Aging Gracefully – Changes to Expect from Your Skin

Skin is the first barrier of our bodies to encounter environmental elements, physical touch, and other bumps and bruises that occur during life.  Young skin is typically thick and healthy, made up of three layers that have their own important functions relevant to protecting muscles, bones, arteries and veins, and cushioning our bodies throughout the day and night.  While there is no need to go into complicated detail of how each layer of the skin ages, there are a few important things to know regarding how your skin will change through the years. 

There are some medical conditions that can cause changes in the skin that you should be aware of and seek medical attention for these diagnoses:  diabetes, heart disease, liver disease and arteriosclerosis.  Signs of nutritional deficiencies and reactions to medications can also show on the skin and require the care of your doctor.  With that being said, there are changes due to the aging process that are natural and not causes for concern.

As we age, the thickness of our skin declines and its natural ability to produce moisturizing oils diminishes, causing the loss of elasticity, and leaving us at risk for certain problems that younger people have yet to experience.  Wrinkles are the most common signs of aging, and are perfectly normal.  Age spots (or liver spots) are areas of darkened pigmentation, and often occur on the hands and arms.  Exposure to the sun over time causes wrinkles and age spots, because it damages the pigmentation.  Skin tags, which are common, acquired, benign skin growths that look like a small piece of soft, hanging skin, may develop anywhere on the body, including the face.  While age spots and skin tags are not very attractive, they are also not a cause for concern.

Aging skin becomes very thin and clear, seeming almost transparent.   Bruises and hematomas (raised areas of blood) or papuae (flat areas of blood) may form easily due to the fragility and weakening of vessels just beneath the skin.   While these discolorations may be normal, you should consult your physician if you have doubts. 

The decrease in the production of oil can cause dry, itchy skin and scratches may easily form.  The time it takes these abrasions to disappear increases with age and people should take care so scratches do not become infected.  To care for dry skin, avoid taking hot baths or showers and opt instead for warm water.  Use oils and other lotions  to keep the skin from becoming too dry and irritated.

Skin regulates the body’s temperature, retains fluids and provides important sensory signals that detect hot and cold.  With age, the fatty tissue declines and the skins’ ability to perform important tasks can also diminish.  Because of these temperature regulating changes, one may not be able to feel pain or pressure, causing an increased risk for injuries.  While this change is normal, you need to take extra caution to avoid the risks.

The most important thing you can do for yourself is to know your body, from the inside out.  Be aware of any changes and further be informed as to what is normal and what is not.  When in doubt, always consult your physician.  Early detection of many conditions is vital, and does not always mean the worst-case scenario.  Take care of your skin, from an early age and throughout your life. Aging is a part of life.   Aging gracefully is a choice. Wear sunscreen.  Moisturize.  And show those crow’s feet off every time you smile.

^{References
MedlinePlus.com.  A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health.  Aging changes in skin.  Retrieved on 3/25/11 from 
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004014.htm.}

^{MayoClinic.com.  Aging:  what to expect when you get older.  Retrieved on 3/25/11 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aging/HA00040.}