Skin ageing is an inevitable and complex biological process influenced by a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. While it is a natural and harmonious process, our contemporary society has developed a negative perspective towards ageing skin, largely influenced by societal standards. Revealing the initial signs of skin ageing in different body parts is not only of academic interest but also of significant practical importance for individuals to better understand their skin ageing process and adopt targeted skincare routines to delay and mitigate these signs. This paper will predominantly focus on the extrinsic ageing of the skin, as intrinsic ageing, although unavoidable, occurs more uniformly and at a slower pace in comparison.
Facial Ageing:
The face is often the first area where the signs of skin aging become apparent. This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the various age-related changes that occur in facial features and adjacent areas, such as the eyes, neck, and décolletage.
Extrinsic aging around the eyes is most prominent, with wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet appearing before the age of 30. This is due to repetitive muscle movements and thin skin in this region. The tear trough area, which extends from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner of the nose, also begins to sag as collagen and elastin decrease, leading to the formation of prominent bags under the eyes. As the aging process continues, nasolabial folds or laugh lines progressively deepen, and lines start appearing from the nasal ala to the angle of the mouth (marionette lines). The overall face begins to lose its youthful plumpness as the subcutaneous fat layer thins, and age-related bone remodeling becomes pronounced.
Another early indication of skin aging is in the temple area and brows, which start to descend. The descent of the eyebrow tail and forehead creates a more aged appearance. The loss of volume in this area, coupled with a relaxation of the frontalis muscle, also contributes to the appearance of horizontal forehead lines.
Age-related changes in the neck are also common, where the skin develops horizontal, fine lines, crepey appearance, and eventually deep wrinkles. The platysma muscle, which extends from the upper chest to the lower jaw, undergoes age-related changes, contributing to the appearance of vertical bands. These changes, combined with the loss of elasticity in the overlying skin, can result in an aging and sagging appearance.
The décolletage, an often overlooked area when it comes to skincare, is another zone that displays initial signs of aging. This part of the body has minimal fat and less collagen compared to other body areas, making it more prone to the effects of sun damage and aging signs, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots.
Dorsal Hands:
The dorsal hands are subject to extensive extrinsic ageing, which is characterized by the appearance of early ageing signs. The loss of subcutaneous tissue and collagen results in the thinning of the hand skin, making it more translucent and susceptible to injuries. The protrusion of tendons and veins, which becomes more prominent with age, gives the hands a bony and aged appearance.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a significant contributor to the ageing of the dorsal hands. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation leads to hyperpigmented spots, uneven skin tone, and textural changes. Additionally, chemical agents from skincare products, cleaning supplies, and frequent hand-washing can exacerbate the ageing process, causing further damage to the skin.
Forearms:
Similar to the dorsal hands, the forearms are also prone to ageing due to their frequent exposure to environmental factors. Photo-damage from the sun and chemical irritants from frequent washing or skincare products can lead to premature ageing of the forearms.
With age, the forearm skin becomes thin, and age-related depigmentation occurs. Additionally, the skin may become rough, wrinkled, and develop brown sun spots. The accelerated ageing of the forearms is attributed to a combination of reduced sebum secretion, reduced epidermal thickness, and compromised elasticity.
Conclusion:
The ageing process manifests differently in various body parts. As skincare has become increasingly sophisticated, understanding the specific signs of skin ageing in various zones is essential for tailoring skincare routines and selecting the most effective anti-ageing treatments for each individual. Sun protection, moisturization, and active ingredients targeting collagen production, such as retinoids and vitamin C, may help maintain a more youthful appearance and delay initial signs of skin ageing in exposed areas.
Although extrinsic ageing can be minimized with proper care, the user should bear in mind that a certain rate of skin ageing is unpreventable due to intrinsic ageing. Embracing the natural process and educating individuals on the various signs of ageing can help promote healthy ageing and encourage a more positive perception of ageing skin.
