As skin ages, it undergoes changes on the inside that eventually start to manifest on the outside. In this article, we outline how the aging process manifests. 

Our skin is often the part of our body that shows the most signs of aging; not only because it is clearly visible but also because it is the organ most exposed to the elements, acting as our first line of defence.  

Skin aging is natural 

Aging is part of our lifecycle, and our body undergoes changes throughout our lived. As we age, certain functions slow down, bones become weaker, strength and stamina levels fall, healing becomes slower, and other physical and physiological changes occur the more years we secure under our belt.

As we naturally age, our skin structure changes due to internal processes, in part influenced by our genes, and due to external factors, such as environment and lifestyle. Up until the age of about 30, our body works around the clock to produce the necessary substances to keep skin firm, plump, smooth and elastic. Cheekbones are high, jawline and facial contours are well-defined, volume is evenly distributed, and skin is firm and radiant.  

How aging affects the skin

Around the age of 30, when skin starts to mature, is when we start to notice the first signs of skin aging. Firmness, radiance and elasticity all start to decrease, and fine lines and wrinkles start to appear and become deeper with time. While this is a natural process that we cannot control, lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet, sun protection and a consistent skincare routine, can help us slow down this process and keep skin better protected. Let’s take a closer look at what happens to the skin as it ages.  

Reduced production of collagen and elastin  

Every year, our skin’s collagen and elastin production slows down by about 1%. Elastin is responsible for skin elasticity and strength, while collagen is what gives skin its plump and supple appearance. Together, they help our skin look firm and smooth. A loss of these two substances compromises the structural integrity of the skin’s tissue arrangement, making skin weaker.  

Furthermore, existing fibres can also degenerate and suffer damage from external aggressors, such as UV light, pollution, smoking and oxidative stress. Extrinsic aging causes the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis, to loosen and unravel and, when these dermal fibres break down, the skin starts to sag, stretch and lose its ability to bounce back. Side effects of reduced collagen and elastin biosynthesis include wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity, roughness, puffiness, soreness or dehydrated skin.  

To supplement your collagen levels and keep your skin smooth, firm and moisturised, try ChitoCare beauty Hair, Skin & Nails. With marine chitosan, a powerful antioxidant with proven efficacy, and supplemented with collagen Type II complex, it contains important building blocks that are important for skin health. 

Reduced production of hyaluronic acid 

Hyaluronic acid is formed by skin cells and is what helps them to retain water. Young skin produces this substance naturally. However, as we age, the production of hyaluronic acid slows down. As the skin produces fewer lipids that help keep it moisturised, skin can become dry and rough, losing its full and firm structure. Fine lines and wrinkles appear more pronounced and skin starts to sag and look thin. 

To boost your hyaluronic acid levels, try ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Repair Serum. Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, it contains natural antioxidants, marine chitosan and hyaluronic acid. Ideal for mature skin, it improves hydration, firmness and elasticity, making for smoother, softer and more radiant skin. 

Reduced production of silica, affecting collagen 

Silica plays a key role in collagen synthesis, stimulating fibroblasts that secrete Type I collagen, naturally found in youthful skin. As we age, however, our body’s silica production slows down, usually between the ages of 25 and 34, affecting collagen biosynthesis.

When we experience a collagen deficiency, we can end up with brittle nails, dull hair, wrinkles, acne breakouts and reduced skin elasticity. Furthermore, as blood flow slows with age, nutrient delivery also decreases. This can cause the skin to become dehydrated and appear dull, with a slower healing capacity and a further loss of elasticity.  

To maintain healthy skin, thicker hair and stronger nails, try ChitoCare beauty Hair, Skin & Nails. Containing Icelandic geo-silica, mineral-rich algae, marine fibres and Type II collagen, this dietary supplement provides rich antioxidant action and results in firmer, smoother and better hydrated skin. 

The skin cycle 

The skin cycle describes the process of cell rejuvenation in the skin. New cells form in the lower layer of the epidermis, slowly pushing old cells upwards. When the old cells dry out and fall away, new cells come to replace them. We experience this shedding as dry, dead skin cells that come off our skin in small flakes.

This process of rejuvenation typically lasts around 28 days and our skin can shed an impressive 14 grams of dead skin cells each day. As we age, cell renewal slows down and the skin cycle takes longer to complete itself. Teenagers experience a faster cycle, with new skin cells forming every 10 to 20 days. People in their 40s and 50s experience a cycle that takes between 45 and 60 days to complete itself. 

A general loss of moisture and dead cell accumulation cause the skin to lose volume and firmness, feel rough and dry, and appear dull or with an uneven tone. Exfoliating helps to clear the skin of dead skin cells, grime, dirt and excess sebum. Keeping skin sufficiently moisturised and nourished helps it maintain a more youthful appearance. 

Support your skin cycle

Containing marine chitosan, ChitoCare beauty products help to gently cleanse the skin and deliver important nutrients. They also help to slow down the signs of aging by replenishing moisture levels, aiding the natural healing process and fortifying the skin barrier. The result is plump, soft, smooth and elastic skin with a youthful glow. 

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ChitoCare beauty is the first skincare brand to incorporate marine chitosan into its products. Scientifically proven properties of chitosan include film-forming, moisture control and powerful skin repair.