Ageing skin

SKIN AGEING is a biological process characterised by gradual changes in the structure of the skin that occur with the passage of time. There are two main causes of ageing skin: Intrinsic (internal) is our natural ageing process due to the genes we inherit, while extrinsic (external) refers to premature ageing as a result of the environment and our lifestyle.

Internal ageing begins in our 20s and continues at different rates, depending on our individual genetic make-up. Visible changes may not appear until many years later. It involves changes in collagen and elastin, leading to decreased firmness and elasticity. There is also loss of other supporting structures like ground substance (containing hyaluronic acid) and fat. Bone loss may cause bones to draw away from the skin. Dead skin cells do not shed from the skin’s surface as quickly, and are replaced at a slower rate.

The physical signs of internal aging include:

I Fine lines and wrinkles

I Skin thinning

I Hollowed cheeks and eye sockets or sagging cheeks (jowls) and lower eyelids.

I Rough, dry skin

I Hair loss, greying hair, unwanted facial hair.

I Nail thinning and ridging. I Dermatosis papulosa nigrans (wart/mole-like bums and spots).

Certain external factors may cause premature ageing which is superimposed on the natural ageing process. These factors include:

Sunlight or ultraviolet radiation (photoaging)

I Cigarette smoking

I Excessive alcohol

I Pollutants, harsh chemicals I Poor nutrition I Repetitive facial expressions I Gravity, sleeping positions I Stress Photoaging is usually the main cause of extrinsic or premature ageing. It develops over years of repeated longterm or intense short-term sun exposure. Although individuals with fair skin usually develop more features of photoaging than darker skin types, all races are affected. Repeated sunlight exposure alters collagen and elastin. It may eventually lead to conditions such as skin cancer, especially in fairer skin types, although all skin types are at risk of skin cancer.