Ageing Skin: Understanding How It Develops & How To Protect
As we age, so does our skin go through the same natural ageing process. This process can be characterised by changes in the texture, tone, and overall appearance of the skin. In addition, the production of lipids and collagen, which are two quintessential elements for maintaining the skin’s moisture and elasticity, decreases as we grow older.
How does our skin develop with age?
The changes in our skin structure and function can be grouped into three main categories: intrinsic ageing, photoaging, and environmental factors.
Intrinsic ageing refers to the skin’s natural ageing process determined by genetics. As we age, our skin cells divide more slowly, and the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its elasticity and strength, decreases, resulting in the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity.
Photoaging refers to the ageing effects caused by sun exposure. UV rays from the sun damage the skin cells, leading to the formation of age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone. Long-term sun exposure also causes the skin to become thickened, rough, and leathery.
Environmental factors, such as pollution and smoking, can also affect the ageing process of the skin. Pollution can clog pores, leading to acne and other skin problems. Smoking, on the other hand, can lead to premature wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
Overall, ageing skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more fragile. It becomes less able to retain moisture, resulting in dryness, and the skin’s ability to protect itself from damage is reduced. This process can be slowed down by taking care of your skin, protecting it from sun damage, ensuring a well-balanced diet, and avoiding smoking.
Here are some tips to help you protect and care for your skin, making it feel and look fabulous no matter how old you get.
1. Top up your hydration level
Since 60% of our body is made up of water, it is not surprising that dehydration can result in wrinkles and fine lines becoming more noticeable. As we age, ensuring our skin stays hydrated adequately becomes more complex. Hence why it is so crucial to replenish our hydration level both externally and internally.
You can do so by:
- Drinking plenty of water: Recommended daily intake of water for adults is about 8-10 cups. Staying hydrated ensures your skin looks plump and healthy.
- Use hydrating products: Hydrating products are ones that contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. They work by attracting and holding onto water in the skin.
- Incorporate moisturisers: An essential element to include in your skincare routine. Moisturisers help to lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier. Applying it immediately after showering can help seal in whatever moisture your skin absorbs.
- Exfoliating regularly: Exfoliating helps to improve your skin’s hydration level by removing dead skin cells that can block the absorption of moisturising products.
- Eat higher in water content food: Food that is high in water content, such as cucumbers, watermelons, and strawberries, can also help to hydrate our skin from within.
It is also crucial to avoid excessive exposure to harsh soaps, hot water, and alcohol-based products, as these can strip the skin of its natural oils, resulting in dry skin.
2. Watch out for free radicals
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells in our body, including the cells in our skin. They are formed by a variety of factors, including exposure to UV radiation, pollution, and smoking. Free radical damage can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer.
Protecting your skin from skin radicals is vital, and you can do so by using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection, such as our Wotnot Naturals Sunscreen. Consuming food rich in antioxidants can also help to neutralise free radicals and protect against skin damage. Such foods are berries, leafy greens, and colourful fruits and vegetables. It is also vital to avoid smoking and drinking excessively, as alcohol and smoking are known to increase the number of free radicals in our bodies.
Even for our children, it starts young to protect their skin daily. We recommend using our Wotnot Naturals 100% Baby Lotion after shower to create a protective barrier to lock in moisture and avoid itchy, flaky skin. Our Wotnot Naturals baby range of products is 100% natural made with organic ingredients and are 100% safe for your baby. We have the new improved Wotnot Naturals Nappy Rash and Balm which is also very effective to soothe irritated skin and insect bites.
Additionally, you can also protect against free radicals by using organic skincare products that contain antioxidants. Ingredients with antioxidant properties include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10.
In summary, free radicals damage our skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Hence, it is crucial to take intentional steps to limit your exposure to environmental toxins and to ensure adequate intake of antioxidants.
Conclusion
Ageing is a life’s natural process and is something we cannot avoid. While we cannot avoid the effects of ageing, we can prolong our youthful glow by taking essential care. Tugging and pulling on your skin is not going to do your skin any good. And neither will be irritating and abrasive ingredients. Hence, soothing, gentle natural ingredients cannot be beaten. Look no further than LoveNaturalls’ range of organic skincare products, from natural soap to organic baby products, all of which are ideal products for sensitive skin too!
Visit https://www.lovenaturall.com/ to find out more today!