Why we wrinkle differently - factors and how You can influence it

The amazing skin suit

The skin is vital for our health and general well-being. In addition to being the body's first line of defense against bacteria and viruses, healthy skin maintains fluid balance and facilitates the regulation of body temperature. It is our largest and most visible organ, covering almost 30 m² if you count hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and constitutes nearly one-sixth of our body weight. It is very sensitive and can detect the slightest touch as well as pain. How your skin feels can also have a significant impact on your self-esteem, but conversely, how you feel is reflected in your skin. What scientists now know is that the skin also produces hormones, so emotions, diet, and hormones have a great effect on your skin.

 Collagen and elastin

The skin consists of three layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The main structural components of the dermis are collagen and elastin, connective tissue that provides strength and flexibility and are the essential components of healthy and youthful skin. These fibers are surrounded by a gel-like substance (containing hyaluronic acid) that has a strong water-binding capacity and helps maintain skin volume. This is what many are now starting to inject to maintain moisture and fullness.

Why do we wrinkle differently?

It's in the genes – look at your parents and you'll get a probable picture of how your skin will age. No two skins are alike, just as we ourselves are, and it ages differently depending on heredity and lifestyle, but the first signs of aging usually appear on the skin's surface in your 30s. Factors that can accelerate the process externally include sun, air pollution, and smoking. As we age, the substances that keep the skin smooth decrease. These are collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

Young skin has a structure reminiscent of building blocks: a systematic structure of skin tissue and an abundant supply of collagen. It looks smooth and feels firm. Over time, internal and external factors begin to affect the appearance of the skin:

» Internal factors: the natural (or biological) aging process is predetermined by our genes, as well as your emotions and hormones.

» External factors: environmental factors that can create oxidative stress, e.g., overexposure to sunlight, poor sleep, wrong type of diet, etc.

From the age of 25, collagen levels decrease by 1 percent per year, and together with increasingly "disorganized skin tissue," this causes reduced skin strength and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Another important factor in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles is surface dryness. As a result of decreased skin functions, mature skin becomes increasingly dry and can also itch and become rough. This is, among other factors, the reason for the reduced amount of hyaluronic acid produced in the skin. It is the moisture-binding substance that surrounds the cells and gives the skin its youthful, smooth appearance. This decline causes the skin to lose its firmness and become more susceptible to folds and deep wrinkles.

Image: Clara Moberg