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Mature, Aargh, I Hate That Description!

Back in my training days I was taught that a mature skin type was anyone over the age of 25 (how depressing is that?). But to be honest I never bought into that theory. Yes, changes do occur as we get older but lifestyle choices and genetics play their part too. Skin ageing is reflected in two ways - intrinsic & extrinsic ageing.

Intrinsic Ageing - Bad news; this is the stuff you can't change, its your genetics and it happens to us all darling! Good news; on a physical (and purely shallow level!!!) this is not as noticeable as the effects of extrinsic ageing are. The signs of intrinsic ageing are sneakily slow. Subtle changes take place within the structure of your skin. The epidermis thins, there is a loss of collagen and fat within the skin, elastin fibres become coarser, hair follicles and oil glands become less dense and oil production slows down.

Extrinsic Ageing - Bad news, this is the stuff that makes you look older than your peers. The good news is that you can fight this. Extrinsic ageing is down to environment and lifestyle choices. Long term exposure to UV rays is responsible for the majority of extrinsic ageing problems such as spider veins, pigmented skin, thick, rough texture and wrinkles.
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