What causes signs of
ageing in your skin and how can you manage them?
First signs of ageing in your skin – what are they and how can you manage them?
Skin ageing happens to everyone over time, but how strong the signs of ageing are depends on both biological and environmental factors — some you can control and some you can’t1. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of ageing in your skin, what causes them, how you can manage them, and how to help prevent signs of premature ageing in your skin.
Skin ageing is the natural process your skin goes through as you get older, gradually losing elasticity and firmness. Common signs of skin ageing include wrinkles, dark spots and crepey skin. Other signs include thinner skin and an increased tendency to bruise1.
Skin ageing affects your whole body, especially areas where your skin is exposed to the sun such as your face, neck, shoulders and arms2. Because of elasticity loss and repeated creases in your skin, early signs of skin ageing like wrinkles commonly start showing on your face at the corners of your eyes as crow’s feet, or at the corners of your mouth as nasolabial folds, also known as laugh lines3.
What causes signs of ageing in your skin?
Skin ageing symptoms are caused by a mix of both intrinsic (innate) and extrinsic (environmental) factors.
Intrinsic factors are contributing factors that are inherent, such as your genetic predisposition. Other intrinsic factors contributing to signs of skin ageing include:
- Reduced skin firmness
Collagen helps give your skin support and strength. In ageing skin, collagen production decreases and the collagen already in your skin breaks down more quickly4, causing skin to lose some of its firmness, which contributes to fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduced skin elasticity
Elastin is a protein responsible for helping your skin maintain its elasticity and ability to ‘bounce back’ after it’s been stretched. As with collagen, elastin decreases in your skin as you age, contributing to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles5.
- Age-related dry skin
Your skin’s sebaceous glands produce less sebum (oil) as you age, which can lead to dryness and itchiness from dry skin1. Dry skin can also contribute to the appearance of more temporary fine lines and wrinkles due to dehydration6.
Extrinsic factors are those that come from outside your body. They can amplify and contribute to signs of skin ageing, particularly premature signs of skin ageing from the sun, known as photoageing. Some extrinsic factors contributing to signs of ageing in your skin include:
- Excessive sun exposure:
Sunlight is the number one cause of skin ageing. The sun’s harmful UV rays contribute to photoageing by causing damage to your skin that can affect its elasticity and firmness, leading to the formation of wrinkles7. Photoageing can also cause sun-induced dark spots on your skin, which are sometimes called age spots because they tend to show up more often after age 508.
- Pollution:
Free radicals in the air can damage your skin, weakening the skin barrier and reducing skin hydration9.
- Smoking
Smoking can affect collagen production in your skin, contributing to premature development of fine lines and wrinkles3. Smoking can also lead to wrinkles around your mouth over time from repeatedly pursing your lips to smoke.
Does oily skin age better?
When it comes to skin ageing, oily skin may look more youthful than dry skin in certain areas because it has a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, which can give it a more ‘plumped’ appearance. However, this isn’t true for every part of your skin, and sun exposure is considered a primary factor in early skin ageing regardless of skin type, and accounts for most visible skin changes.
When does your skin start to show signs of ageing?
Depending on your genetics, lifestyle choices and environment, the age when you start to see signs of skin ageing will vary.
Because collagen production starts to decrease from your early twenties onwards, some people start seeing fine lines and wrinkles as early as their mid-twenties, while others may not notice visible signs of skin ageing until their 30s or beyond3.
Can you prevent or delay signs of ageing in your skin?
While it isn’t possible to completely prevent all signs of ageing, there are some steps you can take to help prevent premature ageing of your skin. Here are 5 ways you can help avoid premature skin ageing:
- Wear sun protection
Because UV radiation is a leading cause of premature skin ageing, one of the easiest ways to limit this effect is to take proper sun protection measures. This includes applying (and reapplying as directed) a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to exposed areas of skin every day, wearing protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure during the peak hours of the day.
- Don't smoke, or quit if you already smoke
Smoking is another risk factor for wrinkles and premature skin ageing. By avoiding smoking, you can help avoid the signs of premature ageing that smoking can cause10.
- Adopt a healthy diet and exercise routine
Being well nourished is important for your overall health, including your skin health, and studies have shown that certain types of regular cardiovascular exercise can also help support skin health11. Consuming certain substances like alcohol can have a negative impact on your skin over time12, so make sure you chat with your doctor about which diet, exercise and lifestyle choices are healthiest for you.
- Hydrate!
Just as keeping your skin hydrated on the outside is important, make sure you drink enough water to help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. When your body is dehydrated, this can show up on your skin as temporary dehydration lines13.
- Get a good night's sleep
Your body works to repair and restore its tissues while you sleep, and this includes your skin. Studies have shown that chronic poor sleep is associated with an increase in signs of intrinsic skin ageing, including compromised skin barrier function, so getting plenty of restful sleep is important for supporting your skin and helping you avoid signs of premature ageing14.
- Use skincare products formulated to manage early signs of ageing
Keeping your skin hydrated and using skincare products specially formulated to help address the look of signs of skin ageing — like wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots — can help support a more youthful-looking complexion.
Skincare products to help visibly reduce signs of ageing in your skin
Is it possible to reverse the signs of ageing or completely eliminate all signs of ageing in your skin? Unfortunately, the answer is no. But there are some ways to help reduce the appearance of skin ageing signs like fine lines, wrinkles and sun-induced dark spots with the right skincare routine.
NIVEA offers several skincare products that can help reduce the appearance of signs of skin ageing while leaving your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
Helping support visibly firmer skin with NIVEA Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential natural antioxidant that helps fight free radicals. Your skin naturally produces its own Q10, but these levels drop over time. Skincare products containing Q10 may help smooth and firm your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
NIVEA’s skin-firming Q10 range, formulated with Q10, helps support skin elasticity while delivering moisture, for firmer-looking skin in as little as 2 weeks with regular use twice a day.
NIVEA Skin Firming products
with Q10 for firmer-looking skin
Ageing gracefully with NIVEA skincare
Skin ageing is a natural part of life, but with a combination of sun protection, mindful lifestyle Q10 and NIVEA MEN Age Defense products to help address early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, and enjoy hydrated, healthy-looking skin.
