The Ageing Process

As we grow older, our skin loses its ability to produce collagen and elastin. These substances are responsible for retaining the shape of the skin without wrinkling and sagging. There are several factors that contribute to ageing of the skin. While some factors are influenced by your own genes (intrinsic), other causes include the environment and individual habits (extrinsic). Premature ageing is caused by the combination of both the extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

Types Of Skin Ageing:

Intrinsic Ageing:

Intrinsic ageing is an unavoidable process that usually begins when you are in your 20s. Most people will not show signs of ageing until their mid 30s. As intrinsic ageing is determined by genetics, they can’t be changed but can be managed to reduce the ageing signs.

Signs of Intrinsic Ageing:

• Fine wrinkles and lines
• Itchy, dry skin
• Loosely hanging skin
• Skin becomes fragile and rough
• Development of tumours

Extrinsic Ageing:

There are several external factors that cause signs and symptoms of premature ageing. While most extrinsic ageing problems are caused by too much of exposure to the sun’s UV rays, other environmental factors such as infrared radiation, air pollution and visible light also contributes to ageing skin. Individual lifestyle choices and habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, sleeping positions and diet also causes extrinsic ageing problems.

Signs of Extrinsic Ageing:

• Skin dryness
• Laxity
• Wrinkling
• Skin fragility
• Lentigines
• Seborrheic keratoses
• Freckling and age spots
• Thinning of the skin
• Decreased elasticity

How To Care For Your Ageing Skin?

Apply Sunscreen: The sun plays a key role in premature skin ageing. The best way to protect your skin from the harsh sunrays is by covering up with clothing and applying sunscreen with antioxidants and SPF 30+ or above.

Quit Smoking: Smoking speeds up the process of ageing skin, causing wrinkling and dull complexion.

Eat A Balanced Diet: Eating plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits can prevent damage leading to premature skin ageing. It is also important to consume a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates and sugar.

Exercise: Regular exercise can improve blood circulation and boost the immune system, theoretically giving you a more youthful appearance.

Use effective cosmeceuticals: If you have a dry skin, apply a facial moisturiser every day, and stop using skin care products that irritate your skin. Use retinoid Creams, alpha–hydroxyl acids, nicotinamide and Vitamin C to reduce irregular pigmentation and fine lines.

Treatments Available For Ageing Skin:

Filler Injections: Injecting fillers containing Hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite and poly-l-lactic acid can add volume to the skin while reducing visible lines and wrinkles.

Anti-wrinkle injections: Such injections can relax muscles and smooth-out expression-related wrinkles.

Chemical Peels: This process involves removing the outer layer of the skin and promoting the growth of smoother skin. It is used to address age spots, dull skin, wrinkles, skin discolouration and acne scars.

Laser Resurfacing: Laser resurfacing utilises high-intensity light to improve the look of wrinkles and fine lines by tightening the skin.

RF Micro Needling: RF Micro-needling is a minimal invasive procedure that involves delivering Radiofrequency Energy through a small needle into the dermis. This triggers the body to produce more collagen and elastin which in turn improves the firmness and texture of the skin.

Cosmetic Surgery: Face and neck lifts are procedures carried out by plastic surgeons for severe sagging skin. Eyelid blepharoplasty can remove sagging eyelid skin.

HydraFacial:  HydraFacial is an innovative, non-invasive skin treatment that uses patented Vortex-Fusion technology to cleanse pores and hydrate the skin to maintain your skin over your life.

Other Treatments: Vascular and pigment laser treatments can reduce facial redness and pigmentation while improving the general texture and tone of the skin.

Should you wish to learn more and have your skin assessed, please make an appointment with our dermal therapist at Melbourne Skin & Dermatology by calling (03) 8595 4288.