I have PE(+) skin, what does that mean?

The first letter "P" indicates that skin aging is well established. On mature skin, after the age of fifty, expression lines that appeared earlier (crow's feet at the corners of the eyes, frown lines...) become increasingly pronounced, with loss of firmness being the cause. Cellular degeneration continues, coupled with a reduction in the number and size of fat cells in the fatty tissue of the hypodermis, the deepest layer of the skin. This decrease leads to a loss of volume and firmness, which will hollow out the cheeks.

Furthermore, in women, during menopause, deficiencies in estrogen and progesterone exacerbate the chronological aging of the skin. Indeed, estrogens stimulated keratinocytes, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen, and inhibited the growth of hair follicles. However, with this abrupt drop in the secretion of female hormones, we observe an increased skin dryness, a modification of the barrier function, and a loss of radiance.

The "E" indicates that the skin is highly exposed to external aggressions (solar radiation, air pollution, tobacco, stress, thealcohol...), as well as insufficient sun protection habits relative to the phototype and exposure rhythm. These factors promote the production of free radicals, highly unstable and reactive molecules that can have a lasting impact on the skin. However, this action is normal in all living organisms that consume oxygen.

However, in the event of an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's natural ability to neutralize them, oxidative stress sets in and skin damage occurs. Indeed, these reactive oxygen species contribute to the degeneration of skin cells, both at the level of the epidermis and the dermis. All vital components of the skin such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, lipids, and DNA find themselves under attack, thereby causing damage and malfunctions.

This oxidation process can thus affect the structure of the skin, leading to premature skin aging or even cancer. Initially superficial wrinkles that gradually deepen, less firm skin, and a duller complexion can start to appear, even before aging. To slow down their action and thus prevent premature skin aging, the daily application of antioxidant-based treatments, in addition to an appropriate sun protection , is recommended.