Understanding Skin Ageing & What You Can Do to Slow Visible Signs

Understanding Skin Ageing and Steps To Slow Down Visible Signs of Ageing 

We hear a lot about ageing skin, collagen loss, and declining estrogen levels during midlife, peri- and menopause.

But even if you're not at this stage in your life I'm sure this blog will be useful to you too.  This the kind of information I wish I knew from my early twenties - whether I would've listened at the time I'm not so sure, but still. 

While elastin and collagen loss and declining estrogen levels are important, skin ageing is influenced by much more—your unique genetic makeup, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposure over the years all play a role in how your skin changes and ages over time.

Understanding the underlying causes of ageing 

I don’t know about you, but I find it much easier to take action when I understand the root cause of an issue rather than just addressing the symptoms.

Once I learned what was happening beneath my skin’s surface—and how those changes showed up on my face—I was able to reset my skincare routine and lifestyle to specifically work to slow down these signs of ageing. 

This is of course an ongoing process, day after day - but the most important thing is to keep my skin healthy and strong as long as I possibly can - so it's all worth it. 

Saying that, I don't always get everything right either - there are a lot that can get in the way from time to time, but it's the small actions that we consistently take that will make the biggest difference in the end.  

The truth is, skin ageing is inevitable, but the rate at which it happens is not.

When you understand the underlying causes, you can take control of your unique lifestyle and make proactive choices that work for you to slow down visible signs of ageing.

At Beauty by Ané Skincare, we believe in:

• Proactive, not reactive skincare.
• Supporting and strengthening skin, not "fighting ageing."
• Focusing on long-term results, not quick fixes.

This guide explores the causes of skin ageing and provides science-backed strategies to maintain healthy, resilient skin for years to come.

In This Guide, We’ll Explore:

• The biological and environmental factors that cause skin ageing
• How to recognise the early signs of ageing
• Proven strategies to strengthen and protect your skin longer term 

The Root Causes of Skin Ageing

Skin ageing is influenced by a combination of internal and external factors.

While our chronological age plays a role, our skin's appearance can be significantly impacted by our genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

9 Biological Factors (Intrinsic Causes of Skin Ageing)

Our genetic makeup is plays a big role in how we age, but there is also a lot we can do to mitigate some of our genetics.  

These are also several other natural processes that occur within our bodies over time:

• Oxidative Stress: An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants damages cells, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. UV exposure, pollution, and stress accelerate oxidative damage, making antioxidant protection essential for healthy, youthful skin.

• Inflammation / "Inflammaging": Chronic low-grade inflammation degrades collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin tone. This inflammatory response weakens skin repair mechanisms over time.

• Cellular Senescence: Ageing cells lose their ability to function properly and secrete harmful molecules that contribute to inflammation and breakdown of the skin’s support structure.

• Glycation: Excess sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin, making them stiff and less elastic, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Diet plays a major role in this process.

• Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Declining energy production in cells and increased free radical production accelerate skin ageing, impairing collagen synthesis and slowing repair processes.

• Hormonal Changes and Oestrogen Depletion: Decreased oestrogen during menopause leads to dryness, thinning, and increased wrinkling due to reduced collagen, hyaluronic acid, and barrier function.

• Collagen & Elastin Breakdown: The loss of these structural proteins causes sagging, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity, weakening skin’s structural integrity.

• Reduced Hyaluronic Acid Production: Decreased HA leads to drier skin, making fine lines more visible and reducing plumpness.

• Slower Cell Renewal: The skin’s ability to shed old cells slows down, resulting in dullness, uneven texture, and compromised repair.

 

7 Environmental and Lifestyle Factors (Extrinsic Causes of Skin Ageing)

These external factors accelerate the natural ageing process:

• UV Damage (Photoageing): Sun exposure is the primary cause of premature ageing, breaking down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles, pigmentation, and thinning.

• Pollution & Free Radicals: Environmental toxins generate free radicals that damage skin cells, leading to dullness, sensitivity, and collagen breakdown.

• Diet/Nutrition: High sugar intake accelerates glycation, stiffening collagen and reducing skin elasticity.

• Gut Health: Imbalances in gut bacteria may contribute to systemic inflammation and skin ageing.

• Stress & Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep elevate cortisol levels, promoting inflammation and collagen breakdown.

• Smoking: Restricts blood flow, depleting oxygen and nutrients, accelerating wrinkles and dullness.

• Alcohol: Dehydrates skin, weakening the skin barrier and making it more susceptible to damage.

Signs of Ageing Skin & How to Recognise Them Early

Prevention is key! Recognising early signs allows for proactive intervention.

Early Signs (30s-40s):

• Fine lines (especially around eyes and mouth)
• Dullness and uneven texture due to slower cell turnover
• Decreased firmness caused by collagen fragmentation
• Increased dryness from reduced hyaluronic acid production

Advanced Signs (40s-50s & Beyond):

• Deeper wrinkles and sagging due to collagen loss and ECM degradation
• Age spots and pigmentation from cumulative UV exposure and oxidative stress
• Thinner skin and slower healing due to reduced cell renewal and barrier function

5 Ways Slow Down Skin Ageing with Skincare

Here are science-backed strategies to maintain youthful skin:

1. Nourish and Strengthen Your Skin Barrier- A strong barrier prevents moisture loss and irritation.

Look for products with ceramides, fattyacids / lipids, niacinamide, and peptides.

Our Ané Glow in a Bottle Face Oil is formulated with a handpicked selection of fatty-acid rich plant oils to help protect, support, and strengthen your skin barrier.

2. Boost Collagen and Elastin Production Naturally

Support collagen synthesis with peptides, retinoids, and vitamin C to enhance skin structure and elasticity.

3. Hydrate for a Plump and Youthful Complexion

Hydrated skin looks younger and ages more slowly. Use products with hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, glycerine, panthenol, sodium pca and ectoin. 

4. Protect Against Environmental Damage with Antioxidants

Neutralise free radicals with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10, and ferulic acid.

 5. Shield Your Skin from the Sun’s Harmful Rays

Daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential for preventing premature ageing and maintaining long-term skin health.

7 Lifestyle Adjustments for Skin Longevity

1. Protein-Rich Diet: Amino acids support collagen synthesis.
2. Resistance Training: Helps preserve collagen and muscle tone, reducing sagging.
3. Sleep & Circadian Rhythm: Growth hormone production (for repair) peaks at night—prioritise quality sleep.
4. Hydration & Electrolytes: Proper hydration supports skin elasticity and barrier function.
5. Mindfulness & Stress Reduction: Practices like meditation and yoga help lower cortisol levels, reducing inflammation and collagen breakdown.
6. Healthy Fats: Incorporating omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports skin structure and hydration.
7. Avoid Excess Sugar & Processed Foods: Reducing sugar and refined carbohydrate intake helps prevent glycation, keeping collagen and elastin strong. 

Conclusion: Future-Proofing Your Skin Starts Today

Prioritising collagen and elastin, hydration, supporting skin barrier health, and sun protection is key to slowing down skin ageing for decades to come. 

Takeaway: Proactive skincare and healthy habits deliver long-term results—far more effective than chasing quick fixes.