In both men and women, skin aging is generally seen as modifications in the epidermis and the dermis which appear extremely unsightly. Because mitosis of keratinocytes slows and this leads to abnormal desquamation, the stratum corneum thickens and the living epidermis thins.
Intercellular lipids fail more and more to fulfill their role of barrier, making the skin more permeable and allowing water loss, leading to permanent dehydration. The dermo-epidermal junction flattens and the cutaneous envelope becomes wider. Dermal proteins cross-link or disappear causing loss in elasticity. Dermal proteoglycans are modified, which is why there is a reduction in water accumulation. Finally, melanocytes become more sparse or group together abnormally and skin becomes dotted by achromic or hyperpigmented areas.
Flaccid, wrinkled, dry and rough skin dotted with spots is therefore the norm. All of these phenomena linked to biological aging are accentuated by exposure to solar radiation. Anti-aging products therefore have to fight these dysfunctional elements by ensuring protection, preventing deterioration, and restoring elementary cell function.