How Your Skin Changes as You Age
Everyone grows older. It’s a natural part of life, not something to fear. Advancing age brings learning, opportunities, and the freedom to explore the richness of life that is not always possible when you are young.
What a lot of people don’t enjoy about aging is that skin starts to look and feel different than it used to. Lines develop on your face, and spots grow on your arms. Many patients notice sagging and lack of fullness.
If you’re looking in the mirror and not happy with how your skin is aging, know that you’re not alone. It happens to everyone, and, as discouraging as it can be, there’s a reason behind it all. Learn how your skin changes as you age below!
- Tan to brown lesions, such as so-called “liver spots” and “age spots,” may begin to appear throughout your body. Most of them should be benign.
- Puckering and wrinkles around the mouth may become more noticeable as you experience bone loss around the jaw and midface.
- The top layer of skin (epidermis) and the second layer (dermis) may grow thin, causing your skin to appear more transparent, showing underlying blood vessels.
- In the dermis, stretchy fibers called elastin are diminished. This causes your skin to feel slack and lack tightness.
- Hyaluronic acid—a water-loving substance in the dermis—is lost. This is another cause of thin and fragile skin.
- Blood vessel walls lack support, and bruises form easily, even after minor trauma.
- Your cheeks, temples, chin, nose, and eye areas will lose subcutaneous fat, contributing to looser skin and sunken areas.
- Your skin may develop dryness. This will make it rough and prone to itching.
- Nasal cartilage may be altered, causing the tip of your nose to drop.
While some visible signs of aging are inherited from our parents (and grandparents) and beyond our control, there are many things that can be done to look and feel your best. Sun protection, consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise, adequate sleep, and smoking cessation are foundational. A tailored skin-care regimen is also vital.
If you’d like to learn more about how your skin changes as you age and develop a personalized approach for aging gracefully, click here to schedule an appointment with the dermatologist experts at Avail Dermatology or give us a call at 770.251.5111.
