When does aging begin?

There is no 'set age' for preventive treatments, and it is reasonable to start with low-intensity care when skin changes are first perceived. Rather than rushing into aggressive treatments, a commonly recommended approach is to add care that supports the skin's own elasticity and hydration at the time when collagen decrease begins.

At this stage, methods such as Skin Boosters (REJURAN®, SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®) that aid skin regeneration, moisture, and elasticity, or collagen induction (JUVELOOK) are considered. However, the necessity and timing vary depending on skin condition, genetics, and lifestyle environment, so it is better to determine through a specialist's diagnosis rather than relying solely on age.

Preventive care in your 20s may help slow the progression of aging rather than reverse wrinkles that have already formed. Since much of aging stems from cumulative UV damage, basic care such as sun protection and moisturizing from a young age can make a significant difference in the long term.

In particular, sun protection works by reducing the activity of enzymes that break down collagen, making it a fundamental and well-evidenced method for preventing photoaging. However, there is no need to rush into aggressive procedures in your 20s; it is advisable to prioritize home care and lifestyle habits, and add lighter treatments as needed.

In fact, the rate of skin aging is known to be influenced more by UV exposure and lifestyle habits than by chronological age. Aging is divided into 'intrinsic aging' that occurs over time and 'photoaging/extrinsic aging' caused by environmental factors, and a large part of visible wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity falls into the latter category.

Chronic UV exposure is identified as a major cause of wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and loss of elasticity, and smoking, lack of sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption can also accelerate collagen damage. In other words, even at the same age, skin age can vary greatly depending on care habits, making lifestyle management more fundamental than any procedure.

There is no procedure that completely stops aging, but there are treatments that help slow the progression by supporting collagen production and improving the skin environment. The approaches are broadly divided into those that support skin regeneration, hydration, and elasticity, and lifting procedures that address advanced sagging.

In the early stages, Skin Boosters (REJURAN®, SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®) or collagen induction (JUVELOOK) can help support the skin's own strength, and when sagging progresses, radiofrequency or HIFU Lifting (such as Thermage® FLX) may be considered. However, which treatment is suitable depends on age, skin condition, and lifestyle, and individual differences are significant, so it is recommended to maintain basics like sun protection and consult a dermatologist to plan according to your needs.