Growing older will cause your body to experience various changes, such as hormonal fluctuations, aches and pains, and graying hair. However, all of these may not be obvious to others, unlike changes to your skin.
Your skin will provide a visible insight into your age, which may dent your self-perception and confidence. Continue reading to learn how aging affects your skin and how you can retain a youthful appearance.
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Less Frequent Cell Turnover
Once a person enters their thirties, cell turnover will reduce and lead to a decrease in:
- Collagen
- Elastin
- Blood vessels
- Subcutaneous fat
- Hyaluronic acid
Reduced fibroblast activity will cause your skin to loosen and fine lines and wrinkles to form around the eyes and mouth. After your early thirties, collagen production will decrease by 1% per year, which may make you appear older with each passing year.
If you’re self-conscious about wrinkles or sagging skin, learn more about a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that will create supple, taut, and younger-looking skin. It’s a minimally invasive alternative to surgery and injectables, and it’s suitable for every skin type.
Increased Risk of Injury
As the decades pass, your skin will become thin and fragile and may lose its protective fat layers, increasing its risk of bruising, pressure ulcers, or wounds. It’s caused by the flattening of the area between the dermis and epidermis, making the skin more sensitive to rubbing, pulling, or other forms of pressure. It might become less sensitive to touch, temperature, and vibrations, too.
Prevent unwanted injuries by cleaning and moisturizing your skin twice daily and make sure you use a pH-balanced soap when washing your body. Also, protect your skin from sun damage by wearing an SPF of at least 30 and cover up with long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
Aging Caused by Gravity
Gravity can take a toll on your skin as you grow older. It may cause the eyelids or eyebrows to droop, and the skin surrounding your jaw and cheeks may loosen, resulting in a double chin or jowls. Some people can even develop longer earlobes, which might provide an insight into their age. Again, a skin tightening treatment can banish sagging and create a youthful appearance.
Facial Movements
Everyday facial movements can cause changes to the skin. As mentioned, your skin will start to lose its elasticity from your thirties onwards, which may cause fine lines and wrinkles to form on your forehead, across your cheeks, around your mouth, or at the root of your nose. In addition to non-invasive treatments, you could apply a daily moisturizer to help to create smooth, hydrated skin that will counteract facial movements.
Dry Skin
People are more likely to develop dry skin in their golden years, and many factors could be to blame, such as:
- Cold weather
- A lack of moisture in the air
- Frequent bathing
- Air conditioning
- Contact with high-alkaline products, such as cleaning products or soaps
- Wearing irritating clothing
The above are common issues for seniors, as skin loses moisture due to aging and has a reduced barrier function, making it more susceptible to dryness, itching, and rashes. Counter the problem by applying a lotion, ointment, or cream to your skin at least once a day. Also, buy milder soaps, use warm water over hot when bathing, and turn on a humidifier to add more moisture to the air.
