Five tips to slow down skin ageing.

Every day, a small portion of the water contained in the dermis evaporates: this is what we call insensible water loss (I.W.L.). In order to rebalance these losses, it is necessary to limit this evaporation phenomenon by applying emollient products such as vegetable oils — in the most suitable regimen for your skin type. Not to forget that over the years, the production of hyaluronic acid naturally present in the skin decreases. Derived from the fermentation of wheat germ, this large molecule can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, giving the skin a more supple appearance: this property is called hygroscopy. A hydrating face cream or a serum enriched with hyaluronic acid will therefore be an ally to limit this water loss and thus slow down the appearance of the first wrinkles.

The sun is the primary culprit of skin ageing. UVA rays are the most harmful, given that they penetrate deeper into the dermis than UVB rays, and are capable of passing through clouds and glass. These radiations have the effect of breaking down collagen and elastin fibres. The non-functional tissues accumulate in the dermis, leading to a thickening of the skin and very deep wrinkles. The body has a few defences against UV rays, such as melanin. It's worth noting that skincare products enriched with antioxidants (ferulic acid, resveratrol and vitamin C), as well as carotenoids, such as the carrot oil macerate, help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of UVA rays. Otherwise, remember to use a broad-spectrum sun protection every day, even when it's raining, and to reapply it every hour.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, compared the dietary habits of 450 subjects over the age of 70, living in various countries: Australia, Greece, Sweden, etc... The conclusions of this report tend to establish a correlation between diet and the appearance of wrinkles:

• The subjects with the fewest wrinkles had followed a diet primarily composed of vegetables, olive oil, nuts, dried fruits, apples, tea, eggs, and yoghurt.

• Subjects more visibly affected by signs of ageing had a higher consumption of alcohol, whole milk, red meat, starchy foods, soda and sweets.

Tobacco interacts synergistically with UV rays in the ageing of the epidermis. Numerous studies have proven that chronic smoking is implicated in the premature ageing of the skin. The reason is simple: nicotine damages the skin's elastic fibres and has a detrimental effect on many levels. Consequently, heavy smokers have thinner, more fragile skin, more pronounced wrinkles, prominent cheekbones, and a yellowish complexion.