Understanding Ageing Skin

Ageing affects every layer of the skin, which is why the changes can feel gradual at first and then suddenly more noticeable. In younger skin, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid are produced in abundance, giving the complexion firmness, elasticity and natural hydration. As the years go on, this production slows. Collagen fibres become thinner and less organised, elastin loses its ability to bounce back and the skin holds less moisture, all of which contribute to visible changes in texture and firmness.

Deeper in the face, the fat pads that provide youthful volume and contour begin to shift or diminish. This change reduces mid-face support and can contribute to nasolabial folds, early jowling and a softer jawline. Repetitive muscle movement also plays a role; fine lines from facial expressions eventually settle into more permanent creases such as crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead lines.

On top of that the skin barrier becomes less efficient at retaining moisture, increasing dryness and accentuating fine lines. Cell turnover slows too, leaving the complexion duller and less smooth. And while natural ageing is inevitable, sun exposure accelerates it dramatically, contributing to pigmentation, rough texture, thinning skin and more collagen loss (known as photoageing).

Because these changes happen at multiple levels, most people notice a combination of:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduced firmness and elasticity
• Early jowls and lower-face sagging
• Laxity around the jawline, cheeks and neck
• Crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead lines
• Deepening nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Neck creases and décolletage wrinkles
• Overall loss of lift and youthful contour

Understanding whether these changes are structural, collagen-related or surface-level helps us design a targeted and effective treatment plan.