Age-Related Skin Changes: What Happens, the Results, and How to Fix It

It’s a warm, sunny day at the beach, filled with the laughter of friends, and the joy of youth, without a care in the world. And before you know it, years have passed and you look at yourself in the mirror; you’ve changed. And like everything else about you, so has your skin. Long gone are the days of your youthful glow, and in place you see wrinkles and fine lines. Yes, we're talking about those inevitable age-related skin changes. From slower skin cell turnover to the loss of subcutaneous fat and bone in the face, the signs of aging can be quite the buzzkill. But fear not, for in this article, we'll explore what happens, the results of these changes, and the fixes that can help you turn back the clock on aging skin. Lets jump right in, shall we?

Skin Cell Turnover Slows Down

What Happens: As we age, one of the most significant changes in our skin is the slowing down of the skin cell turnover process. Our skin cells, which typically renew themselves every 28 days or so when we're young, start to take their sweet time as we grow older. This means that old, tired cells linger on the surface, making our skin appear dull and lifeless.

The Result: Dull and Tired Looking Skin

The Fix: Exfoliation

Exfoliation is your secret weapon against the buildup of dead skin cells. Regular exfoliation helps remove the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the fresh, radiant skin hiding underneath. You can opt for chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or physical exfoliants like scrubs, but be gentle – over-exfoliation can lead to irritation. Find a balance that works for your skin type and stick to a consistent routine. The Leovard Multicleanser consists of the gentle papaya extract with exfoliating properties to gently slough away dead skin cells to reveal brighter and radiant skin. It also contains glycolic acid and lactic acid known for their ability to turn back the effects of time. 

Fine Lines and Wrinkles Become More Obvious

What Happens: Fine lines and wrinkles are part of the natural aging process. They become more prominent because the elasticity of our skin decreases, and the production of collagen, which gives our skin its plumpness, starts to wane. This results in those pesky lines and wrinkles becoming more pronounced.

The Result: Wrinkles that seem to have a mind of their own

The Fix: Retinoids

Retinoids, often referred to as the gold standard in anti-aging, can work wonders for your skin. They stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Start with a low concentration and gradually increase it to avoid irritation. And remember to use sunscreen because retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Slower Wound Healing

What Happens: As we age, the body's ability to heal itself slows down, and the same goes for our skin. The cellular turnover process that plays a crucial role in repairing and regenerating the skin becomes less efficient.

The Result: Wounds take longer to heal

The Fix: Hydration

Hydrated skin is happy skin. When your skin is well-moisturized, it's in a better position to heal itself efficiently. Opt for a good moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin to keep your skin barrier healthy and functioning optimally. The Leovard Multicream is a fantastic pick with hydrating and nourishing ingredients to keep your skin supple and plumped.  Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet also contribute to the overall health of your skin.

Collagen Loss and Reduced Elasticity

What Happens: Collagen is the structural protein that keeps our skin plump and youthful. Unfortunately, as we age, collagen production decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity in our skin.

The Result: Sagging skin and loss of firmness

The Fix: Collagen-boosting treatments and lifestyle changes

Consider treatments like microneedling and laser therapy to boost collagen production and restore skin elasticity. But remember, these treatments should be administered by a qualified professional. Additionally, a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can promote collagen production and maintain skin elasticity.

Melanin-Producing Cells Reduce

What Happens: As we age, the number of melanin-producing cells, known as melanocytes, decreases. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes.

The Result: Uneven skin tone and the appearance of age spots

The Fix: Sunscreen and skincare

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential to prevent the formation of age spots and uneven skin tone. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Additionally, you can incorporate skincare products with ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide, which can help reduce hyperpigmentation and promote a more even skin tone.

Reduced Blood Flow to the Skin

What Happens: Blood vessels in the skin become more fragile and less efficient at delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. This leads to a lackluster complexion and slower healing.

The Result: Pale and lackluster skin

The Fix: Healthy lifestyle and facial massages

 

Exercise increases blood circulation, which benefits not only your overall health but also your skin. A diet rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can also help support healthy blood flow. Additionally, regular facial massages can stimulate blood flow to the skin, promoting a healthy glow. While nothing beats a salon grade facial massage, you can do one at home all by yourself to see instant results. Take a few drops of your favorite facial oil, we recommend the Oil Fusion and massage heartily to get the blood flowing and a radiant glow!

Reduced Skin Barrier Function

What Happens: The skin's natural barrier function weakens as we age, making it more susceptible to environmental damage and moisture loss.

The Result: Increased sensitivity and dryness

The Fix: Hydration and barrier-supporting products

Using a hydrating moisturizer that contains ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E can help strengthen your skin barrier. This will lock in moisture and protect your skin from external aggressors, keeping it healthy and resilient.

Conclusion

Aging is a natural process that brings about various changes in our skin, from slower cell turnover to collagen loss and a decrease in skin elasticity. These changes can result in dull, tired-looking skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and a host of other concerns. However, with the right knowledge and care, you can address these age-related skin changes effectively.

Exfoliation, retinoids, hydration, collagen-boosting treatments, sunscreen, and healthy lifestyle choices can help you maintain youthful and radiant skin. Remember, the key to healthy aging is consistency and patience. Embrace the journey, wear your beautiful skin with pride, and don't be afraid to seek professional guidance when needed. And at the end of it all, while aging is inevitable, growing old is not. So live your life to the fullest despite your age!