How does our skin age and how can we slow down skin aging?
What actually happens to our skin as we get older? And what causes our skin to age? In this article, we explain how our skin ages and give you valuable tips on how to counteract environmentally induced aging.
What happens to the skin as it ages?
Starting at 30, our skin noticeably changes and begins to age. An important role in this is played by collagen. Collagen is one of the most important structural proteins in the human body. It is crucial for the firmness, elasticity, and structure of the skin. However, with age, collagen production decreases and its structure changes. This means that fewer new collagen fibers are formed, and the remaining collagen can no longer bind water as well. As a result, the skin loses elasticity, tension, and develops wrinkles.
So-called free radicals can also play a role in premature skin aging. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules or atoms that can be harmful in excessive amounts. When they come into contact with collagen fibers, they can attack and damage the structure of the collagen fibers. In addition, free radicals can inhibit collagen production. Free radicals can be formed by UV radiation, environmental pollution (air, water, food), and oxidative stress. An increase in these free radicals combined with the natural, age-related decline in collagen production can lead to altered skin structure and deterioration of the skin’s appearance. For example, in the form of deep wrinkles, leathery skin appearance, or the development of pigmentation spots.
At the same time, we get wrinkles due to dry skin. As we age, the activity of our sebaceous and sweat glands decreases. As a result, our skin produces fewer water-binding moisturizing factors. This means water can no longer be stored as well in the tissue. Consequently, the skin loses its elasticity, which in turn promotes the formation of wrinkles.
For your anti-age care, this means it should provide protection against free radicals and supply you with moisture.
What are the causes of skin aging?
That our skin changes with age has various causes. To understand these, we first need to distinguish between the two forms of aging: On the one hand, the so-called intrinsic aging. This describes the aging process that is predetermined by our genes from birth and that we cannot stop. Then there is premature aging, which is caused by environmental factors and has significantly more consequences for us. Unlike, for example, our internal organs, the skin is our outer protective layer and is therefore particularly exposed to various environmental influences. In addition to poor nutrition, these are common environmental factors that cause us to age prematurely:
Too much sun or UV light
When we expose ourselves to the sun, it can contribute to so-called photoaging. This means that our skin can age prematurely and be damaged by the formation of free radicals due to prolonged and daily exposure to the sun's UV rays. Because of the sun's UV radiation, the skin can lose its natural elasticity, leading to the formation of wrinkles.
Lack of sleep
During sleep, not only the body and mind recover, but also the skin. The nightly rest phase allows it to recover from the stresses of the day. With too little or restless sleep, the facial skin can appear pale and slack the next morning.
Smoking
Cigarettes can also make us look "older" faster. Collagen – the protein that supports our connective tissue – plays an important role here. Specifically, the nicotine contained in cigarettes destroys elastic fibers and collagen in our skin. At the same time, tobacco smoke causes these fibers to break down and new collagen to be produced only slowly. The increased wrinkle formation in smokers is also related to the fact that their skin contains less water.
How can the skin aging process be slowed down?
Knowing that there is a form of aging we cannot slow down ourselves, you are probably wondering: What helps against aging? At least we can counteract environmentally caused aging with the help of these measures:
A care routine that suits you
As soon as you are outside, regularly use sunscreen. Pay attention to a balanced diet. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle (e.g., by getting enough sleep).
It is also important to use skincare tailored to your skin condition. This includes not only an anti-aging day cream but also an anti-aging night cream and, if necessary, an anti-aging serum and an anti-aging eye cream.
Enough (beauty) sleep
Getting enough sleep is also good for your skin and its appearance. To help you fall asleep easily, try introducing healthy evening routines into your daily life: reduce your screen time with your smartphone or even ban it from the bedroom, stick to fixed times to go to bed, use blackout curtains or a sleep mask, or listen to a relaxing podcast to wind down in the evening.
The right night care
In addition to getting enough good sleep, you can also do something good for your skin with the right night care. Because while you sleep, your skin starts its natural repair program and renews itself. During this time, skin cells divide more intensively than usual, and your skin is especially receptive to the active ingredients of your serum and night cream. So if you’re wondering: When should you use anti-aging cream? We highly recommend doing this both in the morning and in the evening.
Effective anti-aging cosmetics: What makes a good anti-aging cream?
The natural aging process of the skin cannot be stopped, but it can be delayed with the right care.
A good anti-aging cream contains moisturizing ingredients. These can help replenish your skin’s natural moisture reserves. Ingredients such as Coenzyme Q10, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Algae or Bakuchiol are especially suitable for maintaining a beautiful, radiant complexion.
The goal of a good anti-aging cream is to supply the skin with ingredients it can no longer produce in sufficient quantities itself (e.g., hyaluronic acid, ceramides, collagen). Hyaluronic acid, for example, is one of the components responsible for moisture retention. As we age, the hyaluronic acid content in the skin decreases. At the same time, more and more collagen is broken down in the skin.
Here are even more tips for you
What is the right anti-aging product for me?
