What exactly is AE(+) skin type?

The letter "A" indicates thatno signs of aging are visible on the skin. Indeed, three main manifestations can affect the appearance of the face, namely wrinkles, skin sagging (loss of volume), and loss of density. Generally, the first signs of skin aging appear around the age of 25, reflecting the changes that occur in the different layers of the skin (slowing of cell renewal, reduction in lipid production, decline in the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, decrease in the size and number of fat cells...). Although aging is an inevitable process, it is possible to prevent and exert some control over the various factors affecting the speed of aging, and thus delay the appearance of signs of age.

The second letter (E) defines the level of exposure and protection of the skin against a multitude of aggressions throughout the day, such as solar radiation, atmospheric pollution, tobacco, stress, alcohol, etc. Indeed, these external sources generate free radicals, unstable and highly reactive molecules that can have a lasting impact on the skin. However, this biochemical reaction 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 ability to naturally eliminate them, oxidative stress sets in and problems arise. Indeed, these reactive forms of oxygen contribute to the degeneration of skin cells, both at the level of the epidermis and the dermis. All the essential constituents of the skin (collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, lipids, DNA) find themselves under attack, thereby inducing damage and dysfunctions.

Cellular oxidation can thus affect the structure of the skin, causing a speeding up of the skin aging process or a cancer. Visible signs of aging can start to appear such as initially superficial wrinkles that become increasingly deep, less toned skin, and a duller complexion, and this can occur prematurely. To curb their action and thus prevent premature skin aging, the daily application of antioxidant-based treatments (vitamin C, ferulic acid, resveratrol...), in addition to an appropriate sun protection , is recommended.