How does the ageing process work?

Ageing is a biological process that is pre-programmed by our genes. We can determine to a certain extent whether this process runs faster or slower.

The ageing process begins in our cells. Every cell contains telomeres, small sections at the ends of the chromosomes. With every cell division that our body cells undergo, the telomeres become a little shorter. After a certain number of cell divisions, the telomeres are so shortened that no further cell division is possible. The cell becomes inactive and switches to sleep mode. This process plays an important role in the ageing process, as our body cells divide less and less over time and are less able to regenerate.

The genetic components are one aspect, our lifestyle, our behavior and our diet are the other. The ageing process as a whole and skin ageing in particular can be influenced by various measures. These include: - UV exposure - smoking - exercise - skin care - Nutrition and an adequate supply of vital substances

Good to know

To protect your skin, we recommend a diet rich in vital substances, sufficient exercise, a healthy lifestyle and avoiding oxidative stress. You can do this, for example, by protecting your skin from strong UV radiation and cigarette smoke. A diet rich in antioxidants (such as fruit, vegetables, etc.) can help to minimize oxidative stress and ward off free radicals.

Oxidative stress and the ageing process

There is a healthy balance in the body between so-called free radicals (highly reactive molecules) and our protective mechanisms. Our cells are confronted with free radicals every day and our antioxidant protective shield is equally challenged on a daily basis. If our defense mechanisms are inferior to the free radicals, cell damage can occur. Depending on the duration, we speak of acute or chronic oxidative stress, which manifests itself, among other things, in more rapid skin ageing. This manifests itself, for example, in: - Pigmentation disorders - wrinkling - dryness - Loss of elasticity and other skin changes

What does genetics have to do with it?