Hey Reader!

Welcome back to the second week of our series, All About Anti-Aging. Last week we talked about exactly what Anti-Aging means in the skincare space. This we are covering the signs of aging in the skin and what causes them.

If you are getting older and starting to wonder or even thinking is my skin telling my age? It might be because your skin is feeling drier, you are starting to notice some fine lines or wrinkles, or even just one of your favorite go-to products is not working the same way it used to.

If you have started to notice any of these things don’t panic. It’s a natural part of life, and understanding the signs of aging skin and what contributes to it can empower you to take action.

✨So What Happens As We Age… ✨

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• The production of key structural proteins like collagen and elastin slows down: These proteins are responsible for keeping our skin plump and firm. Their decrease leads to loss of elasticity and the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.​
• Skin cell turnover slows: This means dead skin cells accumulate on the surface, making skin appear dull and rough. This also means it takes longer to get new fresh layers of skin; this is related to fading dark spots.
• Overall skin moisture retention declines: There are several molecules and biological processes that help your skin retain moisture, and as you have fewer of these molecules or the processes slow down it contributes to dryness and loss of volume.

✨ What Contributes to the Signs of Aging ✨

But what specifically contributes to these changes? Here are some key factors:

• Sun exposure: The sun’s harmful UV rays are a major culprit, damaging collagen and elastin and accelerating visible signs of aging. The best way to combat this is to wear sunscreen EVERYDAY!
• Smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow to the skin, depriving it of essential nutrients and oxygen, leading to premature aging. It can also create reactive oxygen species which damage your skin cells. Not smoking at all or very infrequently is the best way to combat this.
• Repetitive facial expressions: Constant squinting, frowning, or smiling can eventually lead to the formation of wrinkles in those areas. You can think of your skin like a memory foam pillow, and your facial expressions are like
• Genetics: Our genes play a role in how quickly our skin ages, but this doesn’t mean we’re powerless!

Want To Learn Even More?

Check out these articles on Relatable Science.com that break down the science of aging a little bit further.

Ready to Focus on Building Your Anti-Aging Routine?

Stay tuned for our next email! We’ll discuss effective strategies to combat the signs of aging and keep your skin healthy and radiant at every stage of life.

In the meantime, respond to this email and let me know: What are some of the most effective things you do to combat the signs of aging in your skin?

Until next week,

Allison

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