Skin ageing and how to combat it

Ageing is inevitable, and with it comes those equally as inevitable changes to our bodies. The effects of ageing are perhaps most notable in our skin – wrinkles, a loss of volume and elasticity, discolouration and dryness all become increasingly common as we get older, but these days there are things that can be done about it. A few clever plastic surgery tricks can help you look younger, fresher and brighter so your skin need never reveal your true age, helping you combat the sands of time in a few simple steps.

How and why skin changes as we age

Skin changes for a number of different reasons. External influences have a lot to answer for with the likes of smoking, sun exposure, poor diet and facial movements all contributing to those lines and wrinkles, but whilst these behaviours can be controlled to a certain extent there are other more innate factors that come into play. For example, over time our skin produces fewer moisturising oils which can explain why dryness sets in, and we also lose a lot of fatty tissue around the cheeks, temples, chin and eye area, which often results in loose skin and a sunken appearance.

The structure of the skin itself also changes as we age. The surface layer (epidermis) becomes thinner and more fragile and it loses some of its elastic tissue (elastin) which again accounts for skin getting slacker, and then there’s the reduction in collagen production which can lead to a marked loss of volume. New research has even indicated that “sleeping” stem cells, which help regenerate the skin, are no longer triggered as we age which could have a major impact on skin tautness, with this new knowledge potentially helping us develop new ways to combat ageing.

Ultimately the effects of skin ageing can be brought on by a whole range of different influences, and unfortunately many of them are simply the natural progression of time. Genetics can often play a part with some people experiencing skin changes earlier than others, whilst hormones will inevitably have a role, particularly in women where a loss of oestrogen can have an impact on the skin’s elasticity and youthfulness. But, remember that external factors can often make the situation worse – sun exposure, for example, can damage elastin whilst smoking results in more free radicals which damage cells and lead to premature wrinkles, and ideally you’ll want to start paying close attention to your skin from as young as possible to prevent premature damage.

Treatments to consider

Unfortunately, no matter how much we try to change our behaviours or how well we look after our skin, sometimes it’s difficult to turn back the clock without a bit of medical intervention. That’s where a few carefully-selected procedures come in. Botox injections, for example, are incredibly popular and can be used to melt away fine lines and wrinkles whilst dermal fillers can be used to replace lost volume, and more invasive treatments can be considered too depending on the severity of any issues and the results you want to achieve. If you’d like to discuss the options with leading plastic surgeons in London make sure to get in touch, and you can see if we can help combat the signs of skin ageing to give you a fresh, youthful glow once again.