Changes to our skin as we age

Skin becomes drier and more sensitive with age

As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid stores begin to deplete, so the skin holds less water and becomes noticeably drier and more dehydrated. If you already have dry or sensitive skin, this can lead to a crepey texture, tightness and dullness.

Dehydrated skin also weakens the skin barrier, increasing sensitivity and making conditions such as rosacea, eczema and dermatitis more reactive. This is one of the reasons rosacea can gradually worsen over time if it is not actively managed. Dry, unprotected skin also accelerates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Investing in the right cleanser, toner, exfoliator and moisturiser for your skin type becomes essential as we get older. Harsh, foaming or over-exfoliating products can strip the skin, while the right medical-grade ingredients will:

  • Keep skin smooth, soft and hydrated

  • Strengthen and support the skin barrier

  • Help restore a healthy skin pH

  • Reduce the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can trigger breakouts and inflammation

We develop sun damage and hyperpigmentation

Years of accumulated sun exposure cause progressive damage to the DNA of our skin cells. Over time, this can disrupt melanocytes – the cells that produce pigment – leading to patches of excess pigmentation, known as hyperpigmentation.

As we age, we become more prone to:

  • Solar lentigines (sun spots)

  • Melasma – darker brown or greyish patches across the face

  • Freckles that no longer fade with the seasons

  • Cherry angiomas – small red or purple spots from clusters of blood vessels

Hyperpigmentation can also develop after years of acne, or due to hormonal changes such as pregnancy and the menopause.

This is where targeted, medical-grade active skincare can be truly transformative. Expertly prescribed skin-brightening creams combine antioxidants with key prescription-only ingredients to help block the enzymes involved in pigment production within melanocytes. Over time, this can visibly even out skin tone and create a brighter, clearer complexion.

Dynamic lines become static wrinkles

In our younger years, lines usually appear only when we smile, frown or raise our eyebrows – these are known as dynamic lines. With repeated movement and gradual collagen loss, these etched-in lines can persist even when the face is at rest, becoming static wrinkles.

Our collagen stores break down and elasticity is reduced

From our mid-twenties onwards, we slowly produce less collagen and elastin each year:

  • Collagen gives the skin its structure, strength and firmness

  • Elastin allows the skin to stretch and then spring back into place

As these supportive fibres break down, the dermis (middle layer of the skin) becomes thinner. This leads to:

  • Skin laxity and sagging

  • Fine lines and deeper wrinkles

  • Dark circles and hollows under the eyes appearing more pronounced

  • A more tired, crepey appearance, especially around the eyes, mouth and neck

Targeted anti-ageing treatments, alongside personalised medical-grade skincare, can help to stimulate collagen, improve elasticity and restore a smoother, more lifted look to ageing skin.