Intrinsic Aging Explained: What’s Happening Beneath Your Skin

1. What Is Intrinsic Aging? The Changes Happening Beneath Your Skin Aging is a journey we all share, but it unfolds differently for everyone. While environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution often steal the spotlight in anti-aging conversations, there's a quieter yet unavoidable process at play within us called intrinsic aging. Unlike sun damage, which you can manage with sunscreen or antioxidant serums, aging from within is rooted in our DNA. It’s what gradually leads to fine lines, thinner skin, and less elasticity, even if you’ve taken great care of your skin. But what’s really happening beneath the surface? Let’s understand the basics of intrinsic aging with SkinBB and what you can do to age with confidence and radiance. What Exactly Is Intrinsic Aging? Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process of your skin, influenced by your body’s internal clock. It’s mostly determined by your genes and the changes happening inside

2. your body, rather than external factors like the sun or pollution (which is known as Extrinsic Aging). This process typically starts in your mid-20s as our skin starts to lose collagen, but visible signs like fine lines and wrinkles may take years to show. Intrinsic aging reflects the natural rhythm of your body’s cells slowing down over time. Why Does Intrinsic Aging Happen? Intrinsic aging occurs due to a mix of natural changes in your body: ● Hormonal Shifts: Changes in hormones like estrogen and cortisol affect skin elasticity and collagen levels, making skin thinner and less resilient. ● Cellular Senescence: Aging skin cells become like retired workers—they stop repairing, causing more inflammation and slower regeneration. ● Slower Cell Renewal: As we age, skin cells regenerate more slowly, leading to dullness and reduced healing. ● Collagen and Elastin Loss: These proteins keep your skin firm and bouncy. Over time, their production decreases, causing sagging and wrinkles. ● Weakened Moisture Barrier: The skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes, leading to dryness and sensitivity.

3. Visible Signs of Intrinsic Aging The natural signs of intrinsic aging include: ● Thinner Skin: Skin becomes more fragile and veins may become more noticeable. ● Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Especially around the eyes and mouth due to reduced elasticity. ● Sagging: Loss of firmness leads to drooping areas. ● Dryness and Dullness: Slower oil production makes skin appear lackluster. ● Uneven Skin Tone: Pigmentation changes may occur as cell turnover slows. How to Support Your Skin Through Intrinsic Aging? While you can’t stop intrinsic aging, you can adopt strategies to keep your skin healthy and radiant: ● Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get quality sleep. ● Stress Management: High stress leads to increased cortisol, which can speed up aging. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

4. Which Skincare Ingredients to Look For? To manage intrinsic aging, look for these effective skincare ingredients: ● Retinoids: Retinol peels, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Retinoate – enhance cell turnover and improve skin renewal. ● Retinol-like Alternatives: Bakuchiol, Physalis angulata extract, Algae Oligosaccharides – provide similar benefits with gentler effects. ● Peptides: Copper peptide, Acetyl Hexapeptide, Collagen peptides – help rebuild collagen for firmer, youthful skin. ● Antioxidants: Vitamin C and its derivatives, Astaxanthin, Glutathione, Resveratrol – combat free radicals and promote skin brightness. ● Hydration Boosters: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycosaminoglycans, and other humectants – maintain moisture and plumpness. For quick ingredient insights and benefits, use SkinBB Label Looker to scan and decode skincare formulations effortlessly! Using products designed for aging skin can make a noticeable difference.

5. Professional Treatments to Complement Your Skincare: Sometimes, your skin needs a little extra help beyond creams and serums. That’s where professional treatments come in. These options can work wonders when paired with a solid skincare routine: ● Microneedling: This microneedling treatment encourages your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, giving you a smoother, firmer look. ● Botox: Perfect for targeting fine lines and wrinkles, Botox relaxes muscles for a refreshed appearance. ● Injectable Fillers: Fillers restore lost volume and smooth out deeper lines, making your skin appear plumper and youthful. ● Collagen Induction Therapy: Stimulates your skin to naturally produce more collagen for long-term firmness. ● Microdermabrasion: Buffs away dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, more even complexion. Before diving into any treatment, consult a dermatologist at SkinBB Community. They can assess your skin’s unique needs and recommend the best options to achieve your goals. Conclusion Intrinsic aging is a natural part of life, reflecting the incredible processes happening within your body. While you can’t stop it, understanding its mechanisms and adopting proactive skincare and lifestyle habits can help you age gracefully. Embrace every stage of life with confidence and radiance. References 1.Regulski, Matthew. “Cellular Senescence: What, Why, and How.” Wounds: A Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice, vol. 29, no. 6, 2017, pp. 168–174. 2.Karim, P. L., Aryani, N. I. A., & Nopriyati, N. “Anatomy and Histology of Intrinsic Aging Skin.” Bioscientia Medicina: Journal of Biomedicine and Translational Research, vol. 5, no. 11, 2021, pp. 1165–1177. https://doi.org/10.32539/bsm.v5i11.417

6. 3.Poljšak, Borut, et al. “Intrinsic Skin Aging: The Role of Oxidative Stress.” Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica, et Adriatica, vol. 21, no. 2, 2012, pp. 33–36. 4.Zouboulis, C., & Makrantonaki, E. “Hormonal Therapy of Intrinsic Aging.” Rejuvenation Research, vol. 15, no. 3, 2012, pp. 302–312. https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2011.1249 5.Zasada, M., Budzisz, E., & Erkiert-Polguj, A. (2020). A Clinical Anti-Ageing Comparative Study of 0.3 and 0.5% Retinol Serums: A Clinically Controlled Trial. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 33(2), 102–116. https://doi.org/10.1159/000508168 6.Schagen, S. (2017). Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. Cosmetics, 4(2), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics402001. 7.Galvez-Martin, P., Soto-Fernandez, C., Romero-Rueda, J., et al. “A Novel Hyaluronic Acid Matrix Ingredient with Regenerative, Anti-Aging and Antioxidant Capacity.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 5, 2023, p. 4774. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054774