Le vieillissement cutané

Skin aging

I. Skin aging

Skin aging is the process by which the skin changes over time, becoming thinner, drier and less elastic, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, spots and a loss of firmness. It is caused by several factors, both intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external).

1. Intrinsic aging

This is the natural aging that occurs with age. It is linked to genetics and cellular metabolism and usually begins around the age of 25, although visible signs often do not appear until later.

  • Decreased production of collagen and elastin : Collagen is a protein that gives skin its firmness, while elastin helps keep it supple and elastic. With age, and from the age of 25, the production of these proteins decreases, making the skin thinner and more prone to wrinkles.
  • Slowed cell regeneration : Skin cells renew themselves less quickly, resulting in a loss of radiance and a rougher texture.
  • Decrease in natural lipids : The sebaceous glands produce less sebum, which can make the skin drier and more vulnerable to external aggressions.

2. Extrinsic aging

This type of aging is caused by external and environmental factors, which can accelerate the natural changes in the skin. Some of the main factors include:

  • Exposure to UV rays (photo-aging) : The sun's ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) are the main cause of extrinsic aging. They damage collagen and elastin fibers, leading to the formation of deep wrinkles, age spots (pigmentation spots), and sagging skin. This is why people who often expose themselves to the sun, without protection, generally show signs of premature aging.
  • Pollution : Fine particles and other pollutants present in the air can cause oxidation of the skin and promote the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots.
  • Smoking : Smoking reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, and the chemicals in cigarette smoke damage collagen and elastin, which accelerates skin aging. Smoking is often associated with the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.
  • Stress and lack of sleep : Chronic stress and insufficient sleep disrupt cell regeneration and can lead to dull skin tone, loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Diet : A diet high in sugar and low in nutrients can promote skin aging by accelerating glycation (a process that damages collagen) and depriving the skin of vitamins and antioxidants necessary for its health.

3. Signs of skin aging

  • Fine lines and wrinkles : These are often the first visible signs of aging. Fine lines typically appear around the eyes and mouth, then become deeper over time, especially on the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
  • Loss of firmness and elasticity : Due to the decrease in collagen and elastin, the skin begins to sag and lose its tone, especially around the cheeks, jawline and neck.
  • Dry skin : Sebum production decreases with age, making skin drier and more prone to irritation.
  • Pigment spots : Also called age spots or solar lentigines, these brown spots are often caused by UV exposure. They appear mainly on exposed areas, such as the face, hands and arms.
  • Dull complexion : Skin loses its natural radiance due to slowed cell turnover, accumulation of dead cells on the surface and poor blood circulation.
  • Sagging skin : Over time, skin sags due to loss of supporting structure (collagen, elastin, subcutaneous fat) and becomes more sagging, especially on the face and neck.

II - How to slow down skin aging?

1. Sun protection

  • Use a daily sunscreen : One of the best ways to protect your skin from premature aging is to apply a sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50) every day, even in winter. This protects the skin from harmful UV rays that damage collagen fibers.
  • Limit direct sun exposure : Avoid exposure during the hours when the sun is at its strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.

2. Hydration

  • Moisturize regularly : Using moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E can help keep the skin barrier intact and keep skin supple and hydrated.
  • Use few products but products containing a large number of anti-aging active ingredients , particularly antioxidants. For example, the LA SUPERBE cream contains 14 active ingredients of plant and marine origin, 12 of which have anti-aging properties. The LE LUMINEUX serum contains 9 active ingredients of natural origin, 7 of which have anti-aging properties, and the L'ILLUMINANT mask contains 18 active ingredients of natural origin, 13 of which have anti-aging properties. Generally speaking, all of our treatments, both for the body and the face, contain exceptional numbers of active ingredients, most of which have the properties of fighting the signs of aging.
  • Drink enough water : Internal hydration is also essential to maintain skin elasticity and smoothness.

3. Diet rich in antioxidants

  • Eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants (such as berries, citrus fruits, green vegetables) helps fight free radicals, which are responsible for skin aging.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, flaxseeds or walnuts help keep skin hydrated and reduce inflammation.

4. Proper skin care

  • Anti-aging serums : Using products containing active ingredients such as vitamin C or vitamin E can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles.
  • Gentle exfoliation : Exfoliation removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, promoting a more radiant complexion. Using gentle exfoliants helps renew the skin without irritating it.

5. Avoid toxins

  • Quit smoking : Smoking significantly accelerates skin aging, especially around the mouth and eyes.
  • Limit alcohol : Excessive alcohol consumption can dry out the skin and disrupt its natural balance.

6. Get enough sleep

  • During sleep, the skin regenerates. Chronic lack of sleep can hinder this process, accelerating the appearance of signs of aging.

In summary, skin aging is an inevitable phenomenon, but healthy habits such as regular sun protection, good hydration, a diet rich in antioxidants and the adoption of specific anti-aging care can help slow down this process and maintain younger and more radiant skin.

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