Date: 26/03/2015

Author: Ingrid Katz (Pure Aesthetics)

As our bodies are affected by the ageing process, so too does our skin change. More importantly our skin requirements change in regard to how we treat it. Cell turnover is one of the most important mechanisms that we treat for ageing skin.

When we are in our teen years, our skin naturally turns over at a high or consistent rate. This means that we have fresh new healthy cells on the surface of our skin more often. These cells are naturally more hydrated, healthier and robust. As we age, our metabolism slows down and so too does the skin cell turnover rate. Buy boosting this turnover rate we naturally stimulate the collagen production. This results in increased hydration and a thicker or healthier looking dermis.

Skin concerns to look out for through the years:

• 20’s – slightly erratic or unpredictable, varies from dehydrated to oily and can be attributed to a lot of “excess” in lifestyle. Adult acne due to unbalanced hormones may still be evident. Solution: find balance. Hormone level analysis should be considered. Ensure good cleansing routine without clogging pores and remember an SPF every day.
• 30’s – ageing starts to become apparent due to loss of collagen and breakdown of elastin. Solution: start taking the skin to “gym” by stimulating the cell turnover. Keep the skin stimulated by introducing Glycolic Acid, Vitmain C and/or Reintol ingredients to your products. Injectables such as Botulinum Toxin will ward off these signs of ageing and so could be considered.
• 40’s – pigmentation from sun damage will become more apparent. This is sun damage that has taken place up to 20 years prior. The skin begins to lose volume and lines will become visible as deeper wrinkles. Solution: treat the pigmentation and ageing with appropriate, safe treatments that stimulate the deeper dermal layer – chemical peels will be most effective. Keeping the skin hydrated and using an SPF daily is non-negotiable. Fillers and Botulinum Toxin will work to minimise the loss of volume and appearance of deeper lines.
• 50’s plus - menopausal skin sees massive changes in hormonal influence. The loss of oestrogen will lead to excessive dryness. As volume is lost, the skin will sag. Inflammation can also be present due to the body’s temperature changes. Solution: Hormone replacement therapy is a good place to start. Find balance again by using good quality deep working products that will sustain moisture levels over a longer term. Stimulate the skins mechanisms with appropriate treatments and homecare. Surgical intervention, such as a facelift, blepharoplasty (for drooping eyelids) or neck lift will further assist areas of concern.