Understanding Skin Ageing: What Happens Beneath the Surface
As we age, we often notice the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of skin firmness. But have you ever wondered what’s happening beneath the surface to cause these changes? The secret lies in the gradual decline of key components like collagen, elastin, and skin cell renewal. At our skin clinic in Telford, we believe in educating our clients about these processes, so they can take proactive steps to maintain youthful, radiant skin for longer.
In this post, we’ll break down the science of skin ageing and share effective treatments that can help support and restore your skin’s natural structure.
The Science of Skin Ageing: What Happens Over Time?
1. Collagen: The Skin’s Support Network
Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping your skin plump, smooth, and firm. It essentially acts as a scaffolding beneath the surface of the skin, providing structure and strength. Unfortunately, starting in our mid-20s, collagen production begins to slow down by about 1% per year. This reduction in collagen leads to the gradual appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of volume.
How to support collagen production:
To stimulate collagen regeneration, consider treatments like:
Microneedling
Chemical peels
Collagen-boosting facials
These treatments work by stimulating the skin’s natural repair processes and can significantly improve skin texture and tone.
2. Elastin: The Bounce-Back Protein
Elastin is another crucial protein in the skin, providing elasticity and the ability for the skin to bounce back after being stretched. During youth, elastin is abundant, but as we age, elastin production drastically slows down after puberty. As elastin fibres break down from natural ageing, UV exposure, and environmental pollutants, your skin loses its flexibility and starts to sag or become crepey.
How to regenerate elastin:
To encourage elastin production and restore the skin’s youthful bounce, we recommend treatments such as:
Radiofrequency therapy
Chemical peels
Microneedling
These treatments target the deeper layers of the skin to regenerate elastin fibres, resulting in firmer, more resilient skin.
3. Skin Cells: Renewal on Repeat
Your skin naturally sheds old, dead cells and renews itself to reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath. In younger skin, cell turnover occurs roughly every 28 days. However, as we age, this process slows down. By the time we reach our 50s or 60s, cell turnover can take twice as long, leading to dull, uneven skin tone and texture.
How to boost skin cell renewal:
To accelerate cell turnover and restore radiance to your skin, incorporate the following into your routine:
Regular chemical peels
Exfoliating facials
Active ingredients like retinoids or AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
These treatments help remove dead skin cells, speed up skin renewal, and improve overall skin tone and texture.
The Takeaway: Age Gracefully with Proactive Skincare
Skin ageing is a natural part of life, but understanding what’s happening beneath the surface gives you the power to take control of your skin’s health. By supporting key components like collagen, elastin, and healthy skin cell turnover, you can maintain youthful, radiant skin for longer.
What Can You Do Right Now?
Choose treatments that support collagen and elastin production.
Boost skin renewal with regular exfoliation and chemical peels.
Stay protected from UV damage with daily SPF.
Follow a skincare routine that includes ingredients like retinoids and hyaluronic acid.
Book Your Anti-Ageing Consultation at Our Skin Clinic in Telford
If you’re interested in learning more about how to maintain youthful, healthy skin or want to discover the best treatments for your skin concerns, we’d love to help. Our expert Skin Specialists in Telford can tailor a personalised treatment plan just for you. Book here.
