
Whilst ageing is a natural process, many people don’t always realise what is happening under the surface of their skin at each decade that they reach. This article aims to break down the biological changes in the skin throughout your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, including what happens to collagen, elastin, hormones and pigmentation.
To explain further, private dermatologists in London, Skin Inspection, delve into how modern dermatology solutions like fillers, Profhilo, chemical peels, and advanced skincare can maintain skin health and confidence as they age.
What happens to your skin in your 30s?
In your 30s, there are a number of biological changes taking place. The collagen and elastin in your skin will start to decline slightly, which leads to a subtle loss of firmness. There are also some hormonal changes, especially in women who are approaching perimenopause, which may affect oil production and hydration.
You might also see the first signs of hyperpigmentation, like sunspots or freckles beginning to appear. There will also be some fine lines beginning to form around the eyes and the mouth.
There are things you can do to minimise the effects of ageing. One of the most important is to use sunscreen daily to help prevent pigmentation, skin cancer and premature ageing.
You could also introduce antioxidants like vitamin C and hydrating serums into your skincare routine. You might also want to consider some cosmetic options such as light chemical peels for brightness and early Profhilo treatments to maintain hydration and elasticity.
Your 30s is about prevention and early intervention rather than dramatic fixes, so try supporting your skin as best you can through these first changes.
Skin changes in your 40s
In your 40s, collagen loss is likely to accelerate to as much as 2% per year, which can result in a loss of volume, sagging and deeper lines. The elastin breakdown will cause reduced skin elasticity and hormonal shifts will dry out the skin and exacerbate any pigmentation issues. At this point, pores are likely to appear larger, and an uneven texture can develop.
To tackle some of these issues, you need to introduce hydrating and retinol-based skin care into your routines to improve cell turnover. Targeted chemical peels can be very effective in reducing pigmentation and uneven texture, whilst fillers help to restore lost volume in the cheeks, lips and under the eyes. Profhilo treatments are ideal for boosting hydration and improving skin elasticity.
In your 40s, you need to strike the balance of preventing any further decline and correcting early signs by using both skin care and minimally invasive treatments.
The 50s and beyond
By the time you reach your 50s, your collagen and elastin will be continuing to decline at significant rates. The skin will become thinner, drier and more fragile at this stage, and hyperpigmentation and age spots are likely to increase, making uneven skin tone more noticeable.
A decreased in facial fat will lead to a hollowing effect as well as a sagging jawline and deeper folds. At this stage, hormonal changes are likely to be in the menopause or andropause phase and will continue to affect texture and moisture.
To tackle the pigmentation and texture issues, it may be worthwhile turning to advanced chemical peels and resurfacing treatments, whilst fillers and Profhilo can be used to restore volume, hydration and firmness.
Your skincare regime should now incorporate rich moisturisers and barrier repair ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid in order to effectively combat dryness. It is also important to maintain sunscreen and antioxidant use.
At this point in your skin journey, you need to take a comprehensive approach to combining skincare, hydration, and targeted treatments in order to maintain health and confidence in your skin.
Common skin concerns across all ages
The most common skin concerns tend to be the most obvious signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, hyperpigmentation and sun damage are also responsible for a lot of people’s self-consciousness around their skin. Loss of volume and firmness can make a dramatic impact on the way your face looks, and dryness or uneven texture often makes people feel uncomfortable.
This is why people are turning to fillers and Profhilo treatments to help boost their volume and hydration through skin remodelling. Chemical peels of different strengths can be used to improve the texture and pigmentation of the skin, whilst advanced skin care provides that all important ongoing support.
Where do the professionals come in?
If you want to make a significant difference to the condition of your skin, then you may want to consider a professional assessment by the experts to help identify your individual needs.
Various options are available to help you feel and look more youthful, this might include popular treatments such as fillers to restore any lost volume and help to smooth deep lines, whilst chemical peels which will brighten the skin, even out pigmentation and smooth the texture.
Skin care experts can also provide valuable skincare guidance and personalised routines to make sure you are using the right antioxidants, retinols and moisturisers at home.
Many clinics now choose a holistic approach for skin by combining professional treatments with daily skincare to help you maximise your results no matter what stage of life you are at. By acting early and taking consistent care of your skin, you will see the benefit throughout the decades.
Our skin will change naturally in each decade due to things like collagen loss, hormonal shifts and environmental factors. Many people want to take action, so it is important to understand what these changes mean in order to choose the best solutions.
These popular skin treatments are some of the most effective tools in supporting skin health, preventing damage and boosting confidence, rather than simply providing cosmetic fixes. It is important that you take a proactive approach by combining professional treatments and daily skincare. By understanding what is happening beneath the surface, you can make informed choices and enjoy healthy and radiant skin at every age.