Skin ageing.
The interplay of genetically determined (intrinsic) and environmental (extrinsic) ageing. About 80 % of visible signs in the face are due to UV light.
Skin ageing in the lexicon: intrinsic vs. extrinsic factors, what happens in the epidermis and dermis, the role of sun, smoking, sugar and hormones
A closer look.
Intrinsic ageing is genetically programmed: from about 25, cell division slows, collagen and elastin production decline, the skin becomes thinner and drier. Extrinsic ageing comes from outside – UV radiation, smoking, air pollution, sugar (glycation), lack of sleep and stress. It explains most of what we see as 'ageing' in the face.
In the epidermis renewal slows and the skin looks dull; in the dermis elastic fibres clump and collagen is broken down; hyaluronic acid declines and the skin stores less water. Hormonally, menopause accelerates the process: in the first five years up to 30 % of collagen is lost.
Effective are – in this order – daily sun protection, not smoking, retinoids and antioxidants in skin care, sleep and nutrition; building on that, treatments that address skin quality (skin boosters, PRP, microneedling), movement (botulinum toxin) and volume (hyaluronic acid).
This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).
At a glance.
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Ask via WhatsAppFrequently asked questions.
Can skin ageing be stopped?
Slowed yes – above all through sun protection and not smoking. Stopped no.
Which cream really works?
Proven are sun protection, retinoids and vitamin C. Everything else is care, not anti-ageing.
Sources and further reading.
- German Society of Dermatology (DDG)
- DermNet – dermatology reference
- American Academy of Dermatology
- PubMed – biomedical literature database
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
- DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy
- AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-05.
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