Ageing and Skin Health: How to Prevent and Treat the Signs of Ageing

Ageing is a natural process, but the way our skin changes over time depends on far more than just the passing years. Genetics play a role, of course, but lifestyle, environment, and everyday habits often have the biggest influence on how our skin looks and feels as we age.

While it’s impossible to stop ageing altogether, we can slow down its visible signs, protect the skin’s structure, and even restore some of what has been lost. This guide explores the science of skin ageing, the difference between natural and premature ageing, and the preventative steps and treatments that can help keep skin healthy and radiant at every stage of life.

Natural vs Premature Ageing

Intrinsic (Natural) Ageing

Intrinsic ageing refers to the internal, biological changes that happen to the skin over time, regardless of lifestyle. Naturally aged skin is usually smooth and unblemished, though it may show exaggerated expression lines.

Key features of natural ageing include:

• Slower skin cell turnover: By your 30s–80s, the rate of cell renewal can drop from 50% to as low as 30%. This leaves skin looking dull and rough.

• Collagen decline: We lose about 1% of collagen per year from age 25 onwards, reducing skin firmness and contributing to wrinkles. This decline accelerates during menopause.

• Reduced elasticity: Less elastin means skin begins to sag, with fine lines becoming more visible.

• Pigmentation changes: Fewer melanin-producing cells make skin more vulnerable to sun damage.

• Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow means less oxygen and nutrients reach the skin.

• Loss of fat and bone support: Subcutaneous fat loss, particularly in the face and hands, leads to hollowing and sagging, while reduced bone mass (especially in the jaw) can deepen jowls.

Over time, the barrier function of the skin also weakens, sebum production decreases, and repetitive facial movements can leave expression lines etched permanently into the skin.

Extrinsic (Premature) Ageing

Extrinsic ageing is caused by external factors that we can control. In fact, studies suggest that up to 80–90% of visible skin ageing is due to these preventable causes.

Common extrinsic ageing triggers include:

• Sun damage (photoaging) – the number one cause, responsible for wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity.

• Pollution – accelerates free radical damage.

• Smoking – reduces blood flow and oxygen, damaging collagen and elastin.

• Poor diet – excess sugar causes glycation, damaging collagen and elastin fibres.

• Stress and poor sleep – hinder repair processes.

• Environmental stressors – temperature extremes, humidity, and toxins.

Prematurely aged skin tends to have deeper wrinkles earlier in life, dark patches, broken blood vessels, enlarged pores, and rough texture.

The Building Blocks of Youthful Skin

The skin’s structure relies on three key components: collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (HA). Each plays a vital role in keeping skin firm, smooth, and hydrated.

• Collagen: Makes up around 70% of the dermis and provides strength and resilience. Less collagen = more wrinkles. Sun exposure is the biggest cause of collagen breakdown.

• Elastin: Provides skin with flexibility and “bounce,” allowing it to snap back after expressions. Elastin production slows dramatically after puberty and is easily damaged by UV rays.

• Hyaluronic Acid: A sugar molecule that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It keeps skin hydrated and plump, but levels decline with age.

Protecting and stimulating these three components is the cornerstone of preventative skincare and anti-ageing strategies.

The Role of the Sun: UVA vs UVB

Not all sun damage is equal. The two main types of UV radiation have different but equally harmful effects:

UVA = Aging

• Penetrates deeply into the dermis.

• Generates free radicals that damage DNA.

• Breaks down collagen and elastin.

• Strongly linked with long-term skin ageing.

UVB = Burning

• Penetrates the outer epidermis.

• Directly damages DNA, causing sunburn.

• Strongly linked to skin cancer.

Sun-damaged skin has been found to contain up to 59% less collagen than naturally aged skin. It is also thinner, less elastic, and more prone to pigmentation and wrinkles.

Sunscreen is the single most effective method to prevent the signs of ageing you can take. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (covering both UVA and UVB) should be applied every day, year-round—even indoors or on cloudy days.

Lifestyle Choices That Accelerate Ageing

Smoking

Smoking reduces oxygen supply and blood flow to the skin, making it dull and more prone to wrinkles. Research shows smokers have significantly fewer collagen and elastin fibres, and wrinkles appear up to three times worse than in non-smokers.

Sugar and Diet

High sugar intake accelerates a process called glycation, where sugar molecules bind to proteins (like collagen), forming damaging compounds known as AGEs (advanced glycation end products). This stiffens collagen, weakens skin structure, and accelerates wrinkle formation. Cooking methods also matter—boiling and steaming generate fewer AGEs than grilling or frying.

Hydration

Dehydrated skin looks older, with fine lines more visible. Hydration should come from both skincare (moisturisers with urea, ceramides, amino acids) and diet (adequate water, limiting alcohol and caffeine).

Antioxidants

Free radicals from UV, pollution, and smoking cause DNA and protein damage in the skin. Antioxidants—like vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols—neutralise these radicals, reducing inflammation and preventing collagen breakdown.

Exercise and Sleep

Exercise increases circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients while clearing waste products. Sleep is when the body repairs itself; chronic sleep loss accelerates skin ageing.

Prevent the Signs of Ageing

• Wear sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher).

• Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.

• Use antioxidant serums (especially vitamin C) to neutralise free radicals.

• Stay hydrated with water and barrier-strengthening moisturisers.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, green tea, oily fish) and low in added sugar.

• Exfoliate and boost cell turnover:

  • Retinoids: Increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen.

  • AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid): Exfoliate surface layers, brighten skin.

  • BHAs (like salicylic acid): Clear pores, control oil.

• Exercise regularly to improve circulation.

• Prioritise good sleep to allow skin repair.

  
  

Modern Non-Surgical Anti-Ageing Treatments

For many, skincare alone can’t address all the changes of ageing. Medical aesthetics offers subtle, natural-looking ways to restore and support skin health:

• Botulinum Toxin (Anti-Wrinkle Injections): Prevents expression lines from becoming etched in the skin.

• Dermal Fillers: Replace lost volume, soften folds, and restore facial contours.

• Skin Boosters & Biostimulators (e.g. Neauvia Hydro Deluxe): Hydration and collagen stimulation for overall skin quality.

• Medical-Grade Skincare: Prescription-strength formulas that work at a cellular level for long-term results. (e.g. Intradermology)

  
  

  

  
  

Signature Consultation: The Glow Strategy™

Every face is unique, which is why effective prevention and treatment must be personalised. The Signature Consultation Glow Strategy™ is designed to create a tailored plan that considers your skin health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

This consultation process includes:

1. Detailed skin assessment – analysing texture, elasticity, and underlying support structures.

2. Evidence-based advice – covering skincare, nutrition, lifestyle, and professional treatments.

3. Personalised treatment plan – a roadmap that balances prevention with natural rejuvenation.

The aim is not to chase perfection, but to help you age confidently, with healthy, glowing skin that feels authentically you.

Final Thoughts

Ageing is inevitable, but premature ageing is not. By understanding the biology of skin, protecting it daily, and making informed choices, you can maintain resilience, radiance, and vitality throughout life.

For those looking to take the next step, a consultation with a qualified clinic can provide clarity and confidence in choosing the right treatments.

To learn more about your skin and explore tailored strategies, book your Signature Consultation: The Glow Strategy™

The Glow Strategy