Eyes, Neck, & Decolletage. Do they age you?
Why are they the first places to age? And what can you do about it?
Have you ever looked at someone and tried to work out how old they are? Chances are there’s a few places you look that can be a bit of a giveaway, no matter how wrinkle free their face is. Back of the hands is one, neck and decolletage is another, and the eye area are the places that start to age us faster than the rest of our skin.
If you’re over 40 years old, you’ve probably noticed a change in these areas yourself. But fear not, we’re here to explain why, and more importantly, how you can keep these areas looking youthful longer.
So, why?
These three areas all have three things in common
1 - Fewer oil glands
If you haven’t noticed, these areas have less hair follicles and less oil glands. Less oil glands means that the skin in these areas isn’t getting the natural moisture that the rest of your skin gets, which keep it soft and hydrated.
The skin in these areas absorbs and retains moisture less effectively and also loose water and moisture more rapidly, which leads to easily dehydrated, dry skin.
And when skin becomes drier and dehydrated, wrinkles look deeper and are more noticeable.
2 - All have a thinner dermis
Most of the age-related changes to our skin happen in the dermis (epidermis on top, dermis in the middle, subcutaneous fat layer on the bottom). The dermis makes up the thickest portion of the skin. And unfortunately, the dermis in these areas is thin to begin with.
The dermis is where collagen and elastin are contained. Collagen gives strength and flexibility to our skin, while Elastin is what helps it spring back into shape. As we age, Collagen and Elastin production declines.
So if the dermis is already thinner, and the levels of Collagen and Elastin is declining, it is not going to be able to provide the level of structural support to the epidermis that it needs.
3 - More fragile and more sensitive
We start to lose subcutaneous fat (the layer under the dermis) in these areas quicker than other areas of our body. Cell degeneration causes this layer to waste away, causing loss of volume, and making skin hang, droop or look saggy and crepey.
It’s all about ingredients
For skin that looks thinner and less plump, we recommend using Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid and increasing the skins external EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) oils. These help the skin look plumper and fuller. Look for products that contain Ceramides, Omega 6 and 9 and Vitamin F, ingredients that nourish and cushion the skin.
Now let’s turn to firmness and moisture retention.
We already have a thinner dermis and less collagen, so we look for products that help skin look firmer and more supple.
Retinol and Retin A (Vitamin A) are recommended everywhere however you do have to be careful with these if you have sensitive skin, as most retinols used are free retinols (not in a capsule in the cream) and these can cause sun sensitivity and skin burning.
As an alternative to retinol we love Lactobionic and Ferulic Acid. These are your new best friends for ageing skin. They help improve moisture, help skin look firmer and brighter, and help reduce the look of pigmentation. Ferulic acid is also an antioxidant, which helps protect your skin against free radicals (molecules that cling to collagen and weaken the skin).
Vitamin C or Edelweiss: both are antioxidants that help protect the skin against free radicals. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the skin’s natural collagen synthesis, and Edelweiss also helps improve the look of dark spots.
Peptides (or amino acids) help skin look firmer, smoother and more elastic.
Some of our products that contain these ingredients are:
SRNS Neck, Decolletage & Hands Repair SPF 30
This treatment specifically for the neck and decolletage. Contains Peptides, Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin C, as well as SPF 30.
T Lift Neck and Decolletage Tautening and Firming Cream
A firming cream for the neck and decolletage that helps improve the look of sun-damaged skin. Contains low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids and Edelweiss.
This duo of eye creams contains Peptides that help soften the look of expression lines, plus nourishing Ceramides to help skin look denser.
If you have more questions please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly head office team in Brisbane on 1300 432100 or book a free online skin chat with one of our skin therapists.
