As we age there are a number of changes that happen to our skin that are just part of the natural ageing process and some changes brought about by the effects of the sun.
Natural Ageing
These are:
Oil and acid levels decrease and we need booth of these to maintain our skin’s natural defence mechanism.
A reduction in cell turnover time. For example a teenager will see base skin cells rise to the surface over a 20 days period but as we age that turnover time increases to 30 or even 40 days.
Our healing process slows.
Skin becomes thinner skin with less fat deposits.
We experience more moisture loss.
More wrinkles form.
Sun Damage
The other causes of ageing can be external for example the damage caused by the sun (photodamage). The effects of sun damage can include:
Coarse wrinkles (due to decreased collagen production).
Sagging skin and a sallow complexion (due to less elastin overall).
Broken capilliaries (telangiectasias).
Irregular pigmentation (Irregular Melanocyte production).
Rough skin lacking glow (due to irregular thickening).
The sun causes cells to misbehave when UVB directly alters cellular DNA causing “reactive oxygen species” (also known as free radicals and super oxides) to oxidise DNA material causing damage. Melanocytes (pigment producing cells) can become overactive and some underactive resulting in patchy and uneven pigmentation . Epidermal cells mature and shed unevenly causing roughened skin. Dermal fibroblasts (collagen and elastin manufacuturers) produce less collagen and elastin. When this happens you have reduced support to the skin allowing deep lines, sagging and dilated capillaries to occur.
What can we do?
There is a lot you can do to prevent sun damage and slow down the ageing process. It goes without saying that some form of sun protection will limit the harmful effects of the sun so I have put SPF25 in all my moisturisers for the face and the body. Here are the common problems listed above with some solution suggestions:
decreased acid and oil levels – use a PH balanced skincare range that rectifies the acid levels in the skin and balances oil production through fruit acid extracts and essential oil ingredients. With the natural levels of acid and oil maintained the skin can maintain its Acid Mantle which is it natural defence shield. My whole range is PH balanced from the cleanser right through to the moisturiser leaving your skin happy and protected.
decreased cell turnover – Vitamin A helps promote cell renewal as does Co-enzyme Q10 (building blocks of all cells which aids cell renewal and repair). Why not try one of my co-Q10 products. Either my Co-Q10 cleanser or Co-Q10 Body Lotion
slower healing process – Vitamin E and GLAs (omegas 3 & 6) help body initiate the enzyme cascade to promote the skins natural healing process. Co-enzyme Q10 (building blocks of all cells which aids cell renewal and repair). Try my Rejuvinating Night Cream which is rich in GLA’s and Vitamins
decreased moisture levels – hyalauronic acids attracts 1000 times its weight in moisture and helps assist moisturiser to travel deeper in to the skin. Try my Caffeine Night Cream which is rich in hyalauronic acid and GLA’s
fine and coarse wrinkles form from lower collagen production – marine collagen extracted from sea weed helps to boost the complexion and plum out fine lines so try my Collagen/Retinol Day cream which is rich in natural marine extracts and retinol.
sagging skin and a sallow complexion due to lower elastin production – GLAs (omegas 3 & 6) help body initiate the enzyme cascade to promote the skins natural healing process so try my Elderberry Moisturiser which is rich in GLA’s.
broken capiliaries – GLA’s help to promote prostaglandin production which initiates the skins natural healing process and also strengthen cell walls. My caffeine night cream would be a good one for this.
Patchy pigmentation from irregular Melanocyte production. Retinol is known to work on hyperpigmentation so my Collagen Retinol cream would do just the trick.
skin thickening and loss of glow As we age out skin’s cycle is longer and therefore more dead cells build up leading to irregular thickening and general dullness. A regular exfoliator or daily exfoliating cleanser will keep the complexion free of debris and glowing. Why not try my Co-Q10 Cleanser/Polish or my Honey Face Scrub
