Dry skin and ageing

Thickness, fragility, structure... The nature and appearance of the skin change throughout life. From early age to mature skin, how does our skin change? And why does it become increasingly dry over the years?

Causes of dry skin
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Babies and young children: care, fragile skin

Why is babies’ skin so delicate? Because it is around 30% thinner than adult skin. The consequence: the skin's barrier function is not ensured perfectly; we talk about an immature barrier. The skin of all babies is therefore vulnerable: hard water, weather conditions, clothes that are too rough, with overly irritating toilet products... to gently replenish the skin, daily hydration with specific products is often required.

As it grows, the skin of children becomes thicker. But the activity of sweat glands (which secrete sweat) and the sebaceous glands (that secrete sebum). The consequence: the hydrolipidic film does not fully fill its role as skin protect shield.

Why is baby's skin dry?

 

My baby has inherited my dry skin. To nourish his skin, the first step in the morning is using it with the cream. I apply it again at night, before going to bed.

Adolescence and beginning of an adult age: skin in all its conditions!

Adolescence is characterised by hormonal shifts that have effects on the skin. The sweat and sebaceous glands work in full swing. This is what gives the appearance of oily skin and even acne blemishes. Certain treatments combat this extremely common skin condition have the effect of drying the skin. it is therefore very important to choose the right products to hydrate the skin.

At the beginning of adulthood, first signs of aging begin to appear, due to external factors (sun, tobacco, pollution, unsuitable products, etc.) and in-house, the dermis and epidermis increase, the skin barrier is less effective, the skin becomes thinner, less supple and sometimes drier.

 What causes the skin to dry?

 

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From midlife to menopause, increasingly dry skin

With time and the new hormonal upheaval of the menopause, the skin continues to change.

Around the age of 40, drier and thinner skin

Less sebum, melanocytes, collagen and hyaluronic acid: all the mechanisms that work in support and the health of the skin change over time. Because of genetics and external factors like the sun or tobacco. Dryer, your skin gets thinner and loses its radiance and elasticity, and is less comfortable... it’s time to adopt a new beauty routine: the application of a serum on a daily basis, for example.

After menopause, weakened skin

Skin changes accelerate with the fallout of the hormonal activity linked to menopause. Ovaries no longer produce estrogen, which would contribute to proper skin hydration. In the dermis, fibres and collagens become increasingly rare, hydration slows down, the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands is reduced, and the skin barrier function is less well undertaken. Ever thinner and less protected, the skin is more vulnerable to external aggressions. It also has struggles to heal.

Dry skin: adapting your skincare routine to suit your needs

The skin obeys the signs of time. As we age, age-related physiological changes will contribute to skin dryness and the appearance of tightness, tingling, discomfort, flaking... Adapting your lifestyle can help to delay these signs. For example, systematically protect yourself from the sun and cold, or opt for warm showers to avoid dehydration. Choosing the cream best suited to the current need is also essential: no need to apply skincare for mature skin as soon as the first fine lines appear.

Respect your dry skin

Gentle gestures with adapted products: here’s how to preserve dry, fragile skin from the oldest to the most advanced age. To cleanse the skin, opt for a rich, creamy shower cream that delivers the amount of lipids it needs, daily with a fluid, non-greasy, non-sticky balm to the body, as well as a nourishing and moisturizing cream. A spray of Avène thermal spring water will finally soothe your skin, no matter your age.

Respect your dry skin

Our solution to relieve dry or dehydrated skin

Eau Thermale Avène skin care products designed for dry skin