Skin changes as we age: fine lines and wrinkles appear first and deepen over time. As we continue to mature skin’s firmness, radiance and, later on, its elasticity all gradually reduce.
The loss of elasticity, combined with the appearance of deep wrinkles, is a primary ageing concern for women with mature skin.
Loss of firmness, and deep wrinkles
Dermal tissue is strong in young skin and has a plentiful supply of collagen and elastin – together they help to keep skin firm and smooth. As we age, collagen and elastin levels decline (collagen by 1% annually). This disrupts the dermal tissue arrangement, causing skin to lose strength. It feels less firm and wrinkles deepen.
Another key factor behind a loss of firmness and deepening wrinkles is the declining production of Hyaluronic Acid. Produced naturally by young skin, it surrounds cells helping them to bind in water. As we age, production of Hyaluronic Acid slows down, skin becomes drier and loses its full and firm feel.
Loss of radiance
Micro-circulation in the dermal layers reduces with age and the delivery of nutrition and oxygen to the skin’s surface becomes less efficient.
What internal and external factors influence skin elasticity?
A loss of firmness and deepening wrinkles are, to some extent, an inevitable part of skin ageing.
Skin ageing is a natural process, much of which is caused by internal factors which we cannot influence. However, there are several external factors which have a major influence on skin ageing and many of these can be addressed to prevent skin from ageing prematurely:
