Nivea Q10 serum, causes and solutions for skin ageing

WHAT CAUSES SKIN AGEING AND HOW CAN IT BE SLOWED?

7 causes of skin ageing and 8 ways to slow it down

WHAT CAUSES SKIN AGEING AND HOW CAN IT BE SLOWED?

Ageing skin is an inevitable part of growing older – we will all begin to experience it at one point or another. However, the extent of skin ageing depends on a variety of factors, both biological and environmental - some within our control and some beyond. If you’ve ever wondered what those factors may be and how the skin ageing process can be slowed down or reversed, then read on to find out more.

WHAT IS SKIN AGEING AND WHAT IS THE SKIN AGEING PROCESS?

Skin ageing is the term attributed to the natural process that skin goes through as we age. Common signs of ageing skin are wrinkles, textured skin, and loose skin. Other signs of skin ageing include patches of pigmentation (hyperpigmentation), increased transparency due to thinning of the outer and inner layers of skin (epidermis and dermis), and an increased tendency to bruise.

 

Skin ageing occurs all over the body and is most prevalent in areas where the skin folds, such as eyelids, the neck and the armpits. Thinner skin on the face is most noticeable, due to tendons and blood vessels becoming more visible. Ageing skin will also be fairly noticeable on the arms for this same reason.

WHAT CAUSES SKIN AGEING?

While this process is an inevitable part of growing older, there are both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that have an impact.


INTRINSIC FACTORS CAN BE CATEGORISED AS THOSE THAT ARE INHERENT, SUCH AS GENETIC PREDISPOSITION.



INTRINSIC FACTORS

Intrinsic factors can be categorised as those that are inherent, such as genetic predisposition. Other intrinsic factors include:

 

1. Collagen production decreases each year from the early twenties onwards, causing skin to thin and become more fragile with age.

 

2. Elastin production is responsible for keeping skin taut and also decreases with age. As a result, skin is also less likely to bounce back after injury.

 

3. Sebaceous glands also produce less sebum over time, which leads to dryness, itchiness, and a slightly textured appearance.

 

 

EXTRINSIC FACTORS

 

Extrinsic factors are those that occur externally and magnify intrinsic factors. These are most often linked to sudden skin ageing. Examples of extrinsic factors include:

 

1. Excessive sun exposure: UVA and UVB radiation contribute to photoaging, which is the premature ageing of skin over time. UVA radiation affects the outer layers of skin (dermis), breaking down collagen and elastin fibres which keep the skin tight. UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and can damage the DNA structure of the skin.
2. Pollution: free radicals in the atmosphere can react with the skin’s surface, weakening the skin’s barrier and reducing moisture retention. A weakened barrier can also contribute to premature signs of ageing, including hyperpigmentation.

 

3. Chronically bad diet: a diet consisting of high amounts of fatty foods and lacking in nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins can leave skin looking dull, dry and loose.

 

4. Smoking: most people understand that tobacco smoke contains thousands of toxins that are seriously harmful to heart and lung health. Smokers are also more likely to experience deeper wrinkles on the face due to the effect of tobacco smoke breaking down collagen and elastin fibres in the skin.

 

While a number of factors are intrinsic and therefore beyond our control, adopting a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to pollutants and UV radiation can help to slow the ageing process and reduce the risk of sudden and unexpected skin ageing.

WHEN DOES SKIN AGEINg TYPICALLY BEGIN?

Although production of collagen begins to decrease from the early twenties onwards, the first signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles tend not to appear until the mid-to-late twenties. The ageing process is gradual and typically occurs in stages.

 

After fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, people may notice a loss of firmness as collagen and elastin production further slows.

 

Over time, this loss of collagen decreases overall skin volume, which is more noticeable around the age of 40. Progressing on to the 50s, you may begin to notice your complexion has dulled, and this is due to a decrease in cell turnover. With this, wrinkles may appear deeper and skin may feel drier to the touch. Areas that are more frequently exposed to the sun may experience hyperpigmentation or age spots.

DOES OILY SKIN AGE BETTER?

While oily skin may seem problematic from time to time, typically oily skin ages slower than other skin types. Sebaceous glands, which contribute to skin oiliness, help to keep the skin hydrated and plump, maintaining a youthful-complexion. Since sebaceous glands slow their production with age, those who are predisposed to overproduction will have an advantage in later life since dry skin can lead to dull and textured skin with age.

HOW CAN I HELP SLOW DOWN SKIN AGEING?

Now you may be wondering how to reverse ageing skin – and, while it isn’t entirely possible, there are ways to slow it down. Below are eight key steps to help slow down ageing and tightening skin:

1. Wear sun protection: as we’ve already covered ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can contribute to premature skin ageing. One of the easiest ways to limit this effect is to apply SPF to exposed areas of skin every day. Skin Protection Factor 30 should be applied as a minimum, with factor 50 being optimum.

 

Incorporating a face sunscreen into your skincare routine will ensure that you leave the house wearing protection every day.

DISCOVER NIVEA SUNSCREENS

 

2. Exercise regularly: raising your heart rate, whether it’s through walking, cycling or any other cardio activity, can increase blood flow and help nourish skin cells to keep them healthy. It’s also a great way to manage stress, another culprit of premature skin ageing.

 

3. Maintain a healthy diet: including antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and legumes can reduce the effect of free radical skin damage.

 

Vitamin C, for example, is believed to help reduce skin dryness and the appearance of wrinkles. You can also supplement a healthy diet with skincare products that contain antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E to prevent free radical damage.

INCORPORATING A FACE SUNSCREEN INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE WILL ENSURE THAT YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE WEARING PROTECTION EVERY DAY.

4. Adopt a healthy lifestyle: exercising, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking can all help to slow down the skin ageing process. This is because smoking produces free radicals which reduce collagen and elastin production, while alcohol dehydrates the skin.

 

5. Use a retinoid or bio-retinol alternative such as Bakuchoil is a powerful antioxidant that’s also regarded for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s known for helping to increase the production of collagen, which can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Unsure where to start? Why not try the NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Anti-Age Day Cream SPF30? The special formula can help to firm skin and redefine facial contours, while the added SPF30 provides a level of protection against UV radiation.

6. Use active skincare ingredients: Q10, Hyaluronic Acid, Bakuchoil and vitamin C can help to boost collagen production.

 

7. Gently cleanse skin twice daily: the foundation of any skincare routine should consist of cleansing your face in the morning and evening to remove any pollution, dirt or dead skin cells that may clog pores and cause irritation.

 

Gently cleansing will help to reduce the risk of skin irritation, which can contribute to premature skin ageing. Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils, as these keep skin hydrated.

 

8. Stay moisturised: after both daily cleanses, be sure to apply a moisturising cream to keep skin hydrated. This, combined with other active ingredients mentioned previously, will help to maintain a smooth texture and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE MAY HELP TO PREVENT, REDUCE AND EVEN SLOW THE SKIN AGEING PROCESS - BUT IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THEIR EFFECTIVENESS DEPENDS ON OTHER FACTORS. AGE, SEVERITY OF SKIN AGEING AND SKIN TYPE SHOULD ALL BE CONSIDERED WHEN SETTING EXPECTATIONS.

ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE

Best skin care routine for aging skin and wrinkles
Daily cleansing and moisturisation form the core of any anti-ageing routine – but the true groundwork for establishing a reinforced skin barrier is accomplished with a serum.

 

Show your best face and all your expressions that are you uniquely you – with a serum that works alongside you. Try NIVEA's Q10 DUAL-ACTION Serum and experience the dual approach system with the latest ingredients:

 

  • Highly concentrated Pure Q10 to reduce existing wrinkles
  • GLYCOSTOP to help fight signs of new wrinkles.     

 

Keep living your life fully, with a skin dexterity achieved with a serum formulated to assist in maintaining and easing the sign of wrinkles. You can apply it to the forehead, eye and lip area, as well as nasolabial folds for a refreshed look to keep you looking rejuvenated throughout every moment.

DISCOVER NIVEA ANTI-AGEING CARE

BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE ROUTINE

Healthy, radiant-looking skin is within reach, but you’ll need an effective skincare regime to make it happen. NIVEA’s got you covered when it comes to trustworthy, science-backed ingredients with reliable results. You just need to maintain consistency when applying the products that work for you to make sure you get the best results that you can.

 

Using a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night gives your products the best chance of working effectively. The key ingredients of an effective anti-ageing skincare routine include:

 

VITAMIN C

Many of us love our vitamin C in the form of a glass of fresh orange juice, but did you know this vitamin has powerful anti-ageing effects when applied to the skin as well? Topically applied vitamin C protects the skin against environmental stress and supports collagen production, which contributes to a smooth and radiant complexion.

HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid is known as a humectant, which means it attracts moisture to your skin. Used topically, it’s a great moisturising ingredient for all types of skin. Studies have shown that HA-based products can visually improve skin plumpness, and can improve skin hydration by as much as 55%.

PEPTIDES AND CERAMIDES

Peptides are proteins that help repair damaged skin cells, while ceramides are lipids that lock in moisture, helping to create an essential barrier against environmental damage.

RETINOIDS AND BAKUCHIOL

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, and they excel at stimulating cell turnover. As they can cause skin irritations, you may want to consult with your dermatologist about the right percentage of retinol before getting started. Apply retinoids only in the evening.

 

Bakuchiol has many of the same performance as retinoids, but it’s considered less aggressive. This ingredient is more suited to those with sensitive skin.

SUNSCREEN

Using sunscreen daily is critical to help prevent sun damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Although sunburns can seem to heal quickly, they can cause more serious problems, like skin cancer, down the line.

 

Protect yourself by covering up with adequate clothing like long-sleeved tops and wide-brimmed hats when you’re in the sun. And as for sunscreen, you’ll want to look for products that contain a 4-star UVA protection indication, and at least SPF 30 when it comes to UVB protection.

DISCOVER THE NEW NIVEA Q10 DUAL ACTION SERUM

NIVEA offers a wide range of anti-ageing skincare, many of which contain active ingredients mentioned in this article: Bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, vitamins E, C, A, and others.

 

The new Q10 Dual Action serum with breakthrough ingredient GLYCOSTOP and Q10 helps to fight signs of new wrinkles and visibly reduce the appearance of even the deepest wrinkles.

 

PRODUCTS TO REDUCE SKIN AGEING

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can having an effective skincare routine prevent ageing?

As the skin matures, it often fights against the most visible signs of time: wrinkles and fine lines. These tell the story of years gone by and are the main concern of many people who want to maintain the youthful vigour of their skin. Fortunately, a few select products can turn back the clock on these signs of ageing. You’ll want to look for products like:

 

  • A gentle cleanser
  • A powerful antioxidant backuchiol
  • A rich moisturiser
  • NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum with GLYCOSTOP to prevent glycation damage from excess of sugar in the skin*
  • A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

 

Expert tip: Adding the new NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum to your usual Q10 day care routine brings 4x more powerful results than simply using a day cream alone**.

 

* in vitro
** Usage in combination with Nivea Q10 Day Care SPF 15 proved superiority in 4 scientifically measured skin benefits

is it possible to look younger naturally?

Ageing is a natural process, but there are a few things you can do to try to mitigate its effects or its signs. It’s important to pay attention to lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, smoking, and sun exposure to try and keep the effects of ageing at bay for as long as you want to.

What are the best options to deal with ageing skin?

The first thing to consider is your lifestyle. Following a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and limiting sun exposure can go a long way toward preventing the visible signs of ageing.

 

Furthermore, if you’re looking at dryness, dark spots, or wrinkles, you’ll want to establish a good skincare routine.

 

Start with a gentle cleanser in the morning. Follow with a powerful serum like NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum. Next, apply a moisturiser for added hydration, and finish off with sunscreen.

 

In the evening, you’ll want to cleanse thoroughly, exfoliate, and then add a hyaluronic acid, retinol product, or an anti-glycation serum like NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum, as well as a night cream to finish. You may also want to add an eye cream to your night routine to protect against fine lines on this delicate skin.