Skin naturally changes over time. The appearance of fine lines, a loss of firmness, a less radiant complexion, or increased dryness are all changes that occur as the skin ages. This process is inevitable, but it does not affect everyone in the same way.

While age and genetics influence how the skin evolves, they are not the only factors involved. Sun exposure, pollution, stress, sleep quality, and diet also play an important role in the rate at which skin ages. Understanding the mechanisms behind skin aging helps adopt the right habits to preserve skin quality, firmness, and radiance over the long term.

Why does skin change with age?

Skin aging is a natural process that gradually develops over the years. From adulthood onwards, several changes occur: cell renewal slows down, the production of certain proteins decreases, and the skin’s repair mechanisms become less efficient. As a result, the skin becomes more fragile and less able to defend itself against external stressors.

While these changes are part of the body’s natural aging process, they can be accelerated by various factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and certain lifestyle habits.

Decreased production of collagen and elastin

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. It provides strength, firmness, and structure. Elastin, on the other hand, allows the skin to remain flexible and return to its original shape after stretching. Together, these two proteins help maintain skin firmness and elasticity.

From around the age of 25, their production gradually decreases, while existing fibers become more vulnerable to degradation. As a result, the skin gradually loses its firmness, wrinkles become more visible, and facial contours may appear less defined.

In women, this process often accelerates after menopause due to the decline in estrogen levels, hormones that contribute to maintaining skin quality.

Slower cell renewal

The skin naturally renews itself through a continuous cycle of cell replacement. In young adults, this cycle takes approximately 28 days, but it gradually becomes longer with age and can exceed 40 days.

This slower renewal process leads to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. The complexion may appear duller, the skin can become drier and thinner, and its natural protective barrier against external aggressors may become less effective.

Oxidative stress and daily environmental aggressors

Skin aging is also influenced by oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals (molecules naturally generated by the body) and the antioxidant defenses responsible for neutralizing them. When present in excess, free radicals can damage skin cells and accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are the primary cause of premature skin aging, also known as photoaging. Other daily factors can also increase oxidative stress and accelerate skin aging, including pollution, smoking, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption.

How can you preserve skin quality over time?

Although it is impossible to completely prevent skin aging, it is possible to support the process by adopting healthy daily habits.

Follow a suitable skincare routine

Mature skin does not have the same needs as younger skin. A suitable skincare routine helps maintain comfort, hydration, and balance.

Essential steps include:

• Cleansing the skin with a gentle product;
• Applying a suitable serum or moisturizing treatment;
• Strengthening the skin barrier with nourishing ingredients;
• Avoiding overly harsh products that may weaken the epidermis.

The goal is to maintain comfortable skin while supporting its natural protective mechanisms.

Protect your skin from UV exposure

Sun protection is one of the most effective steps to help prevent premature skin aging.

Even on cloudy days, some UV rays can penetrate through clouds. Using appropriate sun protection helps preserve collagen and reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots.

Keep your skin well hydrated

With age, the skin produces fewer protective lipids and has a reduced ability to retain water. Maintaining good hydration helps preserve skin softness, flexibility, and comfort.

It is also recommended to drink enough water throughout the day to support overall body function.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Skin quality also reflects our lifestyle.

A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and high-quality proteins provides the nutrients needed for cell renewal.

Sleep supports the body’s natural repair processes, while regular physical activity improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.

Finally, learning how to better manage stress may help reduce oxidative stress, which plays a role in skin aging.

What can help support aging skin?

Taking care of your skin involves both topical skincare and providing the nutrients needed for its proper function.

Essential nutrients

Certain nutrients contribute to the maintenance of normal skin or help protect cells against oxidative stress.

These include:

• Vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation necessary for healthy skin function and helps protect cells against oxidative stress;
• Zinc, which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and helps protect cells against oxidative stress;
• Vitamin E, recognized for its antioxidant properties;
• Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to the normal function of cell membranes;
• Polyphenols, naturally found in many plants and studied for their antioxidant properties.

The Glow & Youth Serum: a complement to your beauty routine

To support these healthy habits, it is also possible to incorporate a targeted skincare product into your daily routine.

The Glow & Youth Serum combines black seed oil, argan oil, macadamia oil, lupin oil, and vitamin E. This blend of active ingredients has been formulated to nourish the skin, help maintain hydration, and support skin softness and elasticity.

Thanks to its richness in antioxidant compounds, it also helps protect the skin from external aggressors involved in the aging process.

Applied daily, ideally in the evening, it easily fits into a routine that includes sun protection, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle.

On its own, it cannot prevent skin aging, but it can be a valuable ally for supporting skin that seeks comfort, radiance, and suppleness throughout the years.