7 Signs of Ageing Skin According to Research

As we age, our skin naturally changes—but how do you know what’s “normal” and what’s premature? Science shows that ageing skin involves both visible signs and deeper shifts in how your skin functions. In this blog, we’ll explore what these signs are, what causes them, and what you can do to support healthier skin at any age.

Key Points

• Skin ageing involves both visual signs (like wrinkles and pigmentation) and structural changes (like collagen loss).
  

• Intrinsic ageing is determined by genetics, while extrinsic ageing is driven by lifestyle and environment.
  

• You can slow or minimise signs of ageing with evidence-based skincare, healthy habits, and professional support.
  

1. Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Fine lines are often the first sign of ageing skin, especially around the eyes and mouth. Over time, they deepen into wrinkles due to repeated facial movement and the gradual breakdown of collagen and elastin. Research shows that collagen production decreases by about 1% per year after age 20 (Shuster et al., 1975), leading to less skin elasticity and more creasing.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Smile Lines and How to Get Rid of Them

Read More: Your Guides to Wrinkle Prevention: 17 Daily Habits for Youthful Skin

2. Dullness and Loss of Radiance

Healthy, youthful skin reflects light well thanks to smooth texture and high hydration. As cell turnover slows with age, dead skin cells accumulate, leading to dullness. A 2006 study published in International Journal of Cosmetic Science noted that epidermal renewal can slow by up to 50% with age, affecting skin's vibrancy.

3. Uneven Skin Tone and Pigmentation

Age spots, sun spots, and melasma are signs of photodamage that become more common with age. Uneven pigmentation is largely caused by UV exposure, which stimulates melanin production irregularly. According to a study in Dermato-Endocrinology (2012), chronic sun exposure is a leading cause of pigmentary changes in ageing skin.

4. Sagging Skin and Loss of Firmness

Gravity and time both take a toll on your skin’s structure. Collagen and elastin, two key proteins that keep skin firm and springy, degrade over time. Research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2007) explains that age-related changes in facial fat and bone structure also contribute to sagging, especially in the cheeks and jawline.

5. Dryness and Dehydration

As we age, sebum production declines, leading to drier skin that loses water more easily. This results in a rough, flaky texture and can make fine lines more visible. The stratum corneum (skin’s outer layer) becomes less effective at retaining moisture, especially after menopause due to estrogen loss (Verdier-Sevrain et al., 2006).

6. Thinning Skin

As we age, the dermis becomes thinner and more fragile, especially in sun-exposed areas. According to a study in Clinical Anatomy, dermal thickness can drop by more than 6% per decade.

7. Enlarged Pores

While often overlooked, pore size tends to increase with age due to loss of skin elasticity and collagen support around follicular openings. A study in Skin Research and Technology (2015) linked enlarged pores in older adults with reduced dermal density and firmness.

How Fast Does Skin Age?

Image by Freepik

The rate of skin ageing varies from person to person. Genetics, ethnicity, skin type, and lifestyle all play a role. For example, lighter skin tones show photoageing earlier due to less melanin protection, while darker skin tends to age more slowly but may show uneven tone or sagging later.

Studies show that extrinsic factors may account for up to 80–90% of visible ageing signs—meaning that how you care for your skin truly matters (Uitto, 2008).

What Causes Skin to Age? (Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Ageing Factors)

Skin ageing happens for two main reasons: what’s happening inside your body (intrinsic ageing) and what’s happening around it (extrinsic ageing).

Intrinsic Ageing Factors

These are natural, inevitable changes controlled by genetics and biological ageing:

• Collagen loss: Collagen production steadily declines from your 20s.
  

• Slower cell turnover: Skin renews itself less efficiently.
  

• Reduced sebum: Less oil production means drier skin.
  

• Hormonal shifts: Especially around menopause, estrogen decline accelerates visible ageing.
  

Extrinsic Ageing Factors

These are external forces that speed up ageing beyond what’s “natural”:

☀️ UV Radiation (Photoageing)

UV exposure is the top contributor to premature skin ageing. UVA and UVB rays damage DNA, degrade collagen, and trigger pigmentation. According to Sklar & Altmeyer (1991), UV radiation may cause up to 90% of visible skin ageing.

🌆 Pollution and Airborne Toxins

Environmental pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particles produce free radicals that damage collagen and increase pigmentation. A 2010 study in Journal of Investigative Dermatology linked pollution exposure to more pronounced wrinkling and dark spots.

🚬 Smoking

Smoking restricts oxygen supply to the skin, impairs collagen synthesis, and increases free radical damage. Twin studies show that smokers look significantly older than their non-smoking counterparts (Case Western Reserve University, 2007).

🍭 Diet and Alcohol

High sugar diets promote glycation, where sugar binds to proteins like collagen, making them stiff and weak. Alcohol dehydrates skin and impairs vitamin absorption, both of which can worsen visible ageing.

😴 Sleep Deprivation and Stress

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which breaks down collagen. Poor sleep is associated with slower recovery from environmental stressors and duller, drier skin (Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2015).

Can You Reverse the Signs of Ageing Skin?

While ageing can’t be stopped, many signs can be visibly improved or slowed. Proven strategies include:

• Topical retinoids to stimulate collagen and cell turnover

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• Antioxidants like vitamin C to protect against oxidative stress [insert product image]
  

• Sunscreen to prevent further UV damage

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• Professional treatments like skin needling or peels for texture and tone

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• Hydrating ingredients (e.g., hyaluronic acid, ceramides) to restore the skin barrier

Related: 21 Science-Backed Ways to Look Younger (Without Overhauling ling Your Life)

When Should You Start Caring About Skin Ageing?

Prevention is easier than reversal. Most experts agree that your mid-20s to early 30s is the ideal time to start incorporating anti-ageing ingredients like sunscreen, antioxidants, and gentle exfoliants. That said, it’s never too late to support your skin.

Combat the Signs of Ageing with Targeted Care from Skin to Heart

Whether you're looking to prevent early signs or visibly reduce existing ones, Skin to Heart offers bespoke treatments and curated skincare designed to support skin longevity. From expert-led facials to formulas with clinically backed ingredients, we help your skin age on your terms.

Explore our anti-ageing treatments →

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Not sure which treatment is best for you? Consult with our skin experts to know about your skin’s needs. 

FAQs

How to tell if you're ageing well?

You're likely ageing well if your skin maintains firmness, hydration, and a relatively even tone with minimal deep wrinkles. Genetics plays a role, but consistent sun protection and a balanced lifestyle help significantly.

What shows signs of ageing first?

The eye area (crow’s feet), mouth (nasolabial folds), and hands are often the first to show signs due to thin skin and frequent movement.

What makes a face look younger?

Plumpness, firm contours, even tone, and a radiant complexion are associated with youth. Hydration, collagen density, and smooth skin texture all contribute.

Sources:

• Shuster et al., British Journal of Dermatology, 1975
  

• Verdier-Sevrain et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007
  

• Rohrich & Pessa, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2007
  

• Krutmann et al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2010
  

• Sklar & Altmeyer, Clinics in Dermatology, 1991
  

• Park et al., Skin Research and Technology, 2015
  

• Oyetakin-White et al., Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2015