Causes of skin ageing

When considering the causes of skin ageing, a distinction is made between internal (intrinsic) factors of our body and external (extrinsic) influences.

Intrinsic factors:

In the epidermal skin layer, skin ageing takes the form of slower regeneration, reduced cell metabolism and lower lipid production. The lipids produced by the sebaceous glands keep the horny layer supple and form a water barrier. Without a sufficient supply of lipids, the water evaporates from deeper layers of the epidermis – the skin becomes dry, cracked and rough. The first fine lines and small wrinkles appear. Due to the slower regeneration cycle of up to 50 days instead of 28, the ability to heal wounds also decreases.

The connective tissue threads collagen and elastin located in the dermal skin layer play a decisive role in healthy, young-looking skin. They provide tone, elasticity and volume. At a young age, both types of fibers complement each other perfectly: collagen provides stability and tensile strength, while the rubbery elastin ensures the necessary elasticity of the skin. The genetic ageing process reduces the number of collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, the skin increasingly loses the positive properties that are otherwise maintained by these structural elements of the skin. The constant loss of collagen fibers in the course of the aging process leads to wrinkles. Poorer blood circulation means that the skin is no longer supplied as well with nutrients and oxygen. Overall, the skin becomes thinner, duller and loses the rosy freshness that gives it a youthful appearance.

The subdermal skin layer consists primarily of fat cells and special collagen fibers that connect these cells. During the ageing process, the number and size of lipid cells decreases, causing the skin to lose volume, appear thinner to translucent and deep wrinkles appear.

Extrinsic influences:

In addition, different everyday habits can also greatly promote the ageing process of the skin. These include

• UV radiation (natural and artificial)
• Smoking
• UV radiation (natural and artificial)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poor nutrition
• Lack of exercise & fresh air
• Insufficient fluid intake (still water)
• Too little sleep