SKIN AGEING

A natural physiological process.


YOUR
SKIN




The structure of the skin
The skin is the most extensive organ in our bodies. It is composed of three superimposed layers :

Epidermis : the outermost (superficial) layer of the skin. Its thickness varies. The epidermis has no blood supply. Surface cells (horny layer) are shed through desquamation. The cells below move up to renew the layer. Melanocytes and Langerhans cells are located in the epidermis..

Dermis is a thick, elastic layer which constitutes the skin’s supporting tissue. It contains collagen and elastin fibres. The main cells in this layer are fibroblasts, which synthesise collagen and elastin fibres, glycosaminoglycans and structural glycoproteins. The dermis contains the skin’s vascular network, nerve fibres and sensory receptors. It is also home to sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as hair follicles.

The epidermis and dermis are connected by the basal layer, where keratinocytes form.

The hypoderm consisting of adipose tissue made of adipocytes (fat cells), is the lowermost layer of the skin. It is the body’s energy storage. Fat can be stored here as triglycerides or released as fatty acids and glycerol. The hypoderm acts as padding for the body and protects it from the cold.


Functions of the healthy skin
  • Protection against external factors : physical, chemicals, microbial, ultraviolet and heat. The skin can also cicatrise to close wounds.
  • Thermoregulation : ts vascular system and sweat glands help the body maintain a temperature of 37°C.
  • Touch : the skin takes in a wide range of information from the outside world (heat, cold, etc.). Nerves are responsible for the sense of touch. The skin also provides insight into our mood and emotions.
  • Metabolism : it synthesises vitamin D (helping preventing rickets) using ultraviolet radiation.
  • Regulation : the skin preserves its water content.

SKIN
AGEING




The two major types of skin ageing

Intrinsic ageing, is inevitable and its characteristic changes affect protected areas.

Extrinsic ageing caused by external factors: the environment, pollution, smoking and ultraviolet radiation. This type of ageing affects exposed areas by definition. It can be mitigated by a healthy lifestyle, watchful care from age 30 and the use of the appropriate products.


Factors behind skin ageing

Ageing is the consequence of seven factors. As a result, the visible clinical expression of ageing depends on age and each person’s genetic predisposition, which determine chronological age when combined. Other factors influence the signs of ageing. These seven factors are :

  • Time,
  • Genes,
  • Solar radiation (ultraviolet and infrared)
  • Behaviour: smoking, drinking, diets, drugs, etc…
  • Diseases
  • Hormonal changes
  • Trauma and weight.

Free radicals

Free radicals are chemical species with one or more unpaired electrons, which makes them highly unstable. They seek electrons from other molecules in order to become stable, triggering a chain reaction.

These substances can peroxidise the lipids which make up cell membranes and kill cells. Antioxidants can boost the body’s natural defences.

SIGNS
OF AGEING



Visible signs of intrinsic ageing :

  • Atrophied skin layers (epidermis, dermis and hypoderm)
  • Fragile skin
  • Reduced elasticity and firmness, more conspicuous expression lines
  • Significant dryness
  • Functional changes: impaired cicatrisation, diminished immune and inflammatory response, reduced mechanical and thermoregulatory function,

Visible signs of extrinsic ageing :

  • Thicker skin
  • Deep wrinkles
  • Rough, dry skin
  • Loose skin
  • Irregular pigmentation and spots
  • Appearance of small blood vessels.

The part you cannot see : cellular senescence

Cells divide increasingly slowly until they stop proliferating. This happens, for example, to fibroblasts, key components of the supporting tissue.


Cell renewal processes start to slow down. The skin loses its elasticity and can become dehydrated.
Connective tissue loses its fibrous structure and its ability to retain water decreases. The degeneration of elastic fibres reduces firmness and elasticity. Wrinkles set in. Spots appear. Small blood vessels are visible.
The skin produces smaller amounts of lipids. Dryness and wrinkles set in.The skin regenerates more slowly and becomes thinner, which reduces its volume and density.Spots become more numerous. The skin becomes more sensitive. Impaired cicatrisation may occur.

Care for your skin gently.

Use suitable dermocosmetics.

Avoid behaviour which promotes ageing: sun exposure for long periods without protection, smoking, drinking, etc.

Follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.


ANTI-AGEING
EXDER’S SOLUTION


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