Ageing Skin; Causes, Treatment Options and Cosmetic Chemistry
Achieving flawless skin at any age is a universal desire, yet as the years pass, it becomes more challenging due to the natural ageing process. Ageing skin, however, doesn’t have to be something to dread. By understanding its causes and addressing it with the right corneotherapeutic treatment options along with exceptional cosmetic chemistry, it’s possible to maintain vibrant, healthy skin throughout life.
Understanding the Structural Changes in Ageing Skin
As we age, the skin undergoes several structural changes. The production of collagen and elastin, two vital dermal proteins that provide firmness and elasticity, decline. This loss results in reduced structural integrity, fine lines, wrinkles and thin skin density. Additionally, the skin’s natural lipid barrier formation is reduced, leading to impaired enzyme activity (dehydration) and increased Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), resulting in skin more susceptible to external irritants and environmental damage. Tight, dry, and sensitive skin ensures due to the skin’s reduced ability to self-renew and self-repair.
Factors that Contribute to Ageing
There are many factors to consider when understanding the changes that occur to the skin as we age, including extrinsic (external) factors such as UV exposure, environmental pollution, and lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition and smoking. These are known to accelerate skin ageing. These factors contribute to oxidative stress and the production of free radicals, which cause damage to the epidermal and dermal cell species leading to premature ageing. When combined with hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, this can cause the skin to become thinner, drier, and more fragile.
A Preventative and Restorative Approach to Skincare
To tackle these challenges, it is essential to approach skincare through a preventative and restorative lens – enter dermaviduals Corneotherapeutic skincare formulations.
What is Corneotherapy?
Corneotherapy is a science-based approach to skincare focused on the repair and maintenance of the skin barrier while addressing the cause of a skin condition rather than just treating symptoms, resulting in long-term skin health benefits. The foundation of corneotherapy ensures that we work to preserve the integrity of the stratum corneum and maintain its protective functions.
dermaviduals Corneotherapeutic Solutions for Ageing Skin
At dermaviduals, our corneotherapeutic skincare formulations and treatment modalities are designed to strengthen the skin barrier and support the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. For ageing skin, this means providing nourishment and hydration to keep the skin functioning optimally. Products formulated with physiological lipids, similar in composition to the skin’s own, are crucial in replenishing lost moisture and restoring the barrier, resulting in resilient skin.
The Role of DMS Base Creams in Ageing Skin
dermaviduals DMS Base Creams play a fundamental role within a skincare prescription for all skin types and conditions, especially for those concerned with ageing. Fortified with ceramides, plant sterols, triglycerides, and fatty acids to strengthen the skin’s lipid layer, our DMS Base Creams are the first step in supporting ageing skin through the repair and rebuilding of the skin’s protective lipid barrier.
Incorporating Active Ingredients for Age Management
In addition to repairing the skin’s protective barrier, the use of skincare formulations incorporating active agents such as antioxidants can provide an added level of protection and repair for the skin. Antioxidants are powerhouse ingredients designed to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can accelerate the ageing process). Among the most effective antioxidants for skin health are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10.
Key Antioxidants for Skin Health
- Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate): Known for its potent age management benefits, Vitamin A promotes cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate): Vitamin C is a superstar in brightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation. It also boosts collagen production and acts as a shield against UV-induced damage.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate): As a natural moisturiser, Vitamin E helps protect the skin barrier by preventing water loss. It also works synergistically with Vitamin C to defend against environmental stressors, reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing.
- Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): This antioxidant is naturally present in our cells but diminishes with age. Coenzyme Q10 helps energise skin cells, aiding in repair and regeneration. It also fights oxidative stress, maintaining skin’s elasticity and preventing premature ageing.
Delivering Antioxidants Effectively with dermaviduals
dermaviduals antioxidants are stable, active agents with a delivery system allowing for deeper delivery of actives to the target cell to significantly enhance skin health, offering protection from daily environmental aggressors while promoting a youthful, glowing complexion.
Maintaining the Skin’s Microbiome
In addition to topical treatments, corneotherapy also emphasises the importance of addressing the skin’s microbiome. Maintaining a balanced and healthy skin microbiome can reduce inflammation and prevent premature ageing caused by imbalances in the skin’s microbial environment. At dermaviduals, we offer products that support the microbiome by avoiding conventional preservatives, emulsifiers, and other irritants that can disrupt the skin’s natural balance.
Professional Treatments to Complement Home Care
Regular professional treatments can also complement a corneotherapeutic home care routine. dermaviduals bespoke facials are customised and created for the individual and their skin every time, helping to restore and protect the skin at a deeper level while enhancing the results of daily skincare. These treatments help to reinforce the skin’s barrier, hydrate the deeper layers, and provide targeted care for specific ageing concerns like lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and discolouration.
Achieving Flawless Skin at Any Age
Ultimately, flawless skin at any age is about nurturing and protecting the skin from the inside out. By focusing on repairing the skin barrier, nourishing it with essential lipids, and supporting it with potent active ingredients, dermaviduals offers a holistic approach to skincare that ensures your skin remains healthy, vibrant, and flawless, regardless of age.
Written by Lisa Paone