The signs of ageing start to show on a person as early as the end of their 20s or the beginning of their 30s. At first, fine lines start to form between the nose and the mouth, around the eyes and on the forehead. As a result of facial movements that are often repeated, the first expressive wrinkles come into being: laughter creases, brow furrows and crow's feet.

 

All sounds a bit depressing really doesn't it! And it gets worse - in our 40s and 50s the skin loses its elasticity, because the dermis (middle part of the skin) produces fewer and fewer collagen and elastin fibres. This results in the weakening of connective tissue causing the skin to lose its tone. The skin becomes flabby, and more wrinkles are formed. Due to gravity, wrinkles develop downwards, a phenomenon seen in sagging cheeks and drooping eyelids.

 

However there are now a range of professional treatments available in clinics that improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles - in addition, a select group of "at home" treatments really can help to effectively reduce lines and improve overall skin health and complexion.