Understanding How Our Skin Ages & Anti-Ageing Solutions in Sydney

As we get older, our skin and the deeper structures of our face naturally change. These changes are gradual and happen at several levels:

Surface Layer (Epidermis): Becomes thinner and more delicate, making skin more prone to dryness and irritation.
Support Layer (Dermis): Collagen and elastin, which keep skin firm and elastic, gradually break down. This leads to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of youthful volume.
Fat Pads: The fat that gives our face its smooth, full look can shrink and shift, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and temples. This can cause hollow areas and sagging.
Muscles: Changes in muscle tone and repeated facial expressions can create deeper lines and folds.
Bone Structure: Even our facial bones change over time, losing volume and support, particularly in the jaw and cheeks. This can contribute to a more aged appearance.

Why Does Skin Age?

Skin ageing is influenced by both internal and external factors:

Natural Ageing (Intrinsic): Our genetics determine how quickly our skin cells renew and repair themselves, and this process slows down as we age.
Environmental Ageing (Extrinsic):

Sun Exposure: In Australia, sun damage is the leading cause of early skin ageing.
Smoking: Speeds up skin ageing and damages collagen.
Other Factors: Pollution, poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep can all contribute to dullness, uneven tone, and faster ageing.

Common Signs of Ageing

You may notice:

Fine lines and deeper wrinkles
Uneven skin tone or sun spots
Thinner, drier, and more fragile skin
Loss of fullness in the cheeks and temples
Sagging along the jawline or under the chin
More visible small blood vessels (capillaries)

How To Protect and Care for Ageing Skin

The best approach depends on your unique skin, goals, and health. Options include:

Prevention and Protection

Use a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) every day
Wear hats and protective clothing outdoors
Avoid smoking and support overall wellbeing with good nutrition, regular exercise, and quality sleep

Skincare

Prescription creams like retinoids or retinol to boost collagen and even skin tone
Antioxidants (such as Vitamins C and E along with niacinamide) to protect against environmental damage
Hydrating products with peptides and hyaluronic acid to support moisture and skin barrier

In-Clinic Treatments

Skin Lines Support: Treatments designed to soften lines caused by facial expressions and support a smoother appearance.
Facial Volume Support: Techniques to restore natural-looking fullness and enhance facial contours.
Skin Collagen Support: Advanced procedures that help stimulate your skin’s own collagen production for improved firmness and texture.
Laser and energy-based treatments: Options to improve skin texture, tone, and overall radiance.
Chemical peels: Procedures to refresh the skin’s surface and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

All treatment plans are personalised to your skin type, age, concerns, and medical history, and should always be guided by a dermatologist for the best and safest results.

Why Choose Dr Liz dawes-higgs?

With over 20 years’ experience as a specialist dermatologist, Dr Liz offers personalised, evidence-based care using advanced laser technology and tailored solutions for smoother skin lines, restored facial volume, boosted collagen, and enhanced skin hydration and glow. Every patient receives a thorough assessment, clear communication, and a treatment plan tailored for natural-looking, long-term results.

Book a consultation with Dr Liz — Sydney’s skin expert in laser and skin support treatments, or phone (02) 9958 1555.