What Is Skin Ageing? (Intrinsic vs Extrinsic)

Ageing is inevitable. But how our skin ages, and how soon can be influenced by how we look after our health and skin.. Skin ageing is driven by two key processes: intrinsic ageing and extrinsic ageing.

Intrinsic ageing is the slow, steady biological changes  written into our DNA. It’s the type of ageing that happens no matter how well you look after yourself. Skin gets thinner, drier, and loses elasticity over time due to a gradual reduction in collagen and elastin production.

Extrinsic ageing, however, is largely within our control. Sun exposure, pollution, stress, poor nutrition, smoking, and even lack of sleep accelerate the ageing process, triggering free radical damage and inflammation. This causes premature breakdown of collagen, pigmentation changes, and overall textural deterioration.

At Takroni Clinic, we recognise both influences. That’s why our approach is rooted in consultation-led treatment plans, combining advanced clinical technologies with long-term skin health strategies.

Collagen & Elastin Decline: The Structural Breakdown

Collagen is your skin’s scaffolding. Elastin is the bounce. Together, they form the supportive architecture that keeps skin plump, smooth, and firm. From our mid-twenties, collagen production begins to decline by about 1% each year, a rate that accelerates by 6 times in menopausal and post-menopausal women.

As collagen depletes, the dermis loses density. Skin starts to sag, fine lines become more prominent, skin loses its radiance, pores can appear larger and areas of pigmentation start or become more prominent.At Takroni, we address this with regenerative technologies like:

• Microneedling with exosomes or polynucleotides for collagen induction 
• Clear + Brilliant and Lumecca IPL for dermal stimulation and skin clarity 
• Skin boosters and fillers to support collagen regeneration from within and replace lost volume and hydration . 

Cellular Slowdown: Why Skin Loses Its Spark

Your skin’s natural ability to repair and renew itself doesn’t stay constant over time. In your youth, cell turnover happens like clockwork, fresh, healthy skin cells rise to the surface regularly, keeping your complexion smooth, bright, and even.

But as we age, this renewal process slows significantly. Cells take longer to regenerate, which means old, tired cells linger on the surface. The result? Dullness, rough texture, uneven tone, and a visible drop in vibrancy.

The good news? Treatments that stimulate cellular turnover, like targeted skincare, chemical peels, laser therapies, and regenerative injectables, can help reignite this renewal cycle and bring that youthful radiance back.

This is why even the most expensive moisturiser won’t suffice. At Takroni Clinic, we implement therapies that stimulate dermal renewal at the cellular level, including:

• Medical microneedling with exosomes which increases collagen by 400% after 3 sessions.  Exosomes providing reduced downtime and even more impressive results.  
• Polynucleotide therapy to support DNA repair and cellular vitality 
• Personalised prescription skincare targeting renewal, not just relief

Other Biological Drivers of Skin Ageing

It’s not just collagen and cell turnover. Your skin’s biological machinery experiences a multifaceted decline with age:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction reduces your cells’ energy capacity 
• Oxidative stress from pollution and UV exposure causes DNA damage 
• Telomere shortening, a genetic hallmark of ageing, limits your skin’s regenerative lifespan 

All these mechanisms combined lead to slower wound healing, increased inflammation, and thinning skin. At Takroni Clinic, our medical team takes these deeper processes seriously, offering science-led treatments that align with each patient’s stage of biological ageing.

The Role of Photoageing: UV & Environmental Stressors

Nothing accelerates visible ageing quite like UV exposure. Chronic sunlight exposure activates enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down collagen and elastin, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

Known as photoageing, this process accounts for up to 80% of visible skin ageing in the average adult. It presents as:

• Brown spots or melasma 
• Rough, leathery texture 
• Telangiectasia (spider veins) 
• Uneven skin tone 

That’s why daily SPF is non-negotiable. And for existing sun damage, Takroni offers targeted repair through:

• Lumecca IPL to break down pigmentation and vascular damage 
• Advanced resurfacing lasers like Clear + Brilliant 
• Antioxidant-rich topicals and prescribed actives for protection and repair 

Signs and Symptoms of Ageing Skin

No two ageing journeys look the same. But there are tell-tale signs:

• Fine lines around the eyes and mouth 
• Volume loss in cheeks, temples, and jawline 
• Sagging of mid and lower face 
• Dryness and crepiness, particularly around the neck and eyes 
• Dull, uneven texture and lack of radiance
• pigmentation 

At Takroni Clinic, we perform in-depth skin consultations to understand the full picture. Our treatment plans are bespoke, tailored to treat the visible while supporting the underlying cause.

Can Collagen Supplements & Topicals Reverse Ageing?

Short answer: not entirely, but they can help.

Oral collagen supplements have shown some promise, particularly those rich in hydrolysed peptides. These may help support dermal density when used consistently over time. Topicals like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C are better studied, with proven results in increasing cell turnover and boosting collagen synthesis.

However, true change requires professional intervention. That’s why Takroni prioritises:

• Evidence-backed treatments designed to improve structure and function 
• Topical regimes that reinforce what’s achieved in-clinic 
• Bioregenerative injectables like polynucleotides, exosomes, and advanced skin boosters – Rather than simply masking signs of ageing, these regenerative treatments work on a cellular level to stimulate repair, enhance hydration, and improve overall skin quality,helping your skin behave more like its younger self. 

Lifestyle & Treatment Strategies to Slow Ageing

Skin health is an investment, and the earlier you begin, the better the return.

Daily habits to protect your skin:

• Apply SPF 50+ every morning 
• Incorporate antioxidants like Vitamin C and formulations that include a hybrid of powerful antioxidants. 
• Incorporate retinols or growth factors into your regime to increase cellular turnover and collagen levels
• Eat collagen-rich foods (bone broth, berries, leafy greens)
• Prioritise hydration, sleep, and stress reduction 

In-clinic strategies at Takroni Clinic:

• Microneedling, Lumecca IPL, clear and brilliant laser, radiofrequency and chemical peels 
• Injectables that support tissue, not just volume 
• Prescription-strength skincare guided by your practitioner 

Every plan is bespoke, grounded in both medical knowledge and aesthetic refinement.

FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Skin Ageing Questions

How much collagen do we lose each year?
Roughly 1% per year from your mid-20s, accelerating to 6 x faster  during menopause.

Can collagen supplements reverse skin ageing?
They can support skin health but work best in combination with clinical treatments.

What is cellular senescence in skin?
It’s when skin cells stop dividing, contributing to inflammation and tissue breakdown.

Can you slow down ageing?
Absolutely. With the right interventions, we can preserve structure, elasticity, and luminosity and add to your precious collagen bank 

Summary & Next Steps

Ageing is complex, but it’s not out of your hands. With the right approach, you can strengthen your skin, prevent further damage, and even reverse early signs of ageing.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Skin?

Whether you’re noticing early signs of ageing or want to take a preventative approach rooted in science, now is the time to take control. At Takroni Clinic, our expert-led consultations are designed to uncover exactly what your skin needs to age beautifully, not passively.

Book your personalised consultation at our London clinic and discover the power of tailored, regenerative skin health.

Explore Treatments | Meet the Team | 📞 Call us on 0207 101 4979