Skin ageing & what you can do about it
Tips from dermatologist Dr. Barbara Franz

In the course of life – as we all know only too well – our skin changes, unfortunately not always for the better. Wrinkles, large pores and pigmentation spots are usually the result of sun, nicotine, pollution and stress.
Why does our skin age?
According to current scientific knowledge, the ageing process of the human body is not only genetically predetermined. A mindful lifestyle, a balanced, healthy diet, sporting activities and special creams can counteract the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
The main causes of skin ageing are a thinning of the skin – i.e. a decrease in elastin, collagen, protein and hyaluronic acid. The proportion of fatty tissue in the skin also decreases, making some faces look “sunken”.
The skin ageing process can generally be divided into 4 phases:
Skin aging 1st phase:
Beginning from the age of 25, the skin is less supplied with blood. As a result, cell renewal slows down and waste products can no longer be sufficiently removed, accumulating and giving the skin a sallow appearance.
Skin aging 2nd phase:
From the age of 35, the production of sebaceous glands also decreases, which has the advantage that hardly any pimples appear at this age, but our skin becomes noticeably drier. Small wrinkles around the eyes and mouth become visible for the first time.
Skin aging 3rd phase:
At the age of 45, there are already harbingers of the impending menopause. Hormone levels, determined by oestrogen and progesterone, gradually begin to fall. The skin appears thinner and paler. The neck and décolleté areas are now also affected, the collagen content continues to fall, the wrinkles around the eyes and mouth become lines and they also continue to expand.
Skin aging 4th phase:
From around 55, the amount of fatty tissue under the skin, which ensures plump, healthy skin and “plumping”, is reduced to a minimum and the skin structure appears thin, dry and inelastic. No wonder – there are hardly any collagen and elastic fibers left, and sebaceous gland production is also significantly reduced. Overall, the skin is now dry, pale and thin. Blood vessels directly under the skin are often clearly visible from the outside. Traces of decades of exposure to the sun also show dark, brown-grey age spots.
Anti-aging tips
- Sporting activities not only help to keep the body (prevention of muscle loss) and soul in good shape, but also improve blood circulation in the skin and thus cell renewal.
- As repair and cell renewal processes take place primarily during sleep, restful and sufficient sleep is the key to anti-ageing!
- Sufficient fluids (2-3 liters of water/day), little (red) meat and regular fish (omega 3 fatty acids) and plenty of legumes (peas, beans, lentils) ensure beauty from within and act like a fountain of youth.
- After all, you are what you eat!
- But above all, the consistent sun protection factor (UVA/UVB to a high degree) is indispensable for me as a dermatologist!
Microneedling with the DermaPen is a proven anti-ageing treatment!
The DermaPen is regarded as an absolute revolution among modern anti-aging methods.
Superstars like Angelina Jolie swear by this simple but effective method to achieve lastingly firmer and more even skin:
- Large pores disappear
- Pigment spots lighten
- Small, disruptive vessels (telangiectasias) disappear
- The skin becomes thicker and therefore firmer
- It also gives the skin a youthful "glow" - the long-awaited peach-colored complexion returns as waste products are removed
The skin is irritated by many tiny pinpricks at a shallow depth in order to produce intensive wound healing.
By stimulating certain receptors, the skin reacts by producing more of the body’s own growth factors such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which regenerate and firm the skin from within.
The best thing about it: The process is completely natural and works without the use of chemicals!
What can I do at home for an even and fine-pored complexion?
Lubricate, lubricate, lubricate is the motto here. Night creams with 5% vitamin C and bleaching properties are best – anti-ageing at its best!