In the ongoing battle against the visible signs of ageing, age-related changes to our skin have to be the number one enemy. And when it comes to skin ageing, there are two types that need to be considered: intrinsic ageing and extrinsic ageing. So, what’s the difference?
Intrinsic skin ageing
Intrinsic ageing, as the name suggests, is ageing that comes from within. This is all to do with your personal genetic make-up, and is affected by things like hormonal shifts and your body’s ability to regenerate cells quickly – which might be quite different to the next person’s, however close in age you are.
Symptoms of intrinsic ageing include:
- Loss of facial volume
- Sagging skin
- Loss of skin firmness
- Lines and wrinkles
Extrinsic skin ageing
Extrinsic ageing is ageing that is caused by external factors. These can be lifestyle related, like smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, and poor diet, or can be influenced by the environment around you – stress, pollution and excess sun exposure can all have a huge impact on the speed with which your skin ages.
Symptoms of extrinsic ageing include:
- Red, blotchy skin
- Rough skin texture
- Hyperpigmentation – freckles and dark spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
What can we do to counter the signs of skin ageing?
When it comes to skin ageing, prevention is always better than cure, so when it comes to extrinsic ageing it’s a good idea to think about what you can do to slow the process down.
This might include:
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing your alcohol consumption
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting plenty of exercise
- Taking steps to get more sleep
- Protecting your skin from the sun
The sun is probably the number one culprit in extrinsic ageing, and with Sun Awareness Week coming up this month, now is the time to think about your sun protection routine. To truly protect your skin from the ageing effects of the sun’s rays, it is important to wear an SPF 50+ on your face every day, no matter what time of year, or what the weather is like.
For a subtle, temporary improvement, there are some effective non-surgical options to treat the signs of intrinsic ageing, but if you are looking for a long-lasting, visibly rejuvenated appearance, there are two treatment options that are proven to work:
- Facelift surgery – for a noticeable improvement in lines, wrinkles and sagging skin, a facelift really is the only way to go. And techniques have advanced to the point where, if you choose the right surgeon, no one will be able to tell you’ve been under the knife.
- Blepharoplasy – for a slightly subtler, but still highly rejuvenating effect, eyelid surgery can make you appear younger, fresher and more alert, without any tell-tale signs that you’ve had something done.
It is particularly important to protect your skin from the sun after surgery, to ensure the best results.
For more information on how to counter skin ageing, or to book a consultation with Mr Karidis, please contact us.
