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Zurich HBKonradstrasse 1
Pre-ageing and preventive skincare at alestetics® Skin Quality Clinic Zurich HB
Pre-ageing · Skin Longevity · Zurich Main Station

Pre-Aging: You don't see anything yet – now is the right moment.

Pre-ageing doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong. It means staying one step ahead of your skin — building it up while it’s still at its most responsive, rather than repairing it later.

Free AURA 3D skin analysis →

CHF 0 · 60 mins · no sales pressure


This is what pre-ageing looks like ↓
Does this sound familiar?

Perhaps you've been there:

You’re in your mid-20s to early 40s and want to stay one step ahead of your skin’s ageing process rather than having to repair it later.

In your family, you see how skin changes over the years — and you want to take a more conscious approach to it.

You invest in your health — diet, exercise, sleep — and your skin should be part of that.

You’re starting to notice the first subtle changes, but they aren’t wrinkles yet.

You've had enough of marketing hype and want to know what really works.

You want a routine that fits your lifestyle — not ten creams that you never use consistently.

What's really behind it

Why skin ages — and why so much of it is in your hands

Skin ageing has two causes. One is intrinsic — genetically determined and inevitable with age; the body’s own collagen production begins to decline slowly from the mid-20s onwards, at a rate of around one per cent per year. The other is extrinsic: the sum of all external and internal factors that affect the skin. Dermatology summarises these under the term "exposome" — sun, environment, hormones, diet, stress, sleep. The key point is that this second factor is the more significant one — and it can be influenced.

This is exactly where pre-ageing comes in. Instead of waiting until visible wrinkles appear, you tackle the underlying causes whilst your skin is still most responsive. What you see at 45 began 10 or 15 years ago — and young skin that is regularly stimulated builds up more reserves.

What drives skin ageing

  • UV / Sun — by far the biggest external factor; a large proportion of visible facial ageing is caused by the sun.
  • Hormones — Oestrogen regulates collagen and skin density; if levels drop due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or the menopause, the skin changes.
  • Stress & Cortisol — Chronically elevated cortisol levels break down collagen and weaken the skin barrier.
  • Nutrition — Too much sugar causes collagen and elastin fibres to cross-link (glycation), making them inflexible.
  • Dehydration & Lifestyle — Lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking and dry (aircraft) air take their toll.

The skin is not an isolated issue. The same mechanisms that cause aging — inflammation, Oxidative stress, Glycation, collagen degradation—these are also behind the aging of the entire body. Skin aging can be seen from the outside; it is certainly a visible indicator of how things are going on inside. Pre-Aging therefore thinks like Longevity Medicine: address the root causes early rather than trying to mask them later.

What helps — and what doesn't

Two levels that interact

The first step is to actively rebuild the skin — in a scientific sense, not just cosmetically. Regular biostimulation keeps cell renewal going and maintains skin density before it starts to decline. This involves gentle, restorative treatments to improve skin quality and, if you want to go deeper, targeted collagen stimulation. And this doesn’t just apply to the face: preventive care is also worthwhile for the body. We first activate the lymphatic system and release tension, followed by firming, collagen-boosting treatments.

The second factor is down to you — and it plays a key role in determining how effective the treatments are. Consistent UV protection is the single most important factor. Added to this is muscle and strength training, which has been proven to improve skin texture and density; sleep and stress management to combat cortisol; and a diet that keeps blood sugar spikes — and therefore glycation — low — "clean eating" is not just a trend here, but skin protection. And drink enough to keep the skin barrier stable.

When it comes to dietary supplements, it’s worth taking a level-headed view. There are now robust studies on oral collagen peptides that show improvements in skin hydration and elasticity — albeit with methodological limitations, so they’re no miracle cure, but a sensible supplement. One issue that is often overlooked, particularly among women, is Iron deficiency: It is common and manifests itself in the skin — which becomes pale and sallow — as well as hair loss, brittle nails and dark circles under the eyes. However, you shouldn’t just take omega-3, vitamin D (often combined with vitamin K for bone health) and iron indiscriminately — iron in particular can be harmful in excess. This needs to be clarified with a blood test — for iron, via the ferritin level — and discussed with your doctor; do not simply take a dose based on how you feel. Supplements are never a substitute for the basics: sun protection, sleep, exercise and diet.

Some risks are underestimated. People who fly frequently are exposed to more UVA radiation through the cabin window and sit in very dry air, which dehydrates the skin — studies of flight crew show that radiation exposure at cruising altitude is a real concern. Research into microplastics is still in its infancy: particles can now be detected in the human body, but a direct effect on skin ageing has not been proven. We stick to what is certain — and keep an eye on the rest.

Pre-Aging is therefore not just a single device or a single cream. It is a plan that combines skincare and lifestyle — tailored to your skin and to what you actually do in your day-to-day life.

What we work with

This is what pre-ageing looks like at our company

Pre-Aging is a system: maintaining skin quality, building up structure, and upkeep — for the face and body. Listed by their role:

Core treatments · Skin quality & biostimulation

If you want to establish a structure early on

  • Volnewmer® — Monopolar radiofrequency for volume restoration and deep collagen formation; also useful as a preventative measure.
  • Vivace® RF Microneedling — highly effective as an annual preventative treatment for improving density and texture.
  • SkinPen® Precision — maintains skin firmness and texture over the long term; suitable for all skin types.

Pre-ageing on the body

Preventative care doesn’t stop at the chin. On the body, we first stimulate the lymphatic system and release tension — with Icoone® and Endospheres® —, followed by firming, collagen-boosting treatments. Read more about this in the Body section →.

Always included

Included in every facial treatment: Dermalux™ LED — Red light stimulates fibroblasts and promotes collagen production.

Whether it’s your hormones, the sun or your lifestyle that’s the main factor — and which plan is right for you — the free AURA 3D skin analysis will reveal all. When it comes to hormonal skin, it’s worth taking a look at Menopause & Hormonal Skin →.

Free AURA 3D skin analysis →
Your journey at alestetics®

Three steps to better skin

01

AURA 3D skin analysis + Plan

We capture skin density, pigmentation and early changes in 3D and match them with your lifestyle. This creates your plan — for treatment and everyday life. CHF 0, without sales pressure.

02

Build up & stimulate

We maintain the skin’s condition and provide targeted collagen stimulation at the times when the skin responds most effectively — at the right intervals, rather than all at once.

03

Hold & adjust

With UV protection, the right routine and regular maintenance, the results will last; we’ll adapt the plan as your life changes.

Why alestetics®

Prevention is our speciality, not just an additional service.

Specialisation

Pre-Aging is our focus and name. Our team has the qualification in accordance with V-NISSG.

A system rather than a single device

Pre-Aging is the result of a combination of treatment and lifestyle, not a machine.

Honest advice

We’ll tell you what you need — and what you don’t. Even if that means starting with a blood test at the doctor’s rather than with treatment.

Frequently asked questions

You might be wondering

What is pre-ageing — and how does it differ from anti-ageing?

Pre-ageing means tackling the causes of skin ageing early on, rather than trying to conceal visible wrinkles later on. Research describes skin ageing as the interplay of genetic and, above all, external factors — the so-called exposome: sun, environment, hormones, diet, stress and sleep. Anti-ageing usually kicks in once the signs are already there. Pre-ageing turns this logic on its head: you strengthen the skin whilst it is still most responsive, and influence the drivers before they become apparent. It is the difference between prevention and repair.

Source: Krutmann J et al., The skin ageing exposome. Journal of Dermatological Science. 2017;85(3):152–161.

To what extent can I actually influence the ageing process?

More than most people realise. Part of it is intrinsic — genetically determined and a natural part of ageing, as collagen production gradually declines. The greater part is extrinsic and therefore influenceable. First and foremost, the sun: in a study of nearly 300 women, around 80% of visible facial ageing could be attributed to sun exposure. That is the good news behind pre-ageing — the greatest influence lies in your hands, and consistent UV protection is the single most effective step.

Source: Flament F et al., The effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of ageing in Caucasian skin. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2013;6:221–232.

What does my hormone balance have to do with my skin?

A great deal. Oestrogen regulates how much collagen the skin produces and how dense it is. When oestrogen levels drop — during the menstrual cycle, after pregnancy or during the menopause — the skin changes noticeably. Studies show that women can lose up to 30% of their skin’s collagen in the first five years after the menopause; this loss is linked to hormonal age, not calendar age. That is why it is worth starting early. Read more at Menopause & Hormonal Skin →.

Source: Brincat MP et al., Estrogens and the skin. Climacteric. 2005;8(2):110–123.

Does stress really make your skin look older?

Yes, and this has been well documented. In cases of chronic stress, cortisol levels remain elevated — and cortisol suppresses collagen production, weakens the elastin network and promotes inflammation. These are precisely the processes that underlie visible skin ageing. Sleep, exercise and stress management are therefore not just wellness extras, but part of a serious anti-ageing plan.

Source: Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Ageing. Inflammation & Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177–190.

Does my diet affect skin ageing?

Yes. A key mechanism is glycation: sugar binds to the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres and cross-links them to form what are known as AGEs — the fibres become stiffer and are harder to repair; UV light exacerbates this effect. An interesting point for those interested in longevity: skin glycation even correlates with life expectancy. So "clean eating" with low sugar intake is not just a trend here, but direct skin protection.

Source: Danby FW. Nutrition and ageing skin: sugar and glycation. Clinics in Dermatology. 2010;28(4):409–411.

Do collagen, omega-3 or iron supplements actually work?

To some extent, and in moderation. For oral collagen peptides, a meta-analysis of 26 randomised trials shows a significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity — though the authors point out methodological weaknesses, so it is a useful supplement, not a substitute for the basics. When it comes to omega-3, vitamin D (often with vitamin K) and especially iron, the rule is: test rather than guess. Iron deficiency is common in women and manifests as pale skin, hair loss and brittle nails — but too much iron can be harmful, which is why ferritin levels should be checked via a blood test and dosage determined by a doctor, not based on gut feeling.

Source: Pu SY et al., Effects of Oral Collagen on Skin Anti-Ageing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2080.

What are the benefits of exercise or strength training for the skin?

More than expected. In one study, strength training in women improved skin elasticity and the structure of the upper dermis, increased skin thickness and reduced inflammatory markers in the blood. Exercise therefore has an effect not only on muscles and metabolism, but also has a measurable impact on the skin. For pre-ageing, this means: muscle and strength training are part of the plan.

Source: Nishikori S et al., Resistance training rejuvenates ageing skin by reducing circulating inflammatory factors and enhancing dermal extracellular matrices. Scientific Protocols. 2023;13:10214.

I fly a lot for work — does that damage my skin?

It is a real factor. At cruising altitude, radiation is stronger, and UVA rays penetrate the cabin windows — a meta-analysis found that flight crew have roughly twice the risk of melanoma compared to the general population. Added to this is the very dry cabin air, which dehydrates the skin. Anyone who flies frequently should take UV protection and moisturising seriously — and keep an eye out for any changes in their skin.

Source: Sanlorenzo M et al., The risk of melanoma in airline pilots and cabin crew: a meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatology. 2015;151(1):51–58.

How much does pre-ageing cost?

It depends on the plan — Pre-Aging is a series of tailored treatments plus maintenance, not a one-off procedure. You can find an overview of the treatments on our Prices page →. Not ready for an on-site analysis yet? Our Skin Quiz → gives you a quick overview in five minutes — no appointment or email required.

alestetics® Skin Quality Clinic, Konradstrasse 1, Zürich HB
Your first step

The best time to start anti-ageing is before you need it.

Your skin is building up the reserves that you’ll be drawing on in ten years’ time. The AURA 3D skin analysis reveals the factors that influence your skin—hormones, sun exposure, lifestyle—and which plan is right for you. It’s free, with no pressure to buy.

Free AURA 3D skin analysis →

CHF 0 · 60 mins · Konradstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich Central Station

Medically reviewed by Alexandra Stroganova, Founder & Pre-Aging Expert · As of: October 2026

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