Ageing of the skin is a complex process. Despite countless pharma and cosmeceutical companies investing millions of dollars into research, it is still not yet fully understood.
Ageing of the skin is the result of two processes, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic ageing is not preventable and is the result of our biological makeup, similar to that of our internal organs. Extrinsic ageing however is the result of exposure to external factors, most notably UV rays, repetitive facial movement and smoking cigarettes. In fact, 80% of facial skin ageing is attributed to UV exposure. Signs of ageing skin include fine lines and wrinkles, thinning of the skin, dryness and loss of elasticity.
Whilst intrinsic ageing is inevitable, there are some simple ways in which we can slow the impact of extrinsic ageing. The application of sunscreen to protect from UV rays is an obvious choice for sun damage, use of skincare or cosmetic injectables aids in preventing and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, refraining from smoking cigarettes, and ensuring adequate hydration throughout the day to improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Hyaluronic acid has been deemed a beauty favourite for 2020 due to its hydrating effects. Searches for “What is Hyaluronic acid” are up 400% and for good reason, hyaluronic acid is a molecule that draws hydration into the skin which can be beneficial for skin that has been impacted by both internal and external ageing factors. Small hyaluronic acid molecules can penetrate deep into the skin to assist in preventing fine lines, whilst larger molecules sit on top of the skin. When combined with a moisturiser, they aid in hydrating the skin, which is why adding hyaluronic acid to our healing balm was a non-negotiable!
Skincare and preventing ageing is clearly complicated, however we advocate for the back to basics approach of avoiding extended periods of UV exposure, applying sunscreen and drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day and finally looking after those luscious lips with our hydrating healing balm.
