While the signs of ageing appear on the surface, skin ageing takes place in every layer of the skin. Understanding the skin’s structure and ageing process as well as the signs of ageing is key to informing your choices about treatments.
1. Epidermal layers
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and acts as a barrier to keep moisture in and protect your body from external toxins and bacteria. New skin cells form at the innermost layer and migrate up towards the surface of the skin where they die and are shed off.
As skin ages its cell turnover slows, as does its production of sebum and hyaluronic acid which are vital for the skin’s ability to retain moisture. The skin then becomes drier and rougher, and as a result, fine lines and wrinkles appear.
Over time the epidermis also becomes more sensitive to the sun’s rays. The skin also becomes less efficient at healing itself, and a reduced immune function can lead to an increase in skin infections together with slower wound healing.
2. Dermal layers
The dermal layers are the firm and elastic middle layer of the skin. Its structure mainly consists of collagen, elastin and connective tissues, and it is rich in blood vessels.
From the age of 25 onwards, the skin’s collagen levels decrease by roughly 1% each year. This is paired with a decline in functional elastin and leads to a compromised structure, making fine lines and wrinkles more likely.
A weaker structure also makes the skin more prone to damage and broken capillaries, leading to reduced micro-circulation. The skin is then less efficient at delivering nutrition and oxygen to the surface, which leads to a decrease in the radiance enjoyed by youthful skin.
3. Subdermal layers
The innermost layers are responsible for storing energy whilst padding and insulating the body. Here the most notable changes are the reduction in the size and number of lipid-storing cells. This results in sagging skin and a loss of volume, leading to deep wrinkles and hollow temples and cheeks.
