All About Ageing Skin

The only thing constant in life is change and the changes our skin goes through is a living proof of that. We all have dreamt of looking young forever but our skin most definitely has other plans. So as we advance in years, the dread of “looking old” or Ageing sets in and then it’s a deep dive down the skin care route to reverse all the possible signs of it. But if the past few years have been any indication as the skincare industry has become ever blooming, it is that there is no perfect age to start your skincare and prevent the skin from Ageing. So here we are, taking you through the various causes and do’s and don’ts of Ageing skin so you are better prepared for your tomorrow. 

What Is Ageing? 

As the name suggests, our skin is susceptible to change over the years of our growth. The outer layer of the skin or the epidermis, begins to lose its firmness and elasticity causing it to become thin and loose. As a result, your skin begins to look more tired, rough and slacks off. The regions where the skin is loose or fragile is where the signs of Ageing namely fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots begin to appear indicating that your skin now needs some rest or a boost in collagen, the elasticity hormone of the skin.

What Causes Ageing? 

Ageing can be caused by a number of factors, some hereditary, most environmental but most importantly daily wear and tear of your skin doesn’t give the cells enough time to repair themselves causing Ageing in most people. This is why dermatologists have emphasised on learning how to take care of your skin from an early age. Additionally, here are some other factors that can cause Ageing: 
 

1. PhotoAgeing: 

The skin can be a powerful manipulator when it comes to your skin. Not only does it leave you with sunburn or tan, but excess sun exposure can be one of the main reasons for premature Ageing. Over time, the sun's UV rays damage certain fibres in the skin called elastin responsible for your skin’s tautness. The breakdown of these fibres causes the skin to sag and stretch making it lose the quality of snapping back in place. Sun damage also causes skin cells to be damaged which takes longer to heal and can cause premature Ageing skin. 

2. Daily Facial Movements: 

Have you heard about ‘laugh lines’? Yes, it’s true. Apparently laughing a lot or over a longer period of time can cause these lines on your face to become more prominent especially when people reach the age of 30 or 40. Lines may appear wherever the skin gets stretched repeatedly for facial movements like the corners of your mouth, crinkling on your forehead or vertically on the skin  above the top of your nose. So apparently happiness does come with a cost. 
 

3. Smoking: 

We have always heard how bad habits can be bad for our skin too and in the case of smoking it really is true. Because not only is the skin of smokers more prone to have wrinkles but smoking also reduces the tendency of collagen to be rebuilt. Smoking additionally also interferes with the normal blood flow and thus the circulation that is required by the skin to make sure it looks healthy and youthful is evidently absent. 

4. Dry Skin:

Dry skin makes your skin look more wrinklier and in the case of people above the age 40 who have dry skin have also potentially lost their sweat or oil glands. As a result the evidence of Ageing like fine lines and wrinkles become more common. This condition is further aggravated by the use of harsh chemicals and soaps which contain astringents that tend to leave the skin dehydrated. Dry skin can also become irritated skin and cause Ageing to proceed at a faster rate. 

Checkout: How To Take Care OF Your Dry Skin- Easy Tips & Tricks

5. Sleeping Position: 

Have you ever woken up with bed sheet marks on the side of your face? Well, weirdly enough, sleeping can also cause Ageing. Sleep creases are commonly seen on the side of the forehead and cheeks as the result of the way the head is positioned on the pillow. But fret not, because changing your sleeping position can help alter your rate of Ageing. 

Signs Of Ageing: 

Most of the above mentioned factors are contributors to your Ageing process but the biggest one on the list is photoAgeing. Nothing worse than the sun attacking the skin cells and causing more damage than can be anticipated. Here’s how you start notice the change in your skin and the visible signs on face: 

• Fine lines & wrinkles: On forehead, cheeks, chin, corners of your mouth and nose. 
• Rough dry and itchy skin
• Loose skin that hangs around loosely (first signs visible around the bags of your eyes) 
• Skin that gets easily bruised because the epidermal layer isn’t as strong as before 

How To Prevent Ageing?

Prevent? No. Unfortunately, like most events in life, Ageing happens to everyone. But of course, thanks to the skincare industry there surely are ways one can seem to slow down the process of Ageing for a sufficiently long time. 

1. Always wear sunscreen: 

the golden rule in skincare to prevent Ageing skin problems would be not venture out in broad daylight without a layer of sunscreen. It prevents the biggest factor of Ageing, UV rays from the sun causing more damage to the skin cells. 

Checkout: 10 Best Sunscreens & Lotions For All Skin Types 
 

2. Moisturise: 

Dry skin doesn’t allow skin’s natural oils to work its way on protecting the skin from moisture loss. Moisturizing traps water in your skin, which helps mask tiny lines and creases. It may take a few weeks of regular use of the product before you notice any improvement in your skin.

Checkout: Best gel based moisturizer available in india for all skin types
 

Follow a dedicated skincare routine: Using anti-Ageing creams, vitamin C, retinol, etc can seem to work wonders for your skin if you are in your 30s. It can reverse premature Ageing and can make sure your skin produces enough collagen to keep your youthful appearance intact. 
 

Ageing is normal. Everyone goes through it, just like puberty. So if we can simply muster the courage to stop fussing over how we look older than we feel and simply take cautious steps to make sure our skin remains in the pink of health, Ageing wouldn’t be such a huge issue. 

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