Hormonal aging is a reality all women face and one of the most important skin care issues determined by hormones, next to acne. This is a natural process that can’t be stopped but only delayed, but once signs show up, it remains irreversible. Unfortunately this brings changes in the whole body and visibly, in our skin’s appearance: changes in tone and texture, loss of elasticity and smoothness. Skin goes through many changes once the body experiences hormonal aging and it loses the important elements that had kept it supple and radiant.
However, hormonal aging is not the only type of aging that brings changes on your skin. There are three main types of aging and their causes/sources are different:
Hormonal Aging:
It is the type of aging specifically associated with the changes in hormone levels; it can start earlier or later depending on the hormonal production and fluctuation; usually associated with menopause as well as pre- and post- menopause stages. The most common signs of hormonal aging are: dryness, thinning skin, dull tone, loss of elasticity and smoothness, possible breakouts, wrinkles and expression lines.
What causes hormonal aging skin transformations? The production of estrogen hormones in our body declines with age; estrogen is the female hormone responsible for the development of the female characteristics and is produced mainly by the ovaries. A low level of estrogen is associated with changes in the appearance of skin texture, elasticity and hydration. Skin becomes dryer as it loses water, and with this, it can become more sensitive or prone to redness and spider veins, acne or dryness. Not only the face is affected, the entire body shows the signs of hormonal aging.
Environmental aging
This type is an extrinsic process and is the result of harmful exterior factors accelerating the aging signs and symptoms. These “exterior” causes are the environmental factors -such as sun radiation, pollution, or even stress. Environmental aging is usually premature but may also show its signs later after years of sun exposure; it is essentially a process that can be prevented with consistent skin care. Sun exposure causes DNA damage and skin is not able to regenerate and repair itself anymore; that’s why sun protection is a crucial wrinkle fighter. Visible signs include dry, brittle skin, wrinkles, and hyper-pigmentation.
Genetic Aging
This is what nobody can prevent or run away from; genetic aging is dictated by our genetic makeup. You inherit the quality of your parents’ skin and this will be reflected in the way you age as well. This is a continuous process that starts to reveal evident signs as early as our 20s. The process is a natural one and is caused by the slower production of skin proteins like collagen and elastin (these proteins give skin its firmness and elasticity). Collagen is the main supporting fiber in the skin dermis layer, which gives strength and builds the structure of the skin; skin concerns associated with genetic aging include wrinkles, deep creases, and sagging skin.
Aging Skin Care
Environmental aging requires anti aging treatment systems that include extra antioxidants and vitamins, while the hormonal aging products are usually based on efficient hydrators, which provide the lost moisture and help lock in moisture in the skin cells. Collagen is an important ingredient which helps make up for the natural collagen loss in the skin. Hydrators are usually backed up by ingredients that help retain moisture at the cellular level; hydrated cells maintain normal functions and regenerate easier. Genetic aging is more about continuous hydration and keeping an optimal diet; preventing cellular water loss through diet and topical products helps minimize the visible symptoms of aging.
