Aging is a natural process we are all going through. In fact, we celebrate it. But what happens when you feel as though you are aging more rapidly than you’d like or your aging process seems to be starting earlier than you’d like. At Sage Spa, we believe in the art of aging gracefully and have many options available to slow the aging process or even turn back the hands of time a little.

WHY DO WE AGE?

As we age, our body’s internal processes naturally slow and so does the regeneration of our skin. Not only does our skin become thinner, but it loses fat and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. The dermis contains a very complex arrangement of extracellular matrix proteins which include collagen and elastin, the two things that keep us looking, plump, smooth and youthful.

Fibroblast cells in the dermis not only produce these proteins, but they are also firmly lodged between these proteins and connected to them. As we age, the ECM progressively loses its integrity as the protein structures become fragmented. Fibroblasts lose their ECM connections as enzymes degrade the protein networks. This leads to a change in fibroblast shape, severely affecting the cells’ function. Protein production by fibroblasts is reduced, contributing further to the breakdown of the ECM network.

This natural circle of events causes a significant reduction in elasticity and results in wrinkles and sagging.

WHAT IS PREMATURE AGING?

The natural aging process is different for everyone, but if you are experiencing wrinkles, sagging, age spots before you turn thirty, or even forty, you may be experiencing premature agin. This is when you look older than your chronological age.

SIGNS OF AGING?

Aging is a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to disrupt it. Here are some of the most telltale signs it’s time for a little TLC: