There are two major types of aging, intrinsic and extrinsic.1 The natural aging process, or ‘intrinsic aging,’ is largely genetically controlled. For example, after age 25, the collagen level in our skin begin to decline by about 1% every year. ‘Extrinsic aging,’ on the other hand is premature aging induced by external factors. These age-related changes induce a structural transformation of the proteins within the deep layers of the skin resulting in the formation of wrinkles on the upper epidermal surface.
Therefore, we must take a two-pronged approach to addressing aging: 1) prevention and 2) reduction of the already occurring structural changes. This requires complex approach that takes into consideration the factors regulating skin thickness, elasticity, adherence to the tissue, and the skin’s natural metabolic processes and regenerative abilities.
