That’s a really interesting question! Skin aging is influenced by both internal (intrinsic) and external (extrinsic) factors. Internal factors include genetics, hormonal changes, and natural metabolic processes that affect collagen production and skin elasticity over time. External factors, like UV exposure, pollution, diet, and smoking, usually speed up visible aging even more than genetics alone.
It’s also worth noting that overall health plays a big role. For example, poor circulation, high blood pressure, or chronic inflammation can make skin look older. That’s why maintaining a healthy lifestyle—balanced diet, exercise, hydration, and even regular heart health screenings—can indirectly help your skin look younger by keeping your body in better shape.
So in short, internal factors do matter, but lifestyle and environment usually have a stronger impact on visible aging.