What are the characteristics of DE(+) skin?

The letter (D) indicates the emergence of the first visible signs of ageing when the skin is in motion . Fine lines are the first to appear and are the easiest to spot. They are typically located at the outer corner of the eyes. A change in skin texture or a lacklustre complexion may also be observed. These are generally visible around the age of 25. Indeed, from this age, we observe the start of a decline of about 1% each year in the production of collagen, one of the structural components of the skin, leading to a disorganisation of the skin's connective tissue and a change in skin elasticity. A slowdown in the renewal of epidermal cells has also been noted, gradually leading to a thinning of the skin's barrier function. In response to this phenomenon, water evaporates more and more: the skin then loses its luminosity and wrinkles become more pronounced. A decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid by an average of 6% per decade adds to this.

The second letter (E) defines the level of exposure and protection of the skin against the multitude of aggressions throughout the day, such as solar radiation, atmospheric pollution, tobacco, stress, alcohol, etc. Indeed, these external sources generate free radicals, unstable and highly reactive molecules that can have a lasting impact on the skin. However, this biochemical reaction is normal in all living organisms that consume oxygen.

However, in the event of an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to naturally eliminate them, oxidative stress sets in and problems arise. Indeed, these reactive forms of oxygen contribute to the degeneration of skin cells, both at the level of the epidermis and the dermis. All the essential constituents of the skin (collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, lipids, DNA) find themselves under attack, thereby inducing damage and malfunctions.

Cellular oxidation can thus affect the structure of the skin, causing a speeding up of the skin ageing process or a cancer. Visible signs of ageing can start to appear such as wrinkles that are initially superficial but become increasingly deep, less toned skin and a duller complexion, and this can occur prematurely. To curb their action and thus prevent premature skin ageing, the daily application of antioxidant-based treatments (vitamin C, ferulic acid, resveratrol...), in addition to an appropriate sun protection , is recommended.