Deutsch (Deutschland)
Español (España, Alfabetización Internacional)
Français (France)
Italiano (Italia)
Português (Portugal)
Premature skin ageing begins around the age of 30: find out the causes and the first signs.
Good everyday habits help to prevent premature skin ageing.
From the age of 30 onwards, it's common to find that the skin on the face is no longer as firm. It is at this same age that the first signs of premature ageing appear and the firmness of the dermis varies from one person to another.
According to dermatologist Mônica Aribi, it is this part of the body that suffers the effects of ageing first because it is where the skin is thinnest.
"As we begin to produce less collagen fibres at this age, the skin in this area becomes even thinner, drier and the first small wrinkles appear."
The first signs of ageing appear on the lower eyelids, with the infamous crow's feet. These fine lines can give the skin a cracked appearance, even when you're not smiling. For those with more rounded cheeks, the specialist points out the risk of a sagging neck.
"It is common to hear women complain that they can no longer distinguish the outline of their face, the line that marks the boundary between their face and their neck. That's what we call jowls. And in some cases, when the jugular area starts to sag, smile lines appear"
explains the specialist.
The causes of premature skin ageing
Our lifestyle plays a major role in skin ageing. Excessive exposure to the sun and not using sun protection, including for visible light, are major contributors to premature ageing. Mônica also points out that nowadays stress and pollution are also considered high-risk external factors.
"The population was less exposed to stress two or three decades ago. Moreover, at that time, a 50 year old person was already considered elderly. Today, when you reach this age, you are still a young adult. So priorities and desires in terms of aesthetics are very different", explains the dermatologist.
Genetic factors also come into play. Its influence can be seen mainly in visible wrinkles on the neck and hands, signs that should only appear from the age of 40 onwards, and which sometimes appear much earlier in people with these genetic predispositions.
Care products that help prevent premature skin ageing
Rule number one is to remember your basic everyday care. Maintaining a diet rich in vitamins and protein not only helps you stay healthy, but also helps keep your skin healthy and better nourished.
According to Mônica, your face should be cleansed at least twice a day with products specially adapted to each area. Cleansing should be completed by then applying micellar water and a facial moisturiser (which may include a sunscreen). Antioxidant active ingredients, such as vitamin C, are contained in facial cosmetics and act as a "protective layer". So this should be considered when you are choosing the anti-ageing products to add to your beauty essentials.
"I also recommend that my patients exfoliate their faces once a week to unclog their pores. I try to teach them about the impact of very dry or very damp atmospheres. If you feel that your skin is suffering under these conditions, you should use a mister or, if possible, reapply a moisturiser",
explains Monica.
In addition, it is recommended that you consult a trusted dermatologist to determine the best time to start using an anti-ageing treatment, even a preventative one, as part of your beauty routine.
Note: The expert was consulted as a journalistic source and her contribution is not intended to promote a product or brand.
How do you look after each skin type?
Caring for your skin in all phases of life
