The Ageing Process
Ageing is the process of becoming older…..!
In our 20’s we feel invincible.
Partying till the early hours, Crazy holidays, Sunbathing till we nearly burn…
Until time catches up with us all.
The appearance of the face and neck typically changes with age. Loss of muscle tone and thinning skin gives the face a flabby or drooping appearance.
The skin also dries out and loses the underlying layer of fat so that your face no longer has a plump, smooth surface & starts to develop wrinkles.
In the Cambridge English Dictionary a wrinkle is defined as “a small line in the skin caused by old age”
There are three wrinkle types.
Mimic Wrinkles are created by the action of our muscles we use to express emotions such as laughing or frowning. They are visible between the eyebrows and around the eyes (Crow’s Feet). Over time, these muscles lose the ability to relax and the lines become fixed.
Gravitational Wrinkles are concentrated around the eyelids, cheeks and neck area. This is related to the passage of time and gravity. Collagen fibres and elastin contained in the skin are decomposing and the body is running out of substances that stimulate their production (Vitamins A, C and E). The level of hyaluronic acid responsible for binding water in the skin decreases and additionally reduces activity in the sweat and sebaceous glands.
Finally Structural Wrinkles are the price our skin pays for the life we’ve lived. Excess Sun, Smoking, Drinking, Stress and Activity can all be factors.
As we grow old the condition of our skin deteriorates. Reduced blood circulation causes it to be under nourished, and the fragile walls of our blood vessels burst, creating subcutaneous outbreaks in the form of spider veins. In addition, disorders in the secretion of melanin are responsible for the appearance of skin pigmentation changes.
What does the ageing process look like?
Our skin fights for a long time but the first changes can be noticeable from the age of thirty around the corners of our eyes. A decade later, deeper wrinkles appear between the eyebrows and forehead, as well as furrows going from the wings of the nose towards the mouth. Fifty is a time when the skin on our cheeks can become flaccid and droop, and the neck no longer allows us to hide our age.
How to delay the ageing process?
We need to provide the skin with antioxidants that will help fight free radicals. Over time the body does not produce them in sufficient amounts so we must supplement it with food enriched with Vitamins A, E & C.
Vitamin E is one of the strongest antioxidants whilst Vitamin A helps skin regeneration. Vitamin C improves firmness and elasticity as it supports the production of collagen.
A good Skin Therapist can give invaluable advice in the direction of care and provide information on specific products.
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How to reduce premature skin ageing
- Protect your skin from the sun Every Day.
- Apply self-tanner rather than get a tan.
- Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages.
- Avoid repetitive facial expressions.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Drink less alcohol.
- Exercise most days of the week.
- Cleanse your skin gently.
- SPF cream every morning
Don’t forget that it’s not just about the physical care for your skin. In today’s modern world stress is most certainly a factor when it comes to premature skin ageing. It is just as important to take care of your mind as it is to look after your body. So remember to find time for yourself & relax 🙂