Thickness, fragility, structure... The nature and appearance of the skin changes throughout life. From early age to mature skin, how does our skin change? And why does it become increasingly dry over the years?
Babies and young children: take care of fragile skin
Why is babies’ skin so delicate? Because it is around 30% thinner than adult skin. As a result, the skin's barrier function is not fully developed; this is known as an immature barrier. Children's skin is therefore vulnerable: to hard water, weather conditions, rough clothes, irritating toiletries, etc. To restore its softness, daily moisturising with specific products is often necessary.
As children grow, their skin becomes thicker. But the activity of the sweat glands (which secrete sweat) and the sebaceous glands (which secrete sebum) remains low. As a result, the hydrolipidic film does not yet completely fulfil its role as a protective shield for the skin.
My baby has inherited my dry skin. To nourish the skin, the first thing to do in the morning is to apply a cream. I apply it again at night, before going to bed.
Adolescence and early adulthood: the skin in all its states!
Adolescence is characterised by hormonal shifts that have effects on the skin. The sweat and sebaceous glands are working at full capacity. This is what gives the skin that oily look and even blemishes. Some products for this very common skin concern have the effect of drying out the skin, so it is very important to choose moisturising products carefully.
In early adulthood, the first signs of ageing begin to appear, due to external factors (sun, tobacco, pollution, unsuitable products, etc.) and internal factors: the dermis and epidermis become thinner, the skin barrier is less effective, the skin becomes thinner, less supple and sometimes drier.
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 involved in the support and health of the skin are reduced over time. This is due to genetics and external factors such as the sun or smoking. Your skin is drier, thinner, less radiant, less elastic and less comfortable... It's time to adopt a new beauty routine: applying a serum every day, for example.
After menopause, fragile skin.
Skin changes are accelerated by the end of the hormonal activity associated with the menopause: the ovaries no longer produce oestrogen, which used to contribute to good skin hydration. In the dermis, fibres and collagen become scarcer, hydration is slowed down, the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands is reduced, the skin's barrier function is less effective. Thinner and less well protected, the skin is more vulnerable to external aggressors.
Dry skin: adapt your skincare routine to your needs
The skin is subject to the effects of time. As we age, age-related physiological changes will contribute to skin dryness and the sensations of tightness, tingling, discomfort... Adapting your lifestyle can help to delay these effects. For example, you should always protect yourself from the sun and the cold, or take lukewarm showers rather than hot baths to avoid dehydration. Choosing the right cream for your current needs is also essential: there is no need to apply skincare products for mature skin as soon as the first fine lines appear.
Respect your dry skin
Gentle care with suitable products: this is how to protect dry and fragile skin, from the earliest age to the oldest. To cleanse the skin, opt for a rich, creamy shower gel; to provide the amount of lipids it needs, nourish it daily with a light, non-greasy, non-sticky balm on the body, and with a nourishing and moisturising cream on the face. A spray of Avène Thermal Spring Water will finally soothe your skin, whatever your age.
Our solution to restore dry or dehydrated skin
Avène thermal spring water skincare products designed for dry skin
A: Baby 1: Hypodermis B: Young child 2 : Dermis C: Adult 3: Epidermis 4: Exogenous causes
