Unveiling the Secrets of Skin Ageing: What Really Happens to Your Skin Over Time and What You Can Do About It

Imagine waking up one morning, looking in the mirror, and noticing the first subtle lines around your eyes or a slight loss of that youthful glow. For many, this is a reality that marks the beginning of skin ageing—a process that, while natural, often comes with more questions than answers. How does our skin age? Why do some people age more gracefully than others? The science behind skin ageing is a fascinating blend of biology, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.

At Elite Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Group, we’ve seen a growing interest among younger patients in proactively maintaining their healthy skin. Many are opting for personalised treatment plans that include regular facials, collagen and hyaluronic acid boosters like PRP Therapy and Profhilo injections, and, when needed, dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. With so many advanced treatments available, it’s essential to understand not only which options are best for you but also how skin glycation manifests and affects your complexion. Understanding the science behind skin ageing is key to addressing it effectively. In this article, we’ll have a look into the underlying mechanisms of skin ageing and reveal the strategies that can help you preserve a youthful, radiant appearance for as long as possible.

Skin ageing is a multifaceted process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These factors work in tandem to shape how our skin ages over time, resulting in visible changes that vary from person to person. To truly understand skin ageing, it’s essential to delve into these two primary contributors: intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.

Intrinsic ageing, often referred to as chronological ageing, is the natural ageing process that is largely governed by our genetics. This type of ageing is inevitable and occurs as part of the body’s biological timeline. Intrinsic ageing typically begins in our mid-20s, although the signs may not be immediately noticeable. During this time, several key changes begin to take place within the skin:

• Collagen Decline: Collagen, a vital protein that provides structure and firmness to the skin, starts to decrease in production. This reduction leads to a gradual thinning of the skin, making it less resilient and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
• Elasticity Loss: Alongside collagen, the skin’s elastin fibers, responsible for its elasticity, also begin to degrade. This loss results in skin that is less capable of bouncing back after stretching, contributing to sagging and the development of wrinkles over time.
• Decreased Cell Turnover: The skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself slows down with age. This reduced cell turnover means that dead skin cells accumulate on the surface, leading to a dull, lackluster complexion.
• Reduced Sebum Production: The sebaceous glands produce less oil as we age, leading to drier skin. This can exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as increase the skin’s vulnerability to environmental stressors.

These intrinsic changes are generally gradual and begin to manifest subtly in one’s late 20s or early 30s, with more pronounced effects becoming visible in the 40s and beyond.

Extrinsic ageing, in contrast, is driven by external factors and is largely preventable. This type of ageing results from environmental exposure and lifestyle choices, making it more variable and often more severe than intrinsic ageing. The most common extrinsic factors include:

• Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the leading cause of extrinsic ageing, often referred to as photoageing. UV rays penetrate the skin, damaging collagen and elastin fibers, and triggering the production of free radicals. This leads to the development of wrinkles, sunspots, and an uneven skin tone. Photoageing can start as early as the late teens or early 20s, particularly in those who spend significant time outdoors without adequate sun protection.
• Pollution: Environmental pollutants such as smog, dirt, and chemicals can infiltrate the skin, leading to oxidative stress. This stress accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, contributing to premature ageing. Those living in urban areas may notice signs of extrinsic ageing earlier due to higher pollution levels.
• Smoking: The toxins in cigarette smoke cause oxidative damage to the skin, depleting it of vital nutrients and oxygen. This leads to the formation of wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and eyes, and a dull, sallow complexion. Smokers may notice accelerated ageing as early as their 30s.
• Poor Diet and Lifestyle Choices: A diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to glycation, a process where sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin, making them stiff and prone to damage. This results in sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. Additionally, lack of exercise, insufficient sleep, and high-stress levels can all contribute to the visible signs of extrinsic ageing.

Extrinsic ageing manifests differently depending on the individual’s environment and lifestyle. However, its effects can often become noticeable in the late 20s to early 30s, particularly in those with significant sun exposure or unhealthy habits. Over time, extrinsic ageing can lead to more pronounced skin damage, such as deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and a loss of skin tone and texture.

Your skin is often a mirror of your overall health, reflecting the cumulative effects of your diet, lifestyle choices, and daily habits. When any of these areas are neglected, it shows up in your complexion—dullness, dryness, and premature ageing can all be signs that something is amiss beneath the surface.

Nutrition: Your skin needs essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, E, Omega-3, Zinc, and Biotin, to stay healthy. A diet lacking in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can make your skin dry, dull, and more prone to damage. Essential fatty acids maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, while a diet high in processed foods and sugars can lead to glycation, damaging collagen and causing wrinkles.

Gut Health: Your gut health directly impacts your skin. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation, resulting in acne, eczema, or rosacea. A healthy gut supports clear, radiant skin by enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation.

Lifestyle Factors: Daily habits greatly influence your skin. Smoking, excessive alcohol, lack of sleep, and chronic stress introduce toxins and oxidative stress, accelerating skin ageing and leaving your complexion tired and dull.

Positive Choices: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, proper hydration, regular exercise, and stress management can keep your skin youthful and glowing. These habits combat oxidative stress, support skin repair, and improve overall skin health.

Your skin’s health is intricately linked to your overall lifestyle. By prioritising proper nutrition, maintaining a healthy gut, and adopting positive daily habits, you can foster a radiant, youthful complexion that truly reflects your inner well-being.

SkinCeuticals combines advanced science with effective ingredients to create a skincare regimen that promotes a healthy, radiant complexion. By integrating these two key factors, you can create a powerful, holistic approach to maintaining healthy, glowing skin at any age.

Now that we’ve explored the science behind skin ageing and the factors that influence it, let’s summarise the key takeaways and the steps you can take to achieve radiant skin.

Skin ageing is an inevitable process influenced by both intrinsic factors like genetics and extrinsic factors such as lifestyle and environmental exposure. Understanding how these elements interact can empower you to make informed decisions about your skincare routine and daily habits. By focusing on essential nutrients, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and integrating science-backed skincare strategies, you can significantly slow down the ageing process and keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

For personalised advice and to kickstart your journey to healthier skin, consulting with an expert can make all the difference. At Elite Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Group, our skincare specialists are ready to guide you in the right direction, helping you achieve the glowing skin you desire.

For details about procedures and treatments or for a consultation, advice and prices from our Dubai clinic please call +971 4 431 2396 or use our ONLINE FORM.