Our skin begins to age as soon as we are born (Gasp!).
We don't usually think about it until there are some visible signs though such as fine lines, crepey skin and age spots.
Over time, our skin's natural processes slow down, meaning that cell recovery and renewal is slower, and so signs of aging start to appear.
Aging is not a bad thing, contrary to what the beauty industry will have us believe. Various beauty and magazine editors and cosmetic surgeons make out that aging is devastating, that we must simply throw a lot of money and a whole array of expensive cosmetics (or even surgery!) at the "problem". Pop in to any shop that sells skincare and you'll see rows of products vying for your attention with flashy anti-aging super claims. In truth, the only thing that would make you look younger is a time machine (or surgery and fillers etc, which carry their own risks!).
Visible signs of aging vary according to our genetics and environment (e.g lifestyle, smoking, diet etc). Here is an overview of what typically happens to our skin as we get older:
20's
Skin cell defences start to weaken due to free radicals; cell renewal naturally slows which can reduce skin's natural glow. Environmental factors such as diet, sun exposure and smoking can begin to affect skin's structure.
30's
Collagen and elastin start to break down causing some fine lines. Duller complexion is often due to slower cell renewal.
40's
Skin can appear thinner and dehydration can be common. More signs of aging start to appear. Hormones can also cause uneven skin tone and even adult acne.
50+
Moisture retention can be problematic leading to drier, dehydrated skin and in some cases, skin can become more sensitive. Inflammation and stress - both internally and externally - delays skin recovery which can lead to age spots and marks. Skin may now show deeper wrinkles and discolouration.
The best way to take care of your skin, now and always, is adequate internal hydration, reducing alcohol intake, eating a healthy protein rich diet, quality sleep, avoiding sun damage, regular exfoliation, and having a suitable skincare routine for your skin type.
To the lovely humans reading this post, your body is going to age no matter what. Your skin is going to develop fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.
At Wild Human Skincare, we feel passionately about the messages aimed at humans - women in particular - that we need to "fix" ourselves as we get older; that we should aspire to some impossible standards of beauty invented by the beauty industry; that aging is a curse and we should reverse any signs of it. So for these reasons, you won't find anti-aging claims on our products or in product names, even though we could legitimately add them to our face creams (and some future products).
It's up to us all to stop believing the beauty and cosmetic industries' attempts at making us feel unworthy as we grow older. Because we're all unique, beautiful and worthy.