moisture, but also aids in balancing the skin, whether it’s lacking hydration or producing too much sebum. Such a stabilizing effect can really change how your skin behaves which, in turn, can really benefit your complexion in the long run. On this note, it’s always imperative to acknowledge what ingredients or types of products aggravate your skin. Certain exfoliators, for instance, can prove to be too harsh for some skin types. Similarly, exfoliating too frequently can also be very counter-intuitive. It’s one thing sloughing off dead skin cells from time to time, but being too enthusiastic about exfoliating can actually result in you stripping away layers of skin, thus making it thinner, which can leave you vulnerable to UV damage (i.e. the effects of photoaging), dermal irritation and also inflammation, all of which can have an aging effect on the skin over time. This is why it’s paramount to not only pay attention to what types of products your skin appreciates, but also to what skin type you have, especially since there is not one-size-fits-all when it comes to skincare.
Lastly, it goes without saying that a balanced diet will always be a big step towards looking younger than your years. Choosing the right foods can actually really nourish your skin in a variety of ways, which is why it’s important to pay attention to what you eat. Don’t get the wrong idea – we’re not saying that munching on salads 24/7 is the right thing to do, but eating a good portion of fruit and veg in addition to healthy fats and protein will help your skin to love you right back. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids like nuts, seeds and fish can aid in increasing hydration and protection whilst reducing inflammation, whereas protein goes towards strengthening the skin by supporting and encouraging collagen production. There is a whole host of antioxidants in fruit and vegetables, all of which can serve as an advantage to your skin in different ways, from fighting free radical damage (and, therefore, softening wrinkles) to brightening the complexion and promoting overall skin health and durability.
If you’d like to discover which types of products and ingredients would best suit your skin type, visit our Skin Types page. For more information about the topics we mentioned in this article, visit our related blog posts on: What Is Photoaging? and What Is Hyaluronic Acid? To find out more about what the best food and drink for your skin is, check out our Diet page.