Skin ageing explained: how to prevent premature ageing?
There are many reasons causing the skin to age. The skin’s natural ageing process can only be altered to an extent; however, premature ageing can be controlled through skincare and a healthier lifestyle. It is never too early or late to start thinking about ageing skin: often preventing and delaying ageing is as important as reversing it. Younger generations are more skincare savvy than ever before, focusing on prevention, safety and results. We know the first signs of ageing begin in the early 20s with lacklustre, poorly hydrated skin that accentuates fine lines. Overtime, loss of elasticity and volume become more visible, changing the facial appearance to look tired and weak. At first, dynamic wrinkles are visible only when changing facial expression, then with time they become permanent wrinkles. Here are the best tips to prevent and delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the main causes of skin ageing?
Age
Overtime the biological production of natural oils, collagen and elastin decreases causing the skin to lose its resilience. This causes the subdermal layers of the skin, the innermost layers accountable for storing vigour, to start losing effectiveness resulting in the formation of deep wrinkles and loss of volume.
Genetics
This skin ageing cause is probably the most relevant. It is scientifically proven that signs of skin ageing are directly related to the type of skin. For instance, sensitive skins are more prone to show early signs of skin ageing.
The environment
Overexposing the skin to the sun without constant protection is a major cause for skin ageing, called photoaging. The sun’s ultraviolet radiations cause the skin to lose elasticity and gain wrinkles. Daily use of SPF (even when it’s cloudy) is the most important step in the anti-ageing skincare routine, and sunscreen the number 1 anti-ageing ingredient. In addition to this, pollution and smoking release free radicals that damage the skin, particularly when coupled with exposure to the sun.
How to prevent and delay skin ageing:
Preventing skin ageing:
Healthier lifestyle habits not only benefit overall health but also have a positive impact in preventing skin ageing. As previously mentioned, avoiding sun exposure (or protecting the skin with SPF) and avoiding nicotine consumption are the golden standards for skin ageing prevention. Because skin cells regenerate in sleep, not getting between 7 – 8 hours of sleep per night could reduce the rate of important processes that occur during sleep, like collagen synthesis, making fine lines and wrinkles more visible. It is therefore important to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Nutrition also plays a big role: incorporating healthy diets rich in whole grains, lean protein and vegetables will help preventing premature signs of skin ageing. Finally, excessive stress produces a hormone called cortisol that can impact the levels of collagen in the skin, resulting in visible signs of skin ageing. Fighting stress through self-care practices such taking care of the skin is proven to have positive impacts on mental and physical health.
Anti-ageing skincare:
Our skin needs ingredients to support and maintain its youthfulness, counter signs of environmental damage, and replenish it. Here is how to best hydrate, tone, lift and firm the skin.
The MZ Skin Ultimate Firming Collection with a powerhouse 4-step facial can be used in the comfort of home. It includes the MZ Skin Vitamin-Infused Facial Treatment Mask, rich in vitamins A, E and F that deeply hydrate the skin and boost collagen to achieve a tight complexion. With hyaluronic acid and anti-oxidants such as aloe leaf and green tea, this mask will rejuvenate lacklustre skin to help achieve a youthful glow!
Being extremely delicate and sensitive, the under-eye area is often is the first place to show signs of ageing (usually in the form of flakiness and increased fine lines). Eye-creams should be added into skincare routines to hydrate and plump the eye area and to help reverse any ageing effects on the skin. The MZ Skin Depuff & Define Contouring Eye Rescue was formulated with a high potency caffeine and peptide complex. It will counter fluid and fatty deposits that can lead to puffiness and bag, to give the tired eye contour an extra nourishing, rejuvenating boost.
Lastly, regularly massaging skincare products into the skin using the MZ Skin Tone & Lift Germanium Contouring Facial Roller will help reducing fluid retention, improve circulation and reduce puffiness. Driven by innovation, this facial roller utilises lymphatic drainage techniques for skin that is revived and toned with overall improved facial contour.