As we age, we experience gradual changes in skin tone. Many factors influence the
effects of ageing on the skin, including genetics, nutrition, environmental factors,
sun exposure, stress, and quality of skincare. Ageing proceeds over the course of
our lives in a pattern known as “chronological ageing.” The following is an overview
of the appearance of chronological ageing of the skin:
Twenties
Most people in their twenties enjoy plump, healthy skin with few fine lines except
for inherited features such as dimples and laugh lines. Though many still struggle
with acne, it is usually manageable with good skincare habits and appropriate intervention,
depending on severity. Prevention is the keystone of a skincare regimen, and “cleanse,
moisturize, and sun protect” is this decade’s skincare mantra. Time and effort invested
in skincare now brings less evidence of ageing later in life. Regular home use of
a high-quality cleanser and moisturising product, including an antioxidant and a
minimum of 15 SPF sun protection, are essential prevention tools for the 20s age
group. Weekly home exfoliation with a mechanical exfoliation scrub is important
to maintaining vibrant skin.
Monthly deep cleansing facials with anti-oxidant treatments are the recommended professional
treatments.
Thirties
Fine lines begin to appear around the mouth and eyes. Most clients in their 30s are
beyond acne, but adult acne may appear due to hormonal changes and stress. Age prevention
skincare is more important than ever at this point. Dermal building and hydration
home care are important now. Use of skin nutrients, antioxidants, moisturizers,
hydrators, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures greater success over time in the
battle against ageing skin. Deep cleansing facials with an enzyme exfoliation and
a sodium hyaluronate-based hydrating mask with anti-oxidants is the recommended
facial treatment for this client. Mechanical exfoliation at home is performed more
often, according to professional recommendation.
Late in the decade, a professional may recommend a resurfacing professional treatment.
Forties
Early in this decade, most people exhibit less oil production in the skin as well
as less elasticity and new, shallow wrinkles around the eyes are evident. The eye
area begins to lose tone, and wrinkles deepen visibly as the decade progresses.
Pigmentation problems will surface due to sun exposure and hormonal changes. Along
with treatment products to stimulate collagen and elastin production, adding an
enhanced exfoliant to the home care regimen to remove dead cells is important to
stimulate cell turnover.
Professional chemical and mechanical exfoliation treatments may be necessary to smooth
the skin, and products that further enhance cell turnover will be added to the home
care regimen.
As we progress through our 40s, we produce less oil and our skin becomes dryer. A
skincare regimen that emphasizes age management and exfoliation is appropriate at
this point. Drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly are important to promoting
hydration and nutrient circulation to the skin. Using high-quality cleansers, moisturizers,
antioxidants, and exfoliants are important for these clients, along with dermal
building and targeted treatment products.
Routine professional treatments are appropriate, including resurfacing, peels, and
microdermabrasion, usually in a series, to rejuvenate the skin and reverse the effects
of ageing. Anti-oxidant and hydrating masks between professional treatments are
helpful for skin in this category.
Fifties
In this decade, wrinkles are apparent around the eyes and mouth, and skin on the
face, chin, and neck begin to sag. The skin loses its plumpness and tone. Wrinkles
deepen, and sagging increases as the decade progresses. Irregular pigmentation becomes
more apparent. The skin becomes drier. The skin around the eyes loses tone and requires
special treatment. Actinic keratosis and other sun and age-related lesions may appear
on the face, reflecting prior sun damage or tanning. Clients should be referred
to a physician for removal of these lesions.
An effective home care regimen includes an appropriate cleanser, exfoliant, moisturizer,
anti-oxidant, nutrient, and age management treatments, as well as collagen and elastin
enhancers. Deeper peels and microdermabrasion are routine recommendations for this
age group, and more extensive physician care can produce impressive results for
the skin. Age management and dermal building treatment products are crucial to a
successful home care regimen.
Sixties and beyond
Beginning in the 60s, naso-labial folds deepen dramatically and sagging in the neck
becomes more pronounced. Depending on genetics and the level and quality of care
in previous decades, wrinkles of varying depths are evident around the eyes and
on the face and neck. New wrinkles appear everywhere. Wrinkles from repetitive facial
movements are deep and very apparent on the forehead and above the mouth. Dryness
results from a dramatic decrease in oil production.
Skin is in the advanced ageing stage and, as the years progress, wrinkles intensify
and tone is lost. Diligence must be taken in the home care regimen.
Clients with advanced ageing who wish to aggressively rejuvenate the skin require
both regular age management treatments and physician level treatments including
lasers, peels, and microdermabrasion to retard and reverse the visible signs of
ageing.