Skin Ageing

 What is skin ageing?

We are all destined to experience skin ageing. Skin ageing is a degenerative process caused by intrinsic (chronological) and extrinsic (environmental) ageing.  These factors are something most of us can relate to, and contribute to the visible signs of skin ageing:

• A loss of skin firmness and elasticity

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Sun damage and pigmentation

• Irregular pigmentation and texture

• Large pores

• Dry skin

• Loss of facial volume

Intrinsic Ageing

Unfortunately, intrinsic ageing is something we have little control over. This is because it is a natural process, determined by internal factors and is programmed by our genes.

Extrinsic Ageing

Extrinsic ageing, also known as photo-ageing, is caused by external factors that we are regularly exposed to and can be prevented or minimised.  External elements such as sunlight, pollution, nutritional intake, smoking, stress and lack of sleep are among the most common factors. The single biggest culprit is the sun!

What causes age spots?

Skin ageing is something we will all suffer with as we grow old. It causes the surface layers of our skin (known as the epidermis) to thin, and the number of melanocytes (the pigment producing cells) to decrease. If we have some areas of the skin that are more exposed to the sun, the remaining melanocytes in these areas will increase in size. This leads to our skin appearing thinner and more pale, with large pigmented areas known as age spots, lentigos or liver spots.

What causes skin dryness?

The production of oil slows down, which can cause our skin to become dry, and also our blood vessels become more fragile, which is why we have an increased chance of bruising.

What causes sunken eyes and a ‘skeletal’ appearance?

We will also lose fat under the skin, which becomes evident in areas such as the cheeks, temples, chin, nose and eyes. This is the basis for a more ‘skeletal’ appearance with a loosened skin and sunken eyes.

What causes fine lines and wrinkles?

Collagen and elastin are the fibres that give our skin its structure and the breakdown of these leads to lines, wrinkles and a loss of elasticity resulting in skin sagging.

It’s important to remember that the sun’s harmful rays are the culprit behind many of our skin ageing changes and although these effects can not be completely undone, with the correct skin care and advanced clinical treatments, they can be significantly repaired. Your skin remembers every hour of sun it’s been exposed to, and although the effects don’t show whilst we are young, it’s extremely important to protect your skin throughout your whole life.

 Your treatment is specifically designed for your own individual ageing symptoms and concerns.  Taking these concerns into consideration a precise collection of the latest advanced machines, skin peels, specialist massage techniques and Cosmeceutical skincare products will be combined to deliver dramatic results.

What causes skin ageing?

1. Sun exposure
2. Pollution
3. Stress
4. Smoking
5. Alcohol
6. Inadequate diet and poor fluid intake
7. Sugar

Prevent premature skin ageing

 1.  Protect yourself from the sun:  The sun plays a major role in ageing the skin prematurely.  Use a minimum SPF30 Broad Spectrum sunscreen everyday and reapply every two hours when in the sun.  Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses.  No sunbathing and avoid the sun between the hours of  12am & 4pm .  Use a high strength antioxidant serum containing L’ascorbic acid (vitamin C) daily.

2.   Healthy well balanced diet: Eat a low Glycaemic Index diet rich in fruit and vegetables, lean meat and fish, nuts and seeds and plenty of water.  Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates as these are proven to accelerate the ageing process.

3.     Drink Less alcohol

4.     Smoking rapidly increases the ageing process and leads to a dull, sallow complexion, killing you vitamin C levels.

5.    Sleep on your back or use a silk pillowcase if possible.  Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

6.     Exercise regularly. 

7.     Reduce repetitive facial expressions.  Using the same facial expression over many years leads to the development of permanent wrinkles.  Wearing sunglasses can help prevent the lines caused by squinting.

8.     Get plenty of sleep

9.     Reduce stress

10.  Use an anti-ageing focused skin care regime using advanced cosmeceutical products and have regular clinical facial treatments.  The gold standard active ingredients recommended for an advanced anti-ageing skin care programme are: Retinol, or other vitamin A derivative,  Use an L ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) antioxidant and a good quality sunscreen.

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