Why Skin Becomes More Reactive With Age
As we get older, our skin starts to react more strongly to things like skincare products, weather changes, or even stress. This happens because the skin’s natural defenses weaken over time, making it easier for irritants to cause redness, dryness, or flare-ups.
One big reason is the skin barrier breaking down. The barrier is like a shield that keeps moisture in and harmful stuff out. With age, it gets thinner and less effective, leading to more water loss and sensitivity. Products that worked fine for years might now cause irritation because the skin cannot repair itself as quickly.
Chronic stress plays a major role too. It raises cortisol levels, a hormone that triggers low-grade inflammation called inflammageing. This ongoing inflammation damages collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, and weakens repair processes. Stressed skin shows more redness, breakouts, or worsening of conditions like eczema and rosacea.
Inside the skin, cells change as we age. Senescent cells build up, which are old cells that stop working properly. They release signals that spark more inflammation and slow down healing. Proteins like sirtuins, which help protect cells, decrease, leaving skin vulnerable to damage from UV rays or pollution.
Oxidative stress adds to the problem. Things like sun exposure create reactive oxygen species, unstable molecules that harm skin cells. Older skin has fewer antioxidants to fight them back, so it reacts more to everyday triggers like temperature shifts or touch.
Nerves in the skin also become more sensitive. Stress hormones like noradrenaline make them overreact to small things, turning minor sensations into noticeable irritation.
These changes happen from both inside factors, like genetics and natural aging, and outside ones, like sun and pollution. Together, they make mature skin quicker to flare up but also more responsive to gentle care that supports its barrier and calms inflammation.
Sources
https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/skincare-chronic-stress-inflammageing-skin-barrier
https://jcadonline.com/facial-skincare-regimen-with-sirtuin-targeting-ingredients-in-a-multiethnic-population/
https://www.alisonbladh.com/post/cortisol-face-and-skin-ageing-how-stress-shows-on-your-skin
https://thegoodhygiene.com/blogs/news/inflammaging-chronic-stress-makes-you-look-older
https://www.colaz.co.uk/blog/smoking-or-vaping-for-premature-face-wrinkles/
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/dehydrated-skin/how-to-identify-your-changing-skin-type-as-you-age
https://us.beau-domaine.com/blogs/becomeanexpert/oxidative-damage-in-mens-skin-causes-and-prevention
https://www.neurocos.com/blogs/news/the-link-between-stress-hormones-and-skin-aging
