The skin is our body’s largest and most prominent organ, and it undergoes various changes throughout our lives, which are easily visible to the naked eye. While it’s true that our skin ages a little every minute, its actual age is not solely determined by our date of birth. Biological age is heavily influenced by numerous factors such as a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, balanced diet, sufficient sleep, stress levels, hydration, and consistent use of sunscreen.
Our skin goes through different stages. It starts with the delicate and smooth skin of a newborn baby, transitions through adolescence where acne and excess oil production are common, and eventually develops deep wrinkles and signs of aging in old age. They say our face is the mirror of our soul, but it also reflects our lifestyle choices and self-care practices. According to various studies, genetics only contributes to 25% of the aging process, while the remaining 75% is influenced directly by our lifestyle habits. Therefore, the real question to ask yourself is: What does your skin say about you?
The skin of a newborn baby is exceptionally delicate and more sensitive compared to adult skin, as it is only one-fifth as thick. Although it has the same number of skin layers as adult skin, these layers are much thinner, the cells are less compact, and the sweat and sebaceous glands are less active. As a result, the hydrophilic acid film and protective acid mantle of a baby’s skin are still very young and relatively weak. Babies are also more susceptible to UV radiation due to their low pigmentation, which is why constant sun protection is crucial.
By the age of 12, the functionality and cellular structure of the skin have fully developed, and it’s time to adjust skincare routines to prepare for the changes that occur during adolescence. Puberty brings hormonal fluctuations that can have noticeable effects on our skin, particularly on the face, shoulders, chest, and back. Sebaceous glands become more active, leading to oily and shiny skin prone to acne, blackheads, and enlarged pores. Additionally, sunspots may appear due to inadequate protection against UV radiation. Choosing an appropriate sunscreen that doesn’t add oil and exacerbate these effects is essential.
These skin issues typically diminish as an adolescent enters a more mature stage in their 20s, where the environment and a healthy lifestyle play a significant role in determining the biological age reflected in their skin. Around the age of 25, the first signs of aging start to appear, usually in the form of spots or fine lines. These signs become more pronounced between 30 and 35 years of age as the production of collagen and elastin decreases by approximately 1% per year. This leads to increased moisture loss, reduced elasticity and firmness, weakened skin barrier, and slower cell metabolism, resulting in premature aging and photoaging.
From this point forward, it becomes our responsibility to provide extra support to our skin in order to delay and combat these signs of aging. In the 40s and 50s, the structure of our skin gradually and significantly changes. Dullness becomes more noticeable because while our skin changes every 28 days in our 20s, it now takes approximately 45 days for new cells to surface, causing dead cells to linger on the face longer.
During the 60s and 70s, our skin gradually loses its ability to produce lipids, resulting in dryness, dehydration, and increased wrinkles. Additionally, sensitivity to UV rays becomes more pronounced, making the skin more susceptible to hyperpigmentation or age spots. Overall, the immune function of our skin diminishes, leaving it more vulnerable to photoaging and various skin conditions.
It’s important to note that each stage of life comes with its own demands, and choosing the right products to cleanse, protect, nourish, and repair the skin is crucial to maintaining its health and ensuring it looks and feels its best, regardless of age.
Because healthy skin is beautiful skin!
Copyrighted article
Written by our CEO Karen Luna
Professional Pharmaceutical Chemist
Quality Specialist