Why Skin Ages & How to Treat Aging Skin

Aging skin is one of the few sure things in life and much of the process is out of our control. Some of the causes like halted collagen production and subcutaneous fat loss are inevitable. However, there are also elements that we can control, like free radicals that cause most of the preventable signs of aging.

Here, we’ll take a look at your skin’s aging process, how it works, and examine the three keys to prevent—and even reverse—skin damage.

1. Prevent Sun Damage
2. Moisturize and Hydrate
3. Stimulate Collagen Production

Why Does Skin Age?

Some skin aging is inevitable and happens regardless of any outside influences. This is called intrinsic aging. After the age of 20, your body produces one percent less of collagen—the fibers that keep your skin plump—each year. And by the time we hit 40, we don’t produce new collagen at all. This combined with fat loss beneath the dermis results in wrinkles and fine lines. The effect increases in our fifties when our skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands decrease in size. 

The kind of skin aging that comes from external elements, called extrinsic aging, is caused by highly reactive free radicals—mostly formed from broken-down oxygen molecules in the skin. You can limit free radicals and their associated oxidation with certain skincare products to help slow the aging process at the molecular level, making managing these signs of aging more within our control. It often appears as thicker skin, precancerous/cancerous skin formations, freckles, sunspots, and loss of collagen and elastin. These elements can result in dry, sagging skin that makes us look older. Here’s a list of what can cause this type of aging.

• Ultraviolet/sun exposure without protection
• Environmental pollution
• Stress
• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Alcohol intake
• Poor sleep habits

Signs of Aging in Skin

Signs of aging can vary greatly from person to person, based on age, skin type, and many other factors. Much of these signs are hereditary and can manifest in different ways. However, signs of aging mostly fall into common categories that affect everyone in some way or a combination of ways as they age. They include:

• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Loose or sagging skin
• Sunspots & freckles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Gaunt face or hands
• Dry or itchy skin

3 Steps to Repair Damaged Skin

Your skin has the power to regenerate and heal itself, and there are some easy things you can do to help it along. Although, it should be noted that preventing skin damage—versus repairing it—is the best way to avoid these signs of aging. Here are some things you can do to keep your skin looking younger for longer.

1. Prevent Sun Damage

At some point your skin’s own regeneration processes will come to a halt, but you can slow this process and actively prevent the elements that speed up aging. 

The best way to do so is to wear SPF any time you’re exposed to the sun, even indoors. This will prevent UV rays from damaging your skin cells and causing signs of aging. If you don’t have a daily SPF, try our easy-to-use SPF products designed for all skin types and made with ingredients that are better for you.

2. Moisturize and Hydrate 

The next most important way to keep skin looking young and healthy is to keep it moisturized and hydrated. Of course, it’s important to get the daily recommended water intake (about 3.7 liters). But it’s also important to apply moisturizer to skin every day, ideally after a shower. 

In your moisturizer, look for ingredients like Vitamins C or E, both powerful antioxidants that fight off free radicals. Also look for Hyaluronic Acid, which drives moisture deep into your skin. You’ll find these ingredients in our Wake Up Face Serum and our Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37, which combines your after-shower moisturizer with sun protection.

3. Stimulate Collagen Production

What does collagen do for your skin? Collagen is the fibers in your dermis that maintain your skin’s structure, keeping it plump, taut, and looking young. Our body stops producing these as we age, but you can reboot the process with ingredients that stimulate their production. 

Products with Vitamins A and C are best known for stimulating collagen. The Vitamin C in our Wake Up Face Serum will help boost collagen and even your skin tone, breaking up sun spots and unevenness. You can also apply retinoids (a form of Vitamin A) for increased collagen and to reduce fine lines. However, note that retinoids can cause dryness and irritation, so apply it every other night to avoid negative reactions when introducing it to your routine. 

Take Action to Treat & Repair Aging Skin

Now that you know which elements of skin aging you can control, be sure to pick the right products for you. Start with hydrating sunscreen products that block everyday UV rays and pollution like our SPF Essentials to protect your skin. Then fortify your skin’s native functions with the age-defying lineup in our Anti-Aging Collection.