Skin ageing is natural, but does not progress at the same pace for everyone. Although age and genetics play a role, lifestyle strongly influences how quickly wrinkles, pigmentation spots or skin sagging appear. Dermatologists estimate that a large proportion of visible facial ageing is associated with external factors, particularly sun exposure. Good habits therefore preserve skin quality longer and slow the effects of time.
Why do some skins age faster than others?
Over the years, the skin naturally produces less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. These three elements are essential for firm, supple, well-hydrated skin. This process is physiological, but certain environmental factors can accelerate it considerably.
Repeated ultraviolet exposure, smoking, pollution, an unbalanced diet and lack of sleep increase oxidative stress. Gradually, collagen fibres break down, cell renewal slows and skin loses density. This is called extrinsic ageing: ageing associated with our environment and lifestyle.
1. Not protecting your skin from the sun
The sun is the main cause of premature skin ageing. UVA penetrates deeply into the dermis, gradually damaging collagen and elastin fibres. Consequences often appear after several years of exposure: more pronounced wrinkles, lost firmness, pigmentation spots and a less even complexion.
This exposure exists all year round. UVA passes through clouds and glass and is present throughout the year. In Geneva, winter sports also increase UV exposure because of snow reflection.
How can photoageing be limited?
The most effective step remains daily application of suitable sun protection, even under cloudy skies. Wearing a hat and limiting prolonged exposure complement this prevention. When sun damage is already visible, treatments such as photorejuvenation laser gradually improve pigmentation spots, redness and overall skin quality.
2. Smoking
Smoking is one of the best-documented factors in skin ageing. Nicotine reduces skin blood circulation, decreasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients essential for its function. Cigarette smoke also increases free radical production, causing substantial oxidative stress.
Over time, the complexion becomes duller, skin loses elasticity and wrinkles appear earlier, particularly around the mouth and eyes.
Can skin improve after stopping smoking?
Stopping smoking slows these processes and gradually improves skin quality. Although certain changes remain, skin generally regains better radiance and repair capacity.
3. Neglecting your diet
Diet directly influences skin cell function. Excessive sugar consumption notably promotes a process called glycation. This mechanism gradually stiffens collagen fibres, making them less effective at maintaining skin firmness.
Conversely, a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, quality proteins and healthy fats provides the vitamins, minerals and amino acids needed for skin renewal.
Which foods benefit the skin?
There is no miracle food against wrinkles. However, a varied diet rich in antioxidants and low in ultra-processed foods helps limit oxidative stress and preserve skin quality longer.
4. Not sleeping enough
Night-time is an essential repair period for skin. Cell renewal is more active during sleep, helping repair some of the damage sustained during the day.
Repeated lack of sleep disrupts these natural mechanisms. The complexion becomes duller, skin recovers less quickly and signs of fatigue become more visible. Chronic stress also affects skin ageing by increasing production of cortisol, a hormone that promotes inflammation when secreted in excess.
How can skin regeneration be supported?
Sufficient sleep, regular physical activity and learning to manage stress better help maintain healthier skin. These simple measures effectively complement daily skincare.
5. Using unsuitable skincare
Skin subjected to daily irritation ages faster. Overly harsh cleansers, excessive exfoliation or insufficient moisturising gradually weaken the skin barrier. Skin losing its protective function becomes more sensitive to external stressors and dehydrates more easily.
Conversely, a simple routine is often most effective. Gentle cleansing, a moisturiser suited to skin type and daily sun protection are enough in most cases to preserve skin balance.
Can skin ageing be slowed?
No method can completely prevent ageing. However, its manifestations can be slowed by limiting factors responsible for premature ageing. A healthy lifestyle combined with a suitable skincare routine preserves skin quality longer.
When early signs of age become more visible, certain aesthetic medicine treatments can complement this approach. Skinboosters provide lasting skin hydration improvements, Sculptra® gradually stimulates collagen production, while photorejuvenation and fractional ablative lasers treat different consequences of skin ageing according to the indications.
When should you consult an aesthetic doctor?
The first signs of ageing often appear gradually and do not always require treatment. Consultation primarily assesses skin quality, identifies factors accelerating ageing and develops a personalised strategy.
The aim is not to transform the face, but to preserve skin quality over time through suitable care respecting each patient's natural expressions and anatomy.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient through a comprehensive approach to facial, body and intimate aesthetics, as well as skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
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