Intrinsic Ageing: Understanding Genetic Ageing and How to Minimise Its Impact on Your Skin
As we age, our skin goes through various changes. One significant factor that influences how our skin ages is our genetics. While genetic ageing, also known as intrinsic ageing, is a natural process that we all go through, it doesn't have to define the future of our skin. With the right skincare routine and lifestyle choices, we can minimise the impact of genetic ageing and maintain healthy functioning skin into the future.
At our clinic, we believe that understanding genetic ageing is crucial in developing an effective skincare routine. Here are some tips on how you can take charge of your skin's health and minimise the effects of genetic ageing.
1 | Sun Protection: Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
Exposure to UV rays from the sun is one of the leading causes of premature ageing. UV rays can penetrate the skin and cause damage to collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins that maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness. Over time, this can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
To protect your skin from UV damage, make sure to always wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, even on cloudy days. Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously to all exposed areas of the skin. It’s also important to avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours, and seek shade whenever possible.
Shop our sun protection range here.
2 | Hydration: Keep Your Skin Well-Hydrated & Nourished
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. When the skin is well-hydrated, it appears plump, smooth, and radiant. However, as we age, the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases, leading to dryness and loss of elasticity.
To keep your skin well-hydrated, use moisturisers and hydrating serums that suit your skin type. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Drinking enough water and using a humidifier in dry environments can also help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
3 | Skincare to fight cellular ageing
One of the key ways to fight cellular ageing is by preventing free radical damage. Free radicals are harmful molecules that are generated by various environmental factors, such as pollution, UV radiation, and stress. These molecules can damage skin cells and contribute to premature ageing by causing oxidative stress. However, antioxidants can neutralise free radicals and help prevent their damaging effects on the skin.
Incorporate antioxidant-rich skincare products into your routine to provide your skin with an extra layer of protection against free radicals. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea extract, which are known for their antioxidant properties. These ingredients can help brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin health.
We recommend trying the Catalyst AC-11 serum. Its unique combination of vitamin C, amino acids and minerals encourages the skin to increase collagen and elastin production, promotes wound healing and improves sun protection.
It’s also important to focus on nourishing and protecting skin from inflammation. Inflammageing is a term used to describe the chronic, low-grade inflammation that occurs as we age. As we get older, our body's ability to regulate inflammation becomes less efficient, leading to increased inflammatory response. This chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of many age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. Inflammageing can also affect our skin, leading to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, dullness, and age spots. By addressing the underlying inflammation in the skin, we can help to reduce these visible signs of ageing and promote a more youthful, radiant complexion.
We love the Osmosis Stemfactor Serum. This incredible product is often referred to as the ‘fountain of youth’ in a bottle. The formula contains more than 600 growth factors and skin peptides, which work together with advanced technology to revitalise, heal, and protect the skin. With visible results after just one use, this serum is designed to help you achieve younger-looking skin.
Finally, we also recommend the inclusion of topical vitamin A. Retinol and retinal are both forms of Vitamin A that are commonly used to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. However, retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, has been found to be gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation than retinol. Retinal works by converting into retinoic acid in the skin, which helps stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Osmosis has a range of retinal serums available in different strengths.
4 | Healthy Lifestyle: Nourish Your Skin from Within
A healthy lifestyle is essential for overall skin health and can help minimise the effects of genetic ageing. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins can provide your skin with the necessary nutrients to maintain its youthful appearance. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day is also crucial for keeping your skin plump and healthy.
Getting enough sleep is essential for skin regeneration and repair. During deep sleep, the body produces collagen, which is necessary for maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support your skin's natural rejuvenation process.
Managing stress is also important for skin health. Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels in the body, which can lead to inflammation and accelerate the ageing process. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practising relaxation techniques, exercising, or spending time doing activities that you enjoy. Taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing can have a positive impact on your skin's health and overall appearance.
5 | Treatments: Stimulate Collagen Production and Promote Healthy Functioning
One of the key benefits of incorporating professional skincare treatments into your skincare routine is their ability to stimulate collagen production and promote healthy functioning of the skin.
Collagen is a protein that provides structure and firmness to the skin, but its production naturally declines as we age, contributing to the signs of genetic ageing. LED therapy, for example, uses different wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production, helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enzyme Therapy is another effective treatment that uses enzymes to exfoliate the skin and stimulate blood flow, resulting in healthy functioning skin.
We recommend booking a consultation with our team to determine which treatments are best suited for your unique skin concerns and goals.
At our clinic, we offer personalised Dermal Care Plans tailored to your individual skin needs and concerns. Our team of skincare professionals can assess your skin, provide recommendations, and guide you on the best skincare practices to combat genetic ageing. Book a consultation with us today to discover how you can take proactive steps to maintain healthy skin now and into the future.