Skin aging is a natural process, and efforts to research and propose solutions ranging from topical skincare products to invasive interventions aim to slow down this process and maintain the structural integrity and biological function of the skin. However, several factors counteract these efforts, causing the skin to "age" rapidly with signs of aging appearing earlier than the actual age. The article below will help us promptly recognize, address, and prevent early signs of skin aging.

1. Signs of premature skin aging

Premature skin aging is when signs of aging appear earlier than the corresponding age, such as:

Wrinkles

Wrinkles form due to the degeneration of supporting structures within the skin's extracellular matrix, such as Collagen, Elastin, Proteoglycans, and Hyaluronic Acid. This degeneration can stem from a reduction in the production of these components with age. In premature aging, however, it is a consequence of an imbalance between the breakdown and synthesis of these components, with breakdown occurring at a faster rate.

Hyperpigmentation

This sign is often the first reminder that your skin is at risk of premature aging. Increased production and expression of melanin pigment in the epidermis lead to dull, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, making the skin appear older than its actual age.

Dryness, increased sensitivity

Increased transepidermal water loss and lack of moisture make the skin dry and easily irritated, indicating that the skin's protective barrier is damaged and functioning poorly. Skin irritation is not just a short-term problem; if not properly cared for and preventive solutions found, frequent recurrence of this condition will lead to deeper, harder-to-fix damage such as hyperpigmentation scars, sensitive skin, and premature aging.

2. Causes of premature aging

Unlike the natural aging process, premature skin aging results from abnormalities in the biological activity of cells under the influence of related factors, divided into two groups: (1) Intrinsic factors and (2) Extrinsic factors.

Intrinsic factors

Intrinsic factors causing premature skin aging include genetic factors, hormone-related disorders, and pathological syndromes. However, these causes account for a very low percentage of premature aging cases; over 80% of remaining premature aging cases originate from external factors.

Extrinsic factors

UV radiation, smoke, pollution, industrial chemicals, lifestyle, and nutrition are extrinsic factors that accelerate the skin aging process, especially UV radiation. Accumulated damage caused by UV radiation is the main mechanism leading to the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and more.

3. Solutions for skin care and combating premature aging

3.1 Basic principles

Lifestyle changes

Inadequate rest, stress, or an unhealthy diet can significantly impact our health and are visually reflected in the condition of our skin. Therefore, first, adjust your lifestyle to be scientific, providing your body with essential nutrients, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and limiting harmful foods, alcohol, and beer.

Sun protection

The majority of premature skin aging cases stem from UV radiation. Therefore, to prevent premature skin aging and improve existing signs of aging, ensure your skin is comprehensively protected from sunlight with shielding measures, sunscreen, and appropriate topical antioxidant products.

Hydration and moisture locking

The ideal moisture content in the stratum corneum is around 20-30%, which is essential for skin cells to function effectively, create an environment, and support the activity of enzymes related to the skin's natural desquamation process, preventing the accumulation of dead, rough, and flaky keratinocytes.

To achieve and maintain this ideal moisture content, it is necessary to select products that offer: (1) Hydration; (2) Moisture locking - reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL); and (3) Skin barrier repair.

Specialized solutions

Based on the signs of aging on the skin, proposed solutions for improving and preventing this condition include:

• Rebuilding and maintaining the extracellular matrix structure: This action aims to remedy and slow down the appearance of wrinkles on the skin. Proposed approaches to achieve this effect include:

1. Supplementing or activating and promoting the synthesis of extracellular matrix components such as Collagens, Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid, Proteoglycans, etc.
2. Limiting the degeneration of the above structures
   
   

• Fading and preventing dark spots and hyperpigmentation: Active ingredients to improve issues related to skin pigmentation include: Retinoids, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, etc. (Refer to detailed information here). Consider choosing solutions that are truly suitable for your skin and once again, don't forget to use sunscreen.
   
• Rebuilding the skin barrier: All solutions will not be truly effective if the skin's natural protective barrier is incomplete. This "brick-and-mortar model" is responsible for transepidermal water loss, protecting the skin from damaging agents such as dirt, viruses, and bacteria, and playing a crucial role in skin permeability related to nutrient absorption and reception. Therefore, this is considered one of the foundational conditions when developing a skincare routine to prevent premature skin aging.

3.2 Solutions to combat signs of aging from oh!oh!

HA & Proteoglycans Amber Serum (with 3.1% Hyaluronic Acid & 5% Proteoglycans Complex)

This new-generation moisturizing serum focuses not only on supplementing surface moisturizers but also on the role of deep hydration, combining multi-nutrient ingredients to address and prevent early signs of skin aging:

• 3.1% Multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and locks in moisture, making skin plump and smooth, replenishing multi-level HA, strengthening HA density in the extracellular matrix, and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• 5% Proteoglycans Complex: Acts as a growth factor effective in wound healing, promoting cell proliferation, regenerating new skin cells, and being one of the four foundational structures of the extracellular matrix that supports the dermal cushion, helps connect collagen fibers, and prevents signs of aging and skin sagging.
• Essential nutrients such as Niacinamide, Arbutin, Ceramide NP, Amino Acid Complex & Peptide Complex: Provide necessary ingredients for cell repair and regeneration, brighten, restore, and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.

>> See details here

Oatmere Serum (with 4.5% Oat Extract & 9.9ppm EGF)

Oatmere Serum's ability to improve and prevent early signs of aging is demonstrated through its effectiveness in promoting the development of new epidermal cells and stimulating collagen production, which helps reduce and improve existing wrinkles, while healing wounds and scars, and restoring the integrity of the skin's surface.

>> See details here

Flawless Abyss Serum (with 1.2% GHK-Cu & 9.9ppm EGF)

Utilizing 1.2% GHK-Cu and 9.9ppm EGF as its main ingredients, two skin rejuvenating components developed in recent decades, it simultaneously delivers four prominent effects:

• Enhances cell regeneration;
• Effectively reduces acne, improves skin texture, and smooths;
• Soothes sensitive skin, reduces inflammation, irritation, and redness;
• Controls oil production, restores skin balance.

>> See details here

REFERENCES

1. Wong QYA, Chew FT. Defining skin aging and its risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2021 Nov 11;11(1):22075
2. Chen X, Yang C, Jiang G. Research progress on skin photoaging and oxidative stress. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2021 Dec;38(6):931-936.
3. Wang YN, Fang H, Zhu WF. Survey on skin aging status and related influential factors in Southeast China. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2009 Jan;10(1):57-66