The Biology of Skin Aging
The skin aging process is complex and multifactorial, with structural, functional, and aesthetic changes occurring at variable rates. It is a mistake to view skin aging as a uniform biological event — in reality, several distinct biological processes can take place simultaneously.
We can identify five types of skin aging: intrinsic, extrinsic, lifestyle-related, hormonal, and catabolic.
Intrinsic aging reflects the effects of degradation over time under the action of gravity and genetics. Extrinsic aging refers mainly to the effects of smoking and photoaging. Lifestyle aging includes diet and the consumption of alcohol and drugs. Hormonal aging relates to the decline of hormonal systems and the dysfunctions that may arise in how they operate. Finally, catabolic aging is linked to chronic diseases.
Intrinsic Aging
This is a slow process with clinical features such as the development of fine lines that become increasingly visible as time passes. The intrinsic skin aging process leads to dermal and epidermal atrophy, a decrease in the number of fibroblasts, less collagen, and more matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). An altered dermal-epidermal junction may contribute to increased skin fragility and reduced nutrient transfer between the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin.
Extrinsic Aging
This form of aging is caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet solar radiation (photoaging) and by smoking, both of which produce deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and reduced skin elasticity. The facial skin, in particular, accumulates the effects of sun exposure over time — responsible for 80% of the visible signs of facial aging and of skin cancer. While photoaged epidermis shows atrophy and abnormal aging of keratinocytes, changes at the dermal level involve the accumulation of elastic material (solar elastosis) and the loss of integrity of elastic fibers. These changes lead to a loss of skin elasticity and manifest as wrinkles on the surface of the skin.
Smoking also accelerates aging by causing the degradation of elastic fibers and a significant increase in facial wrinkles. Smokers‘ wrinkles are deep and narrow compared to those of non-smokers. This wrinkling pattern is often associated with atrophied and hyperpigmented skin. Moreover, the specific movements involved in smoking generate, over time, pronounced wrinkles at the corners of the eyes (crow‘s feet) and on the upper lip (perioral lines).
Hormonal and Catabolic Aging
The skin is an organ influenced by hormones, and the decline in hormonal secretion during menopause accelerates skin aging. Menopause represents a turning point in life, marked by a decline in skin quality. Estrogen, in particular, has a profound effect on the skin by supporting the extracellular matrix and preventing decreases in collagen levels, while maintaining optimal skin thickness, hydration, and barrier function. Facial sagging is the main symptom of post-menopausal aging.
Catabolic aging affects skin quality through the harmful effects of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, cancer, or various infections.
Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Medicine: The Modern Approach
Minimally invasive aesthetic medicine meets patients‘ needs with solutions that improve appearance, correct various skin conditions, and — in just a few sessions — smooth wrinkles and imperfections that have formed over years. It uses hyaluronic acid injectables for wrinkle correction, lip enhancement with hyaluronic acid, and facial volume restoration through liquid facelift techniques, as well as treatments for improving skin texture, rejuvenation, and biorevitalization.
The aging process cannot be stopped, but it can be influenced by our lifestyle, the choices we make, and the care we give ourselves.
Dr Irina Arsene - Clinica UltraEstetic
Tel: 0720 790 098
Str Dr. Zaharia Petrescu 7, Cotroceni, Bucuresti