Skincare In Our Thirties!
In December our Founder, Ally, turned 30! So we decided it was time to explore what happens to our skin as we enter into our thirties, and start to notice the little changes going on with our skin.
One of the most significant changes is happening much faster and sooner than we were expecting! This change, is the slowing down of Collagen production and the speeding up of the ageing process.
What Happens to Our Skin As We Age?
Collagen Production Slows Down by How Much?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It plays a critical role in providing structure, strength, and elasticity to our body’s connective tissues. Collagen is made up of numerous amino acids which are important for supporting us during busy lives and maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, bones, cartilage, tendons and joints.
Sadly, our natural collagen production starts to decline at a rate of 1-1.5% each year from our mid-twenties. To combat this, start looking at using collagen-boosting products in your skincare routine, such as vitamin C, retinoids, peptides and antioxidants to help support and strengthen these connectives tissues. You can also consume Collagen by adding it into your diet or coffee!
Dry, Flaking Skin
As we age, our skin produces less oil, leaving it feeling drier and flakier than before. We see a natural decline in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and testosterone, these play a significant role in regulating oil production. And if we don’t already feel like a desert cactus, our sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing protective oils onto our skin, become less active as we age and may even shrink in size, further contributing to that dry, tight and irritated feeling.
To help rebalance and restore your skins natural barrier, try searching for moisturisers that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. You can also opt for face washes that have nourishing properties. We love cleansing oils or milk cleansers to give our skin that extra moisture boost. It's also super important to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Pigmentation and Sun Damage Increases
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that occurs when melanin production increases, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone. This can be exacerbated by changes in hormones, pregnancy and too much sun exposure, so it's important to wear SPF every day and limit time spent baking outside under full UV rays. Try using skincare products that contain brightening ingredients like Vitamin C and Niacinamide to even out your skin tone and a daily moisturiser that includes SPF is a must to help relieve the signs of sun damage.
Skin Cell Turnover Slows Down
The slowing of our skin cell cycle during our 30s is a result of a combination of factors: a natural decline in hormone levels, the decrease in collagen production, and over-exposure to environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution and smoking. This leads to the buildup of dead skin cells on the skin surface, making you look and feel dull and tired.
Incorporating exfoliating products into your skincare routine can help to buff away any unwanted buildup and reveal brighter, smoother skin. One option is chemical exfoliants including; alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and Enzyme peels. Or you can opt for a gentle scrub with ingredients like soft walnut shell or jojoba beads to gently lift away dirt, dead cells and impurities from the skin.
Which Ingredients Can be Helpful for Ageing Skin?
1. Retinol: A form of vitamin A that helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Antioxidants: Like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea help to protect the skin from free radicals and prevent damage from UV damage.
3. Hyaluronic acid: HA is a humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.
4. Peptides: Are amino acids that help to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and tone.
Ageing is a natural part of life, and we love our natural looking skin at Illuminate! We are here for all those laugh lines and wrinkles that life gives us. But with a little help, the right skincare routine and focusing on good lifestyle habits, we can keep our skin looking healthy as we age gracefully.