Why do we age?
Collagen, sun, glycation — briefly on why skin ages and what we can actually influence.
Skin ageing isn't a single cause — it's a sum of processes that start long before the first wrinkles. Let's keep it short and clear: what changes in the skin with age, and what we can actually influence.
Collagen and elastin decline
After 25, collagen production drops by roughly 1% a year. Collagen gives skin its density and firmness — as it decreases, the skin loses support, and creases and sagging appear. Elastin, which lets skin "bounce back", also degrades over time.
The sun — up to 80% of visible ageing
Photoageing is the main external factor. UV rays break down collagen and trigger pigmentation. That's why daily SPF isn't a summer thing — it's year-round wrinkle prevention.
Glycation and oxidative stress
Excess sugar "cross-links" collagen fibres (glycation), leaving skin duller and less elastic. Free radicals (stress, smoking, pollution) damage cells — this is where antioxidants help: vitamin C, niacinamide.
Anti-age basics
- ✓SPF every day — the most important step
- ✓Retinoids — stimulate renewal and collagen synthesis
- ✓Antioxidants in the morning (vitamin C)
- ✓Gentle cleansing and enough hydration
Ageing is inevitable, but its pace is largely in our hands. Smart skincare doesn't "stop time" — it helps skin stay firm, even and healthy for longer.
