As we age, what really happens to our skin?

We talk a lot about wrinkles and firmness, but rarely about what causes them. Yet understanding the mechanism of skin aging completely changes the way we choose our skincare products. The skin doesn’t wrinkle like a piece of fabric: it undergoes a profound, gradual transformation as certain components become depleted. Knowing which components are affected allows us to stop chasing empty promises and focus on what actually works.

unsplash sam badmaeva soins peau anti age kodd magazine medias beaute

Collagen is the primary culprit. It is the protein that gives the body its structure and elasticity. Starting in our thirties, we produce slightly less of it each year, and the decline accelerates thereafter. Elastin, which provides suppleness, follows the same trajectory. Added to this are reduced moisture retention and a slowdown in cell renewal. The result is thinner, drier, and more prone to showing facial expressions.

Giving the skin what it needs

Once this mechanism is understood, the logic behind skincare becomes clear: it’s less about masking and more about supporting the functions that are slowing down. This is where active ingredients come in those capable of boosting collagen production rather than simply hydrating the surface. Anti-aging products containing peptides hold a special place in this regard, as these small chains of amino acids send a signal to the skin that encourages it to repair itself.

Not all active ingredients are created equal, and not all are used at the same time. Retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids each have their own role, but they should be used judiciously sometimes in rotation to avoid weakening the cutaneous barrier. The goal isn’t to pile on products, but to address a specific need with the right approach.

unsplash valentin lacoste soins anti age kodd magazine medias beaute

Building a routine that lasts

The most common mistake is to change everything all at once, then give up when you don’t see immediate results. The skin works over weeks, not days. It’s better to introduce one active ingredient at a time and see how your body reacts. For example, a peptide serum is applied in the evening, before your moisturizer, so it can work overnight when the body regenerates the most.

Consistency matters more than quantity. A simple routine, followed every day, yields better results than a complicated arsenal of products applied haphazardly. Brands like Notino let you compare formulations and identify the concentrations that suit each complexion, without getting lost in marketing hype.

Supporting the skin rather than fighting it

Aging isn’t a flaw to be corrected, and no skincare product can stop time. However, understanding what’s happening within the epidermis allows us to take the right approach: nourishing what’s becoming depleted, protecting what’s becoming fragile, and supporting natural processes rather than fighting against them. It’s this patient approach more than any miracle product that keeps skin healthy and vibrant over the years.