This will be a 5-part blog series about the skin aging process. We will go over the different stages of skin by the decade—the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s—along with the best ways to nourish your skin during those ages. But first, let’s look at how aging happens in the first place.
The Science Behind the Process
Over time, your skin loses important molecules and gains abnormal molecules, both of which damage the DNA of the skin. How well you repair that damaged DNA determines how quickly your skin ages.
As it ages, you will see surface changes such as wrinkles, lack of firmness and rough texture while biochemical changes such as less collagen and elastin production happen underneath the surface. Some situations can speed up or slow down these surface and biochemical changes.
There are two main types of factors that influence aging: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic Aging
Intrinsic aging refers to the natural process that everyone’s skin goes through as they age. We are all genetically programmed to age, and our skin will naturally produce lines, lose collagen and become less youthful over time. This is the part of the process that we cannot control.
But what’s so interesting about this part is that it only accounts for 10% of the aging process.
Extrinsic Aging
Extrinsic aging is the result of environmental damage on the skin. It is the part of the process that you control as it refers to your lifestyle choices. And so much of the aging process has to do with your lifestyle choices—it is 90% of the aging process.
These are the four environmental stressors that are the biggest ingredients to premature aging:
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Sun damage
- Stress
Do you know someone who looks much younger than their age or vice versa? It’s probably because of how they take care of themselves. A healthy lifestyle reflects on the skin and vice versa.
It’s Never Too Late to Benefit
Maybe you’ve fallen into some of these mistakes and already show signs of premature aging. Regardless, it is never too late to benefit from making better choices for your health and skin. It’s even possible to turn back the clock and undo some damage, depending on your situation.
Stay tuned for more of the Decade by Decade blog series. Up next: skincare advice for your 20’s.
