Beautiful skin is a greater signifier of youth than being free of lines and wrinkles. However, the skin is quick to show the visible signs of ageing, commonly known as the Seven Signs of Ageing.
While some of the skin-related factors can be reined in with healthy lifestyle choices and a good skincare regime, many of the characteristics of ageing are a matter of genetics.
1. Fine lines and wrinkles
Fine lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles are the most evident and often most concern-causing signs of ageing for men and women. Wrinkles are a result of the elastin and collagen fibres, which keep our skin firm and taut, weakening. This leads to skin looseness and laxity and the subsequent wrinkles.
2. Dullness of skin
The glowing, dewy skin of youth slowly fades with age. The result is a dulled complexion due to the depleted moisture levels in the top layer of the skin, which naturally occurs with age. While young skin renews itself at every three to four weeks, older skin is slower to renew itself at every four to six weeks.
3. Uneven skin tone
Ageing causes the complexion to become uneven in certain places. This may be due to parts of the skin harbouring more melanin than others, or the function in the hormonal levels in females. This unevenness can lead to skin looker older than its years.
4. Dry skin
Young, healthy skin has a high moisture content, leading to a fresh, dewy and radiant appearance, Over the ageing process this depletes as the skin loses its ability to retain the moisture. Older skin is often characterised by dryness and dehydration.
5. Blotchiness and age spots
Thinning skin associated with ageing leads to the increased visibility of tony bloods vessels that appear. Age spots or liver spots, which are reddish or brown in colour, are caused mostly by over-exposure to UV rays and become more evident in ageing skin. They produce a blotchy look that contributes to an aged appearance.
6. Rough skin texture
As the skin matures, changes in texture become noticeable. Skin that was once baby-soft and smooth becomes uneven and bumpy on the surface due to the layers of dead cells and the cell turnover slowing.
7. Visible pores
Pores become enlarged or more visible with age due to loss of skin elasticity and skin being drawn down by gravity.
What causes our skin to age?
There are a range of different factors that cause our skin to age both as a result of the natural ageing process, environmental and lifestyle factors. Ultra violet rays are a major contributor to skin ageing in Australia, although smoking, stress, medication, climate, alcohol and several others way in.
The seven main factors that age skin faster comes down to:
– Smoking
– Over-exposure to the sun
– Stress
– Lack of sleep
– Cold weather
– Alcohol
– Lack of exercise
What can we do about it?
Significant advances in technology mean just about any anti-ageing skin concern can be treated.
At Platinum Dermatology Skin Specialists we offer a comprehensive range of treatments, including Forever Young Broadband IPL which offers an effective solution to the visible signs of ageing, such as pigmentation, broken capillaries and fine lines. Please contact Platinum Dermatology Skin Specialists on (02) 8014 6500 for a consultation.
[costhetics-gallery template='teaser' slug='the-seven-signs-of-ageing' /][costhetics-concern-related-treatments slug='the-seven-signs-of-ageing' /]As an expert in dermatology and skincare, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the article about the seven signs of aging. With a solid background in dermatological science and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in skincare technology, I am well-equipped to provide insights into the evidence-backed information presented.
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Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The article rightly emphasizes that fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles are prominent signs of aging. This is due to the gradual weakening of elastin and collagen fibers in the skin, essential proteins that maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
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Dullness of Skin: The dulling of the complexion with age is attributed to reduced moisture levels in the skin's top layer. This occurs naturally as the skin's renewal process slows down, taking four to six weeks in older skin compared to the three to four weeks in younger, more vibrant skin.
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Uneven Skin Tone: Age-related hormonal changes or variations in melanin distribution can lead to an uneven skin tone. This phenomenon contributes to the appearance of aging, making the skin look older than its actual age.
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Dry Skin: The article rightly points out that aging skin tends to lose its ability to retain moisture, resulting in dryness and dehydration. Young, healthy skin is characterized by a higher moisture content, contributing to a fresh and radiant appearance.
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Blotchiness and Age Spots: Thinning skin associated with aging makes tiny blood vessels more visible, and overexposure to UV rays can lead to age spots or liver spots. These spots, often reddish or brown, contribute to a blotchy appearance that adds to the aging effect.
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Rough Skin Texture: Changes in skin texture as it ages are highlighted, including the uneven and bumpy surface caused by a slowdown in cell turnover and the accumulation of dead cells.
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Visible Pores: Enlarged or more visible pores are explained as a consequence of aging, attributed to the loss of skin elasticity and the effects of gravity pulling the skin downward.
Causes of Skin Aging: The article correctly identifies various factors contributing to skin aging, including UV rays, smoking, stress, lack of sleep, cold weather, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise. These factors can accelerate the aging process and lead to the manifestation of the seven signs.
Treatment Options: The article suggests that technological advancements offer effective solutions for combating the visible signs of aging. Specifically, Forever Young Broadband IPL is mentioned as a comprehensive treatment addressing pigmentation, broken capillaries, and fine lines. This aligns with the current trend in dermatology, where advanced treatments are tailored to target specific aging concerns.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article is in line with established dermatological principles, and the recommended treatments reflect the ongoing efforts in the field to address and reverse the signs of aging for individuals seeking effective skincare solutions.
