Les mécanismes du vieillissement cellulaire

With age, women and men see their skin’s appearance change, as a result of the onset of their first wrinkles. Why does skin wrinkle with age ? Skin laxity is the expression of the natural or premature cell ageing process. An ageing body, cellular oxidation, and dehydration are the natural factors responsible for skin ageing. Sun and smoking can hasten the premature appearance of wrinkles.

Wrinkles: External signs of cellular deficiency

The appearance of wrinkles on the surface of the epidermis is one of the signs of an ageing body. Skin ageing is the result of insufficient cell renewal and of oxidative stress.

Learn about the ageing process of the skin’s cells.

Cells are replaced less frequently with age

As we age, our ageing bodies trigger three natural factors which lead to the formation of wrinkles:

⦁ Damage to genetic material also blocks the elimination of old cells and cell renewal. The skin loosens due to a shortage of elastin and collagen.
⦁ After menopause, women do not eliminate as much iron as they did through their menstrual cycles. The accumulation of iron leads to cellular oxidation.
⦁ It is more difficult for the skin to hydrate itself naturally, causing water deficiencies in the epidermis.


Cell ageing: Free radicals are to blame


Free radicals produce an overdose of oxidants which asphyxiate the dermis and the epidermis. This phenomenon is known as oxidative stress, or oxidative damage. Because oxygenation is limited, the cells begin to age.

Consuming antioxidant foods reduces the presence of free radicals in the body. All green vegetables contain antioxidants, particularly the mustard family.

Conceal unsightly wrinkles

Around the age of 30, the first wrinkles appear, running from the nose to the corners of the lips. These are nasolabial folds. Those that appear on the forehead and at the corners of the eyes are called expression wrinkles. The famous frown lines are horizontal creases on the brow.

Injections of hyaluronic acid are commonly used to fill in these furrows. Beauty creams that combine collagen with hyaluronic acid are also very popular.

Factors that cause the premature ageing of facial cells

Although the onset of wrinkles is inevitable, a balanced lifestyle can slow the skin’s premature ageing.

Two main factors lead to a loss of elasticity in the face:

⦁ unprotected exposure to the sun
⦁ active and passive smoking.

Find out why the sun and smoking affect all skin types.

The sun stimulates the appearance of wrinkles

The sun produces solar elastosis, or the photo-ageing of the skin. UV rays cause the loosening of the elastic tissues in the reticular dermis.

Note that all skin is sensitive to the effects of the sun, at any age. The application of hydrating sunscreen before and after exposure to the sun is essential for all skin types. Whether your skin is young or mature, and whatever its colouring, you should apply sun protection to it.

Stop smoking permanently to rejuvenate your skin

Smoking – even second-hand smoke – is the enemy of the health of your body and your skin. Using tobacco causes deficiencies in terms of vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of collagen (Source: French Public Health Agency).

The nicotine in tobacco asphyxiates the skin by altering the cellular oxygenation process. As a result, the water in the skin dries out, causing withering in the epidermis. The skin ages prematurely and takes on a dull appearance.

The loss of elasticity in the face leads to the appearance of wrinkles around the forehead, eyes, nose and mouth. An anti-ageing skin care product can restore the skin’s elasticity by regenerating the cells. Adopting a healthier lifestyle extends the effects of skin creams. Taking care of your skin will improve your natural beauty.

See these pages for more information about the origins and treatment of wrinkles.