As we age, our skin changes by becoming thinner and loosing elasticity. This causes the skin to become fragile resulting in wrinkles and creases forming on our skin, by the time we are 25 we are classed as having a mature skin that’s why it is so important to start looking after your skin before the signs become visible. Mature skin usually has more visible lines and wrinkles than its younger counterparts. Dryness and dehydration can also make existing lines and wrinkles appear more pronounced.
How do we get lines and wrinkles?
Fine lines and wrinkles are caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin, alongside other factors such as sun damage, smoking, stress, pollution and genetics.
As we age our cell renewal begins to slow down and the time it takes for a new cell to appear can take weeks. That is why it is important to regularly exfoliate the skin to bring fresh cells to the top of the surface this will stop cells stacking up on top of each other and becoming dull.
Aging skin looks thinner, paler, and clear this is because the number of pigment containing cells begin to decrease. We often start to notice more pigmented spots including age spots or "liver spots" which begin to appear in sun-exposed areas. When these changes take place our connective tissue reduces within the skin's strength and elasticity. This is known as elastosis usually noticed in more sun-exposed skin. Elastosis produces the leathery, weather-beaten skin tone that is often referred to as crepe.
Men often experience a minimal decrease way later in life, but women gradually produce less oil after they hit their menopause. This can make it harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness and itchiness. As the subcutaneous fat layer thins so does our insulation and padding.
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
Fine lines are small, shallow lines that normally first appear under the eyes and around the mouth, these develop into more visible furrows as the skin’s structure weakens with age.
- Fine, surface lines develop due to irregular skin thickening, and because of a decrease in the amount of moisture held in the skin. Causes of this can be sun damage and exposure to free radicals that can cause havoc in our tissues if they are not dealt with, like tobacco smoke, alcohol, drugs, ozone, illness and prolonged stress.
- Furrows are our deeper lines that can be classified as dynamic or static. Dynamic face lines appear with movement, (muscle activity), while static lines are unchanged with muscle movement.
- Wrinkles tend to become visible in certain areas first, often those that are most often exposed to the sun, like the face, neck, hands and forearms.
Eye Care
The skin around our eyes is very thin and doesn’t contain many sebaceous glands. The skin lacks any fatty supporting tissue that is present within other areas of the face. As a result of this the skin in the eye area is the first to show signs of ageing. Dryness, creepiness and wrinkles appear permanently if the skin is not cared for correctly.
Why use an eye cream?
Eye creams contain lightweight fatty materials they are available in cream, oil and gel format so they do not drag and stretch the skin. Used regularly they help to soften the skin and prevent a formation of lines and wrinkle around the eye. If you have dry skin around the eyes you are more likely to benefit from a richer cream.
Neck Care
Many people start paying attention to their neck when it starts to show signs of ageing. The skin on the neck is thicker than our eye skin, but they have the same structure so share the same problems.
All cleansers, serums, hydrators and moisturisers should be bought down onto the neck and chest (décolleté) regularly to help soften, tighten and brighten the skin, this will help with cellular renewal. Always apply the cream in upward strokes this will increase the supply in oxygen and improve cellular activity.