Here we discuss what changes occur in the skin with ageing and how facial rejuvenation can help
The first step in your journey to younger looking skin is to understand how human skin actually ages. There are many natural processes that age our appearance and these are outlined below. Fortunately Facial Rejuvenation using our Tuneable Erbium Laser is a powerful and effective treatment to reverse many of these changes.
Loss of collagen and elastin
Two primary structural components of the skin are collagen and elastin ( elastic fibres ). They have been the subjects of the majority of anti-aging research.These components are located in the dermis which is the second layer of our skin. A loss of elastic fibres as well as a reduction in collagen, contributes to wrinkles by weakening the bond between the epidermis ( top layer of the skin ) and the dermis. The overall collagen content per unit area of the skin surface is known to decline approximately 1% per year.
Loss of water
As we age, the skin becomes drier due to loss of water within the skin. Glycosaminoglycans such as hylauronic acid are located in the dermis and assist in binding water within the skin. The total hyaluronic level in the skin diminishes markedly as we age.
Loss of oil
The sebaceous glands also produce less oil as the skin ages. Men experience a minimal decrease, most often after the age of 80 but women gradually produce less oil beginning after menopause. In women, a deficiency in estrogens and androgens results in collagen degradation, dryness, loss of elasticity, epidermal atrophy and wrinkling of the skin.
Loss of resilience
With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins, even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. The skin becomes more fragile and prone to lines from repetitively folding the skin. Dynamic lines are the wrinkles created by muscle movement under the skin. The skin also becomes more susceptible to lines from repetitive habits or movements such as sleeping on your face every night or drinking from a drink bottle!
Broken blood vessels
As the skin ages the blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile leading to redness. Spider veins, broken capillaries or telangiectasia are small red, blue or purple blood vessels under the skin and primarily located on the cheeks or sides of the nose. Genetic factors will make you more prone to broken blood vessels but damage to the skin via injury, sun exposure, extremes in temperature or smoking will cause them to become worse.
Loss of fat
The subcutaneous fat layer thins so it has less insulation and padding. Gradual loss of skin elasticity also leads to sagging of the skin. Ageing of the entire face is associated with the gravity impact, muscles action, loss of volume, diminishing and redistribution of superficial and deep fat and loss of bony skeleton support. Collectively, these factors lead to the face sagging, changes in shape and contour.
Slowing of skin shedding
We are constantly shedding our skin but as we age, this process slows. This slowing of epidermal turnover rate makes the skin less effective at removing dead skin. This gives the skin a dull look, a rough texture and more prominent lines and wrinkles.
Loss of collagen and elastin, water, oil, cell turnover, loss of fat and slow epidermal turnover rate contribute to skin ageing. Follow our blogs for anti-aging tips and tricks plus other information on the ways you can combat the signs of aging. One fantastic way is with our Tunable Erbium laser facial rejuvenation which we have at Encorė Cosmetic Clinic.
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Janelle Holton-Lowe
Appearance Nurse Specialist
BN RN Dip Beauty Therapy