description of how ageing affects the skin

1. HowAgeing
Affectsthe
Skin
@Angela Blemmings
PAGE 1

2. Understanding the Ageing
Process
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3. Decreased
Collagen
Production
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•Provides strength and support to the skin
•Decreases with aging, leading to loss of firmness and elasticity
•Results in sagging and wrinkles
Benefits of Collagen for Skin:
•Stimulate collagen production for a more youthful appearance
•Utilize skincare ingredients and treatments designed for this purpose
•Examples include topical retinoids like retinol and tretinoin
Ways to Increase Collagen Synthesis:
•Topical retinoids have been shown to increase collagen synthesis
•Improve appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
•Stimulate cell turnover for smoother, more youthful-looking skin
Effectiveness of Collagen-Boosting Ingredients:
•Enhance skincare routines with collagen-boosting ingredients
•Combat effects of aging for a more radiant complexion
•Support overall skin health and vitality
Incorporating Collagen-Boosting Treatments:

4. Reduced
Elastic Fiber
Content
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•Elastic Fibers contribute to skin flexibility and resilience
•Decrease in both quantity and quality with age
•Result: Decreased skin elasticity, increased susceptibility to sagging and
creases
•Ways to Enhance Skin Elasticity:
Understanding Elastic
Fibers in Skin Aging:
•Look for ingredients like peptides, vitamin C, and retinoids
•These ingredients stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin
elasticity
•Incorporate products like serums, creams, and masks into your skincare
routine
•Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage:
Use Skincare Products
with Active Ingredients:
•Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and avoid prolonged sun exposure
•Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors
UV radiation accelerates
elastin degradation and
contributes to loss of skin
elasticity
•Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
•Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
•Get regular exercise to improve circulation and promote skin health
•Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these habits can accelerate
skin aging
Adopt a Healthy
Lifestyle:
•Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin elasticity
•Use moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture
and plump the skin
Stay Hydrated and
Moisturised:

5. Thinning of the Epidermis
Understanding Thinning of the Epidermis in Skin Aging:
 Epidermis: Outermost layer of the skin
 Thinning occurs with age due to - Decreased proliferation of
epidermal cells, Reduction in turnover rate of skin cells
 Result: Fragile skin, increased susceptibility to damage
Ways to Enhance Skin Thickness and Strength:
 Use Exfoliating Products: Use PHA’s, AHAs or BHAs. These
chemicals remove dead skin, increase cell turnover, and thicken
the epidermis.
 Hydrate and moisturise the skin to preserve its barrier function
and prevent thinning. Use moisturisers with hyaluronic acid,
glycerin, and ceramides to maintain moisture.
 Prevent UV damage: UV radiation accelerates epidermal
thinning and accelerated ageing. Apply broad-spectrum
sunscreen everyday to avoid UV damage. Avoid sunburn by
wearing protective clothing and seeking shade.
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6. Decreased
Hydration and
Moisture
Retention
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•Aging skin has reduced levels of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs), Lipid
content & Production of hyaluronic acid
•Result: Decreased hydration and moisture retention, leading to dryness,
roughness, and impaired skin barrier function
Understanding Decreased Hydration in Aging Skin:
•Use Hydrating Skincare Products: Choose moisturizers and serums
containing humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea.
Humectants attract moisture to the skin and help maintain hydration levels.
•Apply Emollient-rich Products: Emollients such as ceramides, fatty acids,
and plant oils help replenish lipids and strengthen the skin barrier
•Hydrating Face Masks: Advise clients to use hydrating sheets or overnight
masks to their skincare routine. These masks provide concentrated moisture
to restore hydration and improve skin texture.
•Stay Internally Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day to stay
hydrated. Internal hydration helps skin stay hydrated and prevents dryness.
Ways to Enhance Skin Hydration and Moisture Retention:

7. Loss of
Subcutaneous
Fat
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Loss of Subcutaneous
Fat:
The layer of
subcutaneous fat
diminishes with age
Results in loss of volume
and padding in the skin
Particularly noticeable in
areas like the cheeks and
temples, leading to a
hollowed appearance
Effects of Subcutaneous
Fat Loss:
Loss of facial volume is a
characteristic of aging
Can cause wrinkles,
creases, and drooping
Individuals with more
subcutaneous fat may
retain a youthful facial
contour and appearance
Maintaining Healthy
Facial Fat:
Stay Hydrated: Drink
water throughout the day
to moisturise the skin
and maintain the
functioning of cells.
Hydration helps facial
skin retain its suppleness
and plumpness.
A facial massage: Facial
massage boosts blood
circulation, lymphatic
drainage, and collagen
production. Regular facial
massages helps preserve
skin firmness and prevent
sagging, offering you a
more youthful
appearance.
Protect the skin: UV
damage can accelerate
skin aging and contribute
to the breakdown of
collagen and elastin
fibers, leading to loss of
facial volume

8. Changes in
Pigmentation
Pigmentation Changes with Aging:
 Aging can lead to changes in pigmentation, including:
 Development of age spots (hyperpigmentation)
 Loss of pigmentation (hypopigmentation)
 Influenced by factors such as sun exposure, genetics, and hormonal
fluctuations
Preventing Pigmentation:
 Sun protection: Use UVA/UVB sunscreen everyday. Protect skin from
UV rays with clothing, caps, and sunglasses. Find shade during peak
solar hours to reduce sun exposure.
 Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation that affects
pigmentation and increases skin cancer risk.
 Genetic Factors: Genetics can influence an individuals tendency to
pigmentation changes. Discuss customised skincare to meet the
clients needs.
 Skincare Products:Ingredients in skincare include: Vitamin C: Brightens
and reduces hyperpigmentation. Retinoids: Improve skin texture and
cell turnover.
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9. Slower Wound Healing
The Ageing Effect on Wound Healing:
Cell Proliferation Decline:
 Reduced cell proliferation and migration to the wound site
slows healing.
Lower Collagen Synthesis:
 Reduced collagen production delays wound closure and
weakens scar formation.
Immune dysfunction:
 Inability to fight infections and foreign pathogens at the
wound site due to weakened immune response
Reduced Blood Flow:
 Reduced blood circulation to the skin and underlying tissues,
restricting oxygen and nutrient delivery for wound healing.
Prevent Slow Wound Healing
• Moisturise and protect skin to avoid
dryness and injury. Avoid prolonged sun
exposure and protect skin from UV rays.
• Hydrate and nourish the skin by
drinking plenty of water.
• Smoking and drinking can slow wound
healing by impairing circulation and
immunity. Quit smoking and consume
less to recuperate faster.
• Use topical ointments or lotions with
antibacterial components to prevent
infection. Use growth factors or cytokines
promoting tissue repair
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10. Increased Susceptibility to Environmental
Damage
Effects of Environmental Factors on Skin Aging:
UV Radiation:
 Causes oxidative stress and DNA damage in skin cells
 Accelerates aging process, leading to wrinkles and age
spots
 Pollution:
 Exposure to pollutants can increase oxidative stress in the
skin
 Contributes to premature aging and skin damage
 Toxins:
 Harmful substances in the environment can cause
oxidative damage to skin cells
 Accelerate aging and lead to the development of wrinkles
and other signs of premature aging
Prevention of Environmental Damage:
Sun Protection:
 Wear sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher to shield skin from UV radiation
 Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours, to reduce sun exposure
Antioxidant Skincare:
 Use skincare products containing antioxidants like vitamin C and E to combat
oxidative stress and protect skin from environmental damage
Pollution Protection:
 Cleanse skin thoroughly to remove pollutants and toxins
 Consider using skincare products with anti-pollution ingredients to create a barrier
against environmental pollutants
Healthy Lifestyle:
 Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as they can increase skin damage
from environmental factors
 Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins to support skin health
and resilience
Regular Skin Care:
 Establish a consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun
protection
 Consider incorporating serums or creams specifically designed to address signs of
aging and environmental damage
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