What is it?
Whether considered normal or premature, the aging process involves a reduced production of collagen and elastin. There is also a loss of fat on the face that gives it a less smooth and toned appearance. As a result, the cheekbones lose their fullness and the lips become thinner; the area under the eyes sinks deeper and becomes tougher, accentuating the sagging of the skin.
Did you know?
Dark circles are not only synonymous with loss of skin volume! In fact, our genetic predisposition can make us more susceptible to these hollows, which have been more or less visible and pigmented from as early on as childhood.
What are the causes?
Several causes can explain the appearance of dark circles and hollows:
The natural aging process
There’s nothing we can do about it! Over time, the skin dries out, the natural production of collagen and elastin slows down, facial muscles lose their tone and cell renewal decreases: all of these factors explain the loss of volume that occurs. In addition, the reduction in subcutaneous fat volume accentuates the hollows of certain areas of the face, such as dark circles and the nasolabial fold.
Sun exposure
Exposure to the sun, especially if not accompanied by adequate UV protection, leads to an increase in melanin production, a reduction in collagen and elastin production, a thickening of certain areas of the skin and a clear promotion of the drying process of the skin. Gradually, the structure of the skin changes.
Lack of sleep
Like every part of the body, the epidermis also needs to recover from everything it has gone through during the day! And for good reason: during sleep, collagen synthesis and blood flow increase. It’s at 1 a.m. that skin regenerates best and skin cells multiply…Its good health is therefore at its maximum, thanks to restorative sleep.
How to prevent?
A diet rich in vitamins A and C, silicon, amino acids, magnesium and antioxidants promotes collagen production. It is therefore an effective way to fight against the signs of skin aging, especially loss of volume. Good hydration is also important as it allows the skin to better protect itself against external aggressors such as pollution, UV rays or even temperature changes: when it’s hydrated, skin retains a better tone. Lastly, remember the importance of sleep on the health of our skin! Sufficient restorative sleep helps us better assimilate the benefits of good nutrition and hydration: the multiplication of skin cells is more effective, skin is visibly healthier and the complexion is more radiant.
UVA rays (present year round and all day) and UVB rays (particularly significant from April to September between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) directly affect the epidermis and dermis. We can’t say it enough: it is essential to protect your skin by using an appropriate sunscreen every day – preferably mineral-based and at least SPF 30 –and remembering to reapply it every 2 hours.
Studies have proven it! The application of products adapted to the needs of your skin has visible and rapid effects on the health and appearance of the epidermis. When deeply moisturized, skin regenerates more easily, benefits from better collagen production and is more able to cope with multiple daily stresses. In addition, the topical products recommended by your skin technician can also meet specific needs: colour, texture, sagging and volume loss….
How to treat?
Volumizing injections
The hyaluronic acid used in this type of injection is a synthesized formula of the molecule naturally present in the human body that contributes to the skin’s elasticity and whose reserves and production decrease with the years. This synthesized hyaluronic acid can absorb more than a thousand times its molecular weight in water! It works to prevent the loss of volume that occurs over the years and naturally restores skin volume.