As we get older, many of us will start to notice just how much our skin changes over the years. We develop lines, blemishes, dry patches, age spots and our skin starts to drop south!
Our complexion changes through each new stage of life, and it can be confusing knowing just how to treat or prevent these new markers of our age.
Whilst unfortunately, we’re yet to find a cure for old age, there are some ways to help keep your skin looking younger and healthier for longer - without invasive treatments and high intensity skincare routines!
First, get to know just what’s happening beneath the surface of your skin.
One of the most obvious changes your skin will face as you age is the loss of elasticity - the elastin that keeps your skin taut and tight wears down over time, and can cause skin to wrinkle and sag without support.
Our skin also becomes thinner in areas, as the surface layer reduces down. This can leave skin looking paler or more translucent than it used to. Even our blood vessels can become thinner beneath the skin, meaning we bruise easily, and blemishes and marks can take longer to fade.
Our skin is made up of two distinct layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis and acts as a barrier protecting us from environmental insults, such as bacteria and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Underneath is the dermis which is rich in collagens and other proteins and acts like the scaffolding structure supporting our skin.
Collagen provides skin firmness, elastin supplies skin elasticity and rebound and glycosaminoglycans or GAGs keep the skin hydrated. When we are young these are all abundant.
However, both layers take quite a beating during our lives, and over time, irreparable damage accumulates and our skin loses this support.
However, both layers take quite a beating during our lives, and over time, irreparable damage accumulates and our skin loses this support.
There are two causes to ageing skin:-
1. Intrinsic or 'natural' ageng is the process that takes place over the years regardless of outside influences. After the age of 20, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age. There is also diminished functioning of the sweat and oil glands, less elastin production, and less GAG formation. Wrinkle formation as a result of intrinsic aging is inevitable, but it will always be slight.
2. Extrinsic or 'external' ageing occurs as a result of sun and environmental damage (tobacco use and exposure to pollution, for example). Extrinsic ageing shows up as thickening of the cornified layer, precancerous changes, skin cancer, freckle and sun spot formation and exaggerated loss of collagen, elastin and GAGs. These processes give the skin the appearance of roughness, uneven tone, brown patches, thin skin and deep wrinkles.
1. Intrinsic or 'natural' ageng is the process that takes place over the years regardless of outside influences. After the age of 20, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age. There is also diminished functioning of the sweat and oil glands, less elastin production, and less GAG formation. Wrinkle formation as a result of intrinsic aging is inevitable, but it will always be slight.
2. Extrinsic or 'external' ageing occurs as a result of sun and environmental damage (tobacco use and exposure to pollution, for example). Extrinsic ageing shows up as thickening of the cornified layer, precancerous changes, skin cancer, freckle and sun spot formation and exaggerated loss of collagen, elastin and GAGs. These processes give the skin the appearance of roughness, uneven tone, brown patches, thin skin and deep wrinkles.
So what can we do to help?
There are some ways to help improve the condition of your skin, helping you to stay looking younger and healthier for longer.
Keep your skin safe and protected
SPF Protection
Invest in some good quality skincare and SPF-rich products for your face and body skin.
The visible signs of ageing are primary caused by external factors and most primarily by UV rays from the sun so, prevention is key to minimizing signs of ageing.
The most important thing is to take care of your skin before all these changes start to take place. Sun protection against both UVA (the rays that cause ageing) and UVB (the rays that cause burning) is critical 365 days a year using an SPF of at least 30 and if you can get hold of a natural zinc- or titanium-based product that is even better for your own health and the health of the planet.
Even if you have not been brilliant using protection in the past, you can delay any continued signs of ageing right now by starting a daily regime of UV protection.
The most important thing is to take care of your skin before all these changes start to take place. Sun protection against both UVA (the rays that cause ageing) and UVB (the rays that cause burning) is critical 365 days a year using an SPF of at least 30 and if you can get hold of a natural zinc- or titanium-based product that is even better for your own health and the health of the planet.
Even if you have not been brilliant using protection in the past, you can delay any continued signs of ageing right now by starting a daily regime of UV protection.
Hydrate
The next tip is to hydrate. Drinking enough water can help keep your skin plumper, which can slow the aging process. Plump skin also helps hide current signs of aging, so that any wrinkles you already have are minimized.
The more hydrated you stay the fewer wrinkles and fine lines you’ll see. Water helps your skin maintain moisture, which increases your elasticity. The more elastic your skin, the fewer wrinkles you’ll see.
The more hydrated you stay the fewer wrinkles and fine lines you’ll see. Water helps your skin maintain moisture, which increases your elasticity. The more elastic your skin, the fewer wrinkles you’ll see.
Protect
Once you've got that valuable fluid in you, don't let it go. Your body loses large quantities of water every day, so, if you can use a face cream such as our best selling, award winning, Bumble Bee Face Cream, that has a natural barrier such as beeswax, you will prevent moisture being lost. Plus, beeswax and honey have the benefit of being humectants which means that they continuously draw moisture to themsevles which is just an added bonus for skincare!
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Overall health is vital for keeping up a glowing complexion. Drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, vitamin-rich foods and exercising regularly is going to vastly improve the condition of your skin over time. Putting in the effort now could add years on your skin later on in life.
Where possible, take the time to manage your stress - take up meditation, mindfulness and other natural therapies to help your body feel calmer on a day-to-day basis. Our faces are often the worst victims of prolonged periods of stress, so opting for a more peaceful lifestyle could really make a positive impact.
Natural Ingredients
Find the best natural products for your aging skin
Taking the time to clean, moisturise and take care of your skin when you’re younger can really help to protect it and prevent early signs of aging from showing.
Develop a skincare routine that is designed for your skin, and will help to manage the problematic areas you face on a regular basis. The more you understand your skin, and it’s needs, the better you can meet them and care for it over time.
There are many products out there that claim to prevent premature ageing, so it’s important to understand just which ingredients to look out for in your skincare. We love using natural oils and solutions in our products, and so many of them can benefit your skin over time.
Rosehip Oil: Rosehips are naturally extremely rich in vitamin C, a collagen-boosting nutrient that helps to increase your production of collagen. It also contains vitamin A, improving your skin’s ability to retain moisture and preventing dehydration. It is helpful in reducing the appearances of scars, marks and blemishes and it’s naturally restorative properties can help to improve the elasticity in your skin by encouraging production of collagen and cell regeneration - helping to disguise those fine lines and wrinkles. This oil is found in our Bumble Bee Face Oil which is particularly suited to skin which is more prone to dryness or more mature skin types.
What are your biggest concerns about aging skin?
Let us know your skin complaints either through our contact form or on our socials and we’ll recommend the best products for you! You may also want to book a one to one Skincare Consultation Appointment.
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