When we talk about ageing, we tend to think in terms of years – your chronological age. But in aesthetics and longevity medicine, there’s something far more insightful to consider: your biological age. Unlike the age printed on your passport, your biological age reflects how your body, and as your body’s largest organ, your skin, is functioning beneath the surface. And in many cases, the two numbers don’t match.

In clinic, I often see patients in their 40s with skin that’s biologically younger than someone in their early 30s. That’s because skin age is influenced less by the number of candles on your birthday cake and more by your lifestyle, environment, skincare habits and how well your skin has been supported over time.

So what exactly is biological age, and how can we influence it?

The difference between chronological age and biological age

Chronological age is fixed, it’s simply how many years you’ve been alive. Biological age, on the other hand, is a dynamic measure that reflects how well your cells are functioning and how fast your body is ageing. When it comes to the skin, biological age differences show up in the form of elasticity, hydration, texture, pigmentation, and collagen density. Two people born on the same day could look, and biologically be, 10 years apart based on how they’ve cared for their skin and body over time.

This is where the conversation around skin health shifts. Instead of chasing youth through superficial fixes, we’re now able to take a deeper, more regenerative approach that not only enhances appearance but slows (or even reverses) some of the biological signs of ageing.

What influences your skin’s biological age

Your skin’s biological age is shaped by many factors, including sun exposure, pollution, stress, poor sleep, glycation (sugar damage), hormonal shifts, and oxidative stress. Then there’s your skincare regime, are you using evidence-based ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants, peptides and SPF daily? Or relying on marketing hype over real science?

Nutrition, hydration, gut health, and systemic inflammation all play a role too, which is why I advocate a 360-degree approach. Looking after your skin starts with how you treat your body as a whole. That means managing your stress, supporting your hormones, and prioritising restorative sleep, all of which influence the biological signals your skin receives.

How we assess skin health in clinic

In my clinic, assessing your skin’s biological age doesn’t just come down to what we see under the light, it’s about using tools that can analyse hydration levels, pigmentation, textural changes and even collagen loss. During your consultation, I’ll look at visible signs like dullness, laxity and lines, but also deeper indicators like barrier function and dermal thickness. This gives us a roadmap of where your skin is and where we can take it with the right plan.

It also helps us personalise your treatment journey. Because the truth is, no two skins age the same way, and your treatment shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.

Treatments that support healthier biological ageing

The goal of modern aesthetic medicine is no longer to ‘fight’ ageing but to support the skin in ageing well. That means working with regenerative treatments that stimulate your own skin to behave more youthfully.

Biostimulators like HArmonyCa and Julaine are among my favourite tools for this. They don’t just sit in the skin and add volume, they prompt the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, strengthening the architecture and improving firmness and elasticity over time.

Injectables like Profhilo and Profhilo Structura are also powerful allies for ageing skin. Profhilo delivers a wave of hydration while kickstarting collagen production, making the skin more resilient and radiant. Structura takes things deeper, offering subtle structural support for areas like the jawline that may be starting to soften.

Microneedling with exosomes or polynucleotides is another excellent way to improve cellular repair and regeneration, particularly if you’re noticing slower healing or more frequent flare-ups. These treatments work at the cellular level, supporting skin function rather than masking surface issues.

How to slow down your skin’s biological clock

The most effective way to reduce your skin’s biological age is to combine evidence-led skincare with regenerative treatments and healthy lifestyle practices. Use SPF every day without fail. Prioritise a nighttime routine that includes retinoids, peptides and nourishing moisturisers. Eat for your skin – think antioxidant-rich foods, essential fatty acids, and good hydration.

And don’t underestimate the power of sleep and stress management. Your skin is a reflection of your internal health, and the more balanced your body, the better your skin will function and age.

Why biological age matters more than ever

Understanding your biological age empowers you to take control of how you age. It allows you to move beyond chasing trends and instead focus on what your skin truly needs to thrive. It shifts the focus from ‘anti-ageing’ to longevity, helping your skin perform better, for longer, with grace and vitality.

This is why in my practice, we don’t just treat the surface. We work with your skin, your biology, and your goals to develop a plan that supports you from the inside out.

If you’re curious about how your skin is really ageing, and what you can do to feel like the best version of yourself, I’d love to welcome you for a consultation. Together, we can map out a plan that supports your skin health for years to come.