Skin ageing is a physiological and gradual event: our body is subject to a process of deterioration that occurs naturally over the years; this process manifests itself with the progressive mutation of the characteristics and regenerative activities of the skin.

Over time, therefore, the production of sebum, keratin and melanin, fundamental components for the defence of the skin, changes. These factors, combined and aggravated by the action of external agents, determine the loss of fat and tone, as well as greater difficulty in repairing damage or epidermal trauma. However, these signs can be hindered.

Not only time is responsible

The times and ways in which the changes described above occur are entirely subjective and must be attributed to genetic causes that vary from individual to individual. Among the factors that affect the way of ageing, we find unpredictable and strictly personal elements: DNA and skin type, for example, are agents of a certain weight in establishing how and at what speed skin deterioration will manifest itself. They cannot change any kind and must be contrasted with careful attention and ad hoc treatments.

It is not only the so-called endogenous factors that affect the wear and tear of natural skin functions: numerous elements of extrinsic nature help to accelerate and irreversibly worsen the ageing process. For this reason, it is essential to take the right precautionary measures, which limit as much as possible the effects on the epidermis.

Slowing down skin ageing is possible, thanks to careful preventive rules and the careful use of the most recent dermatological techniques. Acting promptly, both at home and professionally, is therefore decisive for the health of the skin and, consequently, for its external appearance.

Let’s see in detail what are the main causes responsible for skin ageing and all the methods to effectively combat it, do-it-yourself and not.

All the causes of skin ageing and the agents that favour it

Although it is a natural and inevitable process, as it is for any organ of the human body, skin ageing does not occur exclusively due to the action of time: several agents contribute to the modification of the characteristics and dermatic functions, manifesting themselves on the surface in the form of wrinkles, spots and sagging in the structure of the face.

As explained above, the reasons that trigger this process can be divided into two broad categories: endogenous and exogenous causes.

Endogenous causes: the natural changes that occur in the human body with ageing. The decline in the production of collagen, elastin and melanin.

Exogenous causes: all the external elements that aggravate and accelerate skin ageing. Among the main exogenous factors, we can include sun, smoking, alcohol, pollution, poor diet, use of unsuitable products and an unhealthy lifestyle.

The key element in the physiological process of skin ageing is the decrease of collagen, a protein essential for the health of the skin, in particular soft tissues. If in a body that is still young the functions of collagen work in perfect synergy, providing for the constant replacement of dramatic structural molecules, over time they inevitably alter these balances, with consequent loss of functionality.

This results in less toned features, poorly defined contours, wrinkles and dull skin. A gradual deterioration occurs as early as the age of 25, with a slight but progressive slowdown in collagen production.