The aging process is inevitable and will sooner or later affect every one of us. Fortunately, the formation of wrinkles can be delayed. Check what you should know about it and find out what can help your skin.

Skin aging process

Two factors make our skin grow old: the physiological process, the natural way the wrinkles appear, and external factors, the so-called exogenous aging.

Skin aging – causes

The causes of skin aging and the formation of wrinkles and age spots include:

• reduced production of collagen and elastin;
• the ability of cells to divide and regenerate;
• weakness of collagen fibres;
• hormonal disorders;
• pregnancy, menopause;
• smoking or drinking alcohol;
• UV radiation;
• air conditioning, dry and hot air;
• free radicals.

Skin aging – symptoms

1. Dry skin and skin peeling

Our skin undergoes certain processes, as a a result of which the exfoliation lasts twice as long. Because of the fact that the number of cells in the epidermis decreases, the natural moisturising factor (NMF) is visibly reduced as well. What’s the result? The skin is dehydrated and dry, and the hydrolipid barrier is damaged.

2. Discoloration and age spots

With age, decreases the amount of melanocytes, so the cells responsible for the colour of our skin. Those that remain have a tendency to accumulate and create dark patches, known as age spots.

3. The loss of skin firmness and elasticity

The collagen and elastin fibers weaken, their density is reduced. The skin loses its firmness and elasticity as a result. Fat tissue, skin glands and sensory receptors also disappear. The wrinkles become more visible.

When does the aging process begin?

The aging process begins between the ages of 30 and 40. The cell activity reduces already at the age of 25. This is a signal to change the care methods. It becomes even more important to moisturise the skin, protect it from the sun and fight against free radicals.