Skin aging is a complex biological process, influenced by a combination of endogenous (intrinsic) and exogenous (extrinsic) factors.
As we age, all internal processes of the body slow down. Cell regeneration occurs more slowly, causing the skin to lose elasticity and become dry.
Aging is a natural process, and genetic factors, metabolism, and hormonal changes can influence when the first signs of aging appear, namely wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and dry skin. The medical term for this type of aging is "intrinsic aging".
Sometimes, due to environmental factors, lifestyle, and care habits, signs of aging appear earlier. The medical term for this type of aging is "extrinsic aging". The good news is that the effects of this type of aging on our skin can be limited through some simple preventive measures.
In this article, we try to review the signs of aging, the factors influencing skin health, and solutions for maintaining its firmness and elasticity for as long as possible.
the epidermis or outer layer is very thin and contains the pigment that colors the skin – melanin;
the dermis or thicker layer contains hair follicles, oil glands, and blood vessels;
the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue acts as a protective barrier for organs.
As we age, the epidermis gradually thins, and pigment levels decrease. The result is thinner and paler skin.
The dermis contains connective tissue made of collagen and elastin, which provide strength and flexibility to the skin. The dermis also contains blood vessels, which become fragile with age, making the skin more prone to bruising and bleeding. Additionally, oil glands, also called sebaceous glands, are responsible for maintaining skin moisture and hydration. Over time, the production of oil glands (sebum) decreases, making the skin more prone to dryness and flaking.
Signs of Skin Aging
Following a skincare routine and using quality cosmetic products helps achieve a well-groomed and radiant look, but it also represents a preventive measure against premature aging.
Some skin changes are inevitable, and the aging process looks different for everyone. However, there are certain signs of skin aging that are considered premature if they appear before the age of 35.
Wrinkles and fine lines
Wrinkles are the most easily identifiable sign of skin aging. After the age of 20, the collagen produced by the body decreases, on average, by about 1% each year. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin strength and ensures its elasticity. Due to the decrease in endogenous collagen production with age, the skin loses its hydration and elasticity and becomes drier. For this reason, the risk of wrinkles and fine lines appearing is higher.
Although genetics primarily determine skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially in people with fair skin. Pollutants and smoking also contribute to wrinkles.
More sensitive areas, such as the eye contour, areas where muscles are used more often, such as the forehead, as well as those parts of the body that are more exposed to the sun, namely the neck and chest, are more prone to the risk of wrinkles and fine lines.
Pigmentation spots
One of the most obvious signs of aging is the appearance of brown spots. Solar lentigines (sun spots), also known as senile lentigines (age spots), are among the most common types of pigmentation spots and are primarily caused by ultraviolet rays. Excessive sun exposure for many years is the main cause of premature skin aging.
Age spots most often develop on areas most exposed to ultraviolet rays: the face and hands. These appear especially after the age of 40. People with fair skin may notice these age spots earlier.
Dark circles and under-eye bags
Skin thinning and loss of elasticity, which occur with age, can cause dark circles and under-eye bags. Decreased fat and collagen levels, which maintain skin elasticity, cause the blood vessels under the skin to become more visible, making the eye area darken.
Dry and dull skin
Because the skin becomes thinner, it is more susceptible to dehydration, the main risk factor for dry skin.
Also, as skin ages, it no longer effectively sheds the layer of dead cells. Without adequate exfoliation, dead cells accumulate on the skin's surface and reduce its luminosity and radiance.
Generally, the skin becomes drier, duller, and more prone to flaking around the age of 40.
More visible pores
The more the sun has affected the skin, the less firm and elastic it becomes. When the skin starts to lose its firmness, pores become more visible.
Also, the skin thickens as the natural aging process begins, causing tiny skin cells to gather around the pores, making them appear larger.
Causes of Skin Aging
As we age, the skin becomes drier, more prone to injury, and less elastic. This process is inevitable, but it is possible to limit the damage caused by behavioral and environmental factors responsible for premature aging.
There are several factors that influence the skin aging process and the appearance of specific signs.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
The sun is one of the skin's greatest enemies. Approximately 90% of visible skin changes commonly attributed to the natural aging process are caused by the sun. Ultraviolet radiation can damage DNA, causing premature wrinkles and age spots.
Constant exposure to sunlight breaks down collagen and elastin, causing the skin to wrinkle. Also, pigmentation spots appear due to increased melanin production.
Vices
Smoking is seen as a risk factor for lung, heart, and brain health, but it can also be responsible for premature aging because it affects the blood vessels responsible for transporting oxygen to the skin. Without enough oxygen, the skin is more prone to wrinkles.
Also, toxins in cigarette smoke expose the skin to oxidative stress, which causes dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging.
Alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on the skin. Excessive alcohol dehydrates the skin, which is a cause of wrinkles.
Lack of sleep
Sleep should be part of the beauty routine, as cell regeneration takes place during the night. The skin produces collagen during sleep, which gives it elasticity. Less collagen means duller and drier skin.
Poor sleep quality (less than five hours per night) has been associated with signs of aging and a decrease in the skin's barrier function.
Also, body position during rest has an impact on the appearance of the skin. If we constantly sleep on the same side of the face, this area will age faster, as those folds or wrinkles of the skin form, which over time become permanent.
Stress
Stress is one of the enemies of health, affecting numerous organs, including the skin.
A stressful lifestyle can trigger an inflammatory response in the body and affect the rest routine. Cortisol, the main stress hormone, negatively influences collagen production, and chronic stress can accelerate the aging process due to an increased inflammatory response.
Unhealthy eating habits
The consumption of fast food and high-sugar foods is one of the causes of skin damage. Increased blood sugar levels can trigger chronic inflammation at the cellular level. This, in turn, can accelerate skin aging through a process called glycation.
Skin Aging: Prevention Methods
Aging naturally makes the skin less elastic and more fragile. Due to reduced natural oil production, the skin becomes dry and the appearance of wrinkles is imminent. Although the natural process of skin aging cannot be stopped, there are several methods by which it can be delayed.
Protecting the skin from the sun's rays
Limiting time spent in the sun, wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses, as well as using products with sun protection factor(SPF) year-round are some of the prevention methods against UV rays.
Cosmetic products that offer sun protection indicate on the label a sun protection factor (SPF) to show the level of protection against UVB rays, as well as the mention "broad spectrum protection," meaning they contain ingredients that can protect the skin from UVA rays.
Ivatherm's Sunlight range of products protects skin cells from the harmful effects of solar radiation:
Sun protection products should be applied to the skin at least 30 minutes before going outdoors, both in warm and cold seasons.
Adopting a correct skincare routine
A correct skincare routine is essential for healthy skin and to prevent premature aging. Proper skin cleansing and hydration are two indispensable steps in the care routine.
Also, in addition to following the steps recommended by specialists in the care routine, it is important to use products appropriate for your skin type.
Last but not least, applying anti-aging products is necessary with age, when natural collagen production is declining. Special attention should be paid to the eye contour, as this area is more sensitive and more prone to wrinkles and pigmentation spots.
Last but not least, the care routine should include products containing thermal water, which hydrates, soothes, and evens out skin appearance. Thanks to the minerals it contains, thermal water soothes sunburns caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, having a powerful antioxidant effect.
Herculane thermal water, which is part of Ivatherm cosmetic products, originates from Băile Herculane and travels a distance of 2000m to the earth's surface. It has anti-inflammatory, healing, and soothing effects, contains minerals with anti-aging properties such as manganese, and also has an anti-irritant role due to the zinc in its composition.
Adopting a balanced lifestyle
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports the health of the entire body and, implicitly, the skin. Also, consuming at least two liters of liquids ensures the necessary hydration level the skin needs to maintain its radiance.
Since smoking and alcohol consumption are among the factors that cause premature skin aging, quitting these vices is recommended.
Also, keeping stress levels to a minimum through meditation, yoga, aerobics, reading, or other relaxing activities is an effective method of preventing premature skin aging. On the other hand, a correct rest routine is necessary. Specialists recommend between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night for the body to recover after a tiring day.
Last but not least, physical exercise is important because sport stimulates blood flow and supplies oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, which contributes to maintaining youthful skin.
Thus, although natural aging is mainly determined by genetic factors and is an inevitable process, extrinsic aging can be prevented by adopting protective measures: from a correct care routine to a balanced lifestyle.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Everything you need to know about skin aging
Skin aging is a complex biological process, influenced by a combination of endogenous (intrinsic) and exogenous (extrinsic) factors.
As we age, all internal processes of the body slow down. Cell regeneration occurs more slowly, causing the skin to lose elasticity and become dry.
Aging is a natural process, and genetic factors, metabolism, and hormonal changes can influence when the first signs of aging appear, namely wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and dry skin. The medical term for this type of aging is "intrinsic aging".
Sometimes, due to environmental factors, lifestyle, and care habits, signs of aging appear earlier. The medical term for this type of aging is "extrinsic aging". The good news is that the effects of this type of aging on our skin can be limited through some simple preventive measures.
In this article, we try to review the signs of aging, the factors influencing skin health, and solutions for maintaining its firmness and elasticity for as long as possible.
Table of Contents
The Natural Skin Aging Process
The skin is made up of three important layers:
As we age, the epidermis gradually thins, and pigment levels decrease. The result is thinner and paler skin.
The dermis contains connective tissue made of collagen and elastin, which provide strength and flexibility to the skin. The dermis also contains blood vessels, which become fragile with age, making the skin more prone to bruising and bleeding. Additionally, oil glands, also called sebaceous glands, are responsible for maintaining skin moisture and hydration. Over time, the production of oil glands (sebum) decreases, making the skin more prone to dryness and flaking.
Signs of Skin Aging
Following a skincare routine and using quality cosmetic products helps achieve a well-groomed and radiant look, but it also represents a preventive measure against premature aging.
Some skin changes are inevitable, and the aging process looks different for everyone. However, there are certain signs of skin aging that are considered premature if they appear before the age of 35.
Wrinkles and fine lines
Wrinkles are the most easily identifiable sign of skin aging. After the age of 20, the collagen produced by the body decreases, on average, by about 1% each year. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin strength and ensures its elasticity. Due to the decrease in endogenous collagen production with age, the skin loses its hydration and elasticity and becomes drier. For this reason, the risk of wrinkles and fine lines appearing is higher.
Although genetics primarily determine skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially in people with fair skin. Pollutants and smoking also contribute to wrinkles.
More sensitive areas, such as the eye contour, areas where muscles are used more often, such as the forehead, as well as those parts of the body that are more exposed to the sun, namely the neck and chest, are more prone to the risk of wrinkles and fine lines.
Pigmentation spots
One of the most obvious signs of aging is the appearance of brown spots. Solar lentigines (sun spots), also known as senile lentigines (age spots), are among the most common types of pigmentation spots and are primarily caused by ultraviolet rays. Excessive sun exposure for many years is the main cause of premature skin aging.
Age spots most often develop on areas most exposed to ultraviolet rays: the face and hands. These appear especially after the age of 40. People with fair skin may notice these age spots earlier.
Dark circles and under-eye bags
Skin thinning and loss of elasticity, which occur with age, can cause dark circles and under-eye bags. Decreased fat and collagen levels, which maintain skin elasticity, cause the blood vessels under the skin to become more visible, making the eye area darken.
Dry and dull skin
Because the skin becomes thinner, it is more susceptible to dehydration, the main risk factor for dry skin.
Also, as skin ages, it no longer effectively sheds the layer of dead cells. Without adequate exfoliation, dead cells accumulate on the skin's surface and reduce its luminosity and radiance.
Generally, the skin becomes drier, duller, and more prone to flaking around the age of 40.
More visible pores
The more the sun has affected the skin, the less firm and elastic it becomes. When the skin starts to lose its firmness, pores become more visible.
Also, the skin thickens as the natural aging process begins, causing tiny skin cells to gather around the pores, making them appear larger.
Causes of Skin Aging
As we age, the skin becomes drier, more prone to injury, and less elastic. This process is inevitable, but it is possible to limit the damage caused by behavioral and environmental factors responsible for premature aging.
There are several factors that influence the skin aging process and the appearance of specific signs.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
The sun is one of the skin's greatest enemies. Approximately 90% of visible skin changes commonly attributed to the natural aging process are caused by the sun. Ultraviolet radiation can damage DNA, causing premature wrinkles and age spots.
Constant exposure to sunlight breaks down collagen and elastin, causing the skin to wrinkle. Also, pigmentation spots appear due to increased melanin production.
Vices
Smoking is seen as a risk factor for lung, heart, and brain health, but it can also be responsible for premature aging because it affects the blood vessels responsible for transporting oxygen to the skin. Without enough oxygen, the skin is more prone to wrinkles.
Also, toxins in cigarette smoke expose the skin to oxidative stress, which causes dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging.
Alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on the skin. Excessive alcohol dehydrates the skin, which is a cause of wrinkles.
Lack of sleep
Sleep should be part of the beauty routine, as cell regeneration takes place during the night. The skin produces collagen during sleep, which gives it elasticity. Less collagen means duller and drier skin.
Poor sleep quality (less than five hours per night) has been associated with signs of aging and a decrease in the skin's barrier function.
Also, body position during rest has an impact on the appearance of the skin. If we constantly sleep on the same side of the face, this area will age faster, as those folds or wrinkles of the skin form, which over time become permanent.
Stress
Stress is one of the enemies of health, affecting numerous organs, including the skin.
A stressful lifestyle can trigger an inflammatory response in the body and affect the rest routine. Cortisol, the main stress hormone, negatively influences collagen production, and chronic stress can accelerate the aging process due to an increased inflammatory response.
Unhealthy eating habits
The consumption of fast food and high-sugar foods is one of the causes of skin damage. Increased blood sugar levels can trigger chronic inflammation at the cellular level. This, in turn, can accelerate skin aging through a process called glycation.
Skin Aging: Prevention Methods
Aging naturally makes the skin less elastic and more fragile. Due to reduced natural oil production, the skin becomes dry and the appearance of wrinkles is imminent. Although the natural process of skin aging cannot be stopped, there are several methods by which it can be delayed.
Protecting the skin from the sun's rays
Limiting time spent in the sun, wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses, as well as using products with sun protection factor (SPF) year-round are some of the prevention methods against UV rays.
Cosmetic products that offer sun protection indicate on the label a sun protection factor (SPF) to show the level of protection against UVB rays, as well as the mention "broad spectrum protection," meaning they contain ingredients that can protect the skin from UVA rays.
Sun protection products should be applied to the skin at least 30 minutes before going outdoors, both in warm and cold seasons.
Adopting a correct skincare routine
A correct skincare routine is essential for healthy skin and to prevent premature aging. Proper skin cleansing and hydration are two indispensable steps in the care routine.
Also, in addition to following the steps recommended by specialists in the care routine, it is important to use products appropriate for your skin type.
Last but not least, applying anti-aging products is necessary with age, when natural collagen production is declining. Special attention should be paid to the eye contour, as this area is more sensitive and more prone to wrinkles and pigmentation spots.
Last but not least, the care routine should include products containing thermal water, which hydrates, soothes, and evens out skin appearance. Thanks to the minerals it contains, thermal water soothes sunburns caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, having a powerful antioxidant effect.
Adopting a balanced lifestyle
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports the health of the entire body and, implicitly, the skin. Also, consuming at least two liters of liquids ensures the necessary hydration level the skin needs to maintain its radiance.
Since smoking and alcohol consumption are among the factors that cause premature skin aging, quitting these vices is recommended.
Also, keeping stress levels to a minimum through meditation, yoga, aerobics, reading, or other relaxing activities is an effective method of preventing premature skin aging. On the other hand, a correct rest routine is necessary. Specialists recommend between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night for the body to recover after a tiring day.
Last but not least, physical exercise is important because sport stimulates blood flow and supplies oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, which contributes to maintaining youthful skin.
Thus, although natural aging is mainly determined by genetic factors and is an inevitable process, extrinsic aging can be prevented by adopting protective measures: from a correct care routine to a balanced lifestyle.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.