As we get older, the substances that keep our skin smooth decline. These include collagen, elastin and Hyaluronic Acid. In young skin, a regular arrangement of dermal tissue and plentiful supply of collagen and elastin, which contribute to the building block like structure of the skin, mean it appears even and feels firm. Over time, the internal ageing process starts to affect the way skin looks. This is predetermined by our genes, together with oxidative stress caused externally, from, for example, sunlight exposure.
A 1% annual decline in collagen levels and increasingly disorganised dermal tissue arrangement causes a loss of skin strength, and the appearance of wrinkles.
Another key factor in the formation of wrinkles is a declining production in Hyaluronic Acid. This is the binding substance that surrounds the cells, giving the skin it’s youthful, smooth appearance. The decline of this, the skin’s own substance, causes the structure of the skin to loose its full and firm feel, and become more susceptible to creasing.
These general ageing processes also contribute to a loss of density and loss of volume.