Understanding Aging Changes in Skin - Expert Insights

If you observe changes in the skin, then you are getting older. Aging changes in skin include wrinkles, thinning, and sagging. However, these signs may differ from person to person. Factors like lifestyles, diet, genetics, and personal habits determine the effects of aging on the skin. 

Continue reading to understand the signs of aging skin and ways to reverse these changes. 

Understanding Your Skin

Skin is the largest organ of the body that performs versatile functions essential to  overall health and well-being, such as protection, sensory perception, thermoregulation, Vitamin D synthesis, and immune defense. 

It is made up of three layers, which vary significantly in their anatomy and function. Here is an overview of the skin layers

1. Epidermis— the outer layer of the skin that contains keratinocytes
2. Dermis— the middle layer of the skin containing connective tissue, blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands
3. Subcutaneous Tissue— the innermost layer of the skin, made up of fat cells and connective tissues

These layers have connective tissues and collagen that impart flexibility and strength to the skin. Any damage or malfunction to these skin structures can lead to changes that are associated with aging or disorders. 

Normal skin changes with age depend on environmental factors, genetics, and other factors. Among these, sun exposure is the most damaging. Natural pigments can help protect against aging changes in the skin induced by sun exposure. 

It is very important to take care of your skin in order to keep it healthy and functioning properly. Any negligence can result in skin complications like dryness, acne, irritation, and even cancer. 

Keeping a healthy lifestyle and diet can make your skin looks younger and fresh. 

Aging Changes in Skin (Visible Signs)

The effects of aging on the skin are quite visible. Here are some normal skin changes with aging:

• Skin becomes rough, dry, and itchy
• Skin sagging — loss of the elastic tissues makes skin slack
• More transparent skin— the thinning of the epidermis and dermis layer cause the skin to become more transparent
• Fragile skin— it happens due to the flattening of the area joining the epidermis and dermis
• Easily bruised. This is caused by thinner blood vessel walls
• Formation of skin lesions

Effects of Aging on Skin (What’s Going on Under the Hood)

The visible changes in the skin are the result of what is happening inside the skin. Here is an overview of how skin texture changes with age at cellular levels: 

Subcutaneous Layer Fat Loss

The subcutaneous layer loses the fat in the eye, cheeks, nose, and chin area, It may lead to specific signs of aging on the face, like loosening skin, sagging eyes, and a peculiar skeletal appearance. 

Low Melanocyte Levels

Melanocytes, pigment-containing cells, decrease in the skin over time. Also, the existing cells grow larger.  Old-age skin pigmentation spots (lentigos) are more prevalent in sun-exposed areas. 

Epidermis Thinning

Epidermis becomes thin with age. That’s why aging skin looks more pale and transparent. 

Loss of Elasticity

Connective tissues lose elasticity and strength. It leads to elastosis— a condition characterized by a leathery, weather-beaten appearance that is prominent in individuals who spend most of their time outdoors under the sun. 

More Skin Injuries

Thinning of the subcutaneous fat layer makes skin more prone to bruises. The reduced insulation and padding increase the risk of injuries and hypothermia in cold temperatures. 

Low Sweat Glands Activity

Sweat glands produce less secretion with age, making thermoregulation difficult. So, in hot temperatures, it will be hard to stay cool. 

Facial Bones Loss

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, including bone loss, which can have visible effects on our facial features. When bone loss occurs, typically after the age of 50, the skin around the mouth may appear slack and puckered, altering the overall appearance of the face.

Cartilage Loss

Similarly, as cartilage in the nose diminishes, the nasal tip can droop, and the bony structures within the nose become more pronounced. These changes can affect the aesthetics of the face and can contribute to a more aged appearance.

Besides, some other reasons can also cause skin aging. These are:

• Gravity
• Facial Movement Lines
• Sleeping Positions
• Smoking

Common Skin Disorders Related to Aging

We all age and develop skin disorders over time. Over 90% of older people have some form of skin disease. So, it is important to differentiate one from the other. Now that you know what the normal aging signs of skin are, let's discuss the skin disorders that occur with age. These are as follows:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Stress
• Atherosclerosis—blood vessel disease
• Liver Disease
• Dietary Deficiency

You can develop aging signs if you are suffering from any of these disorders. Additionally, allergies, climate, exposure to toxins, and clothing fabrics can also contribute to the onset of changes in your skin.

How Does The Sun Affect Your Skin? 

Sun is the primary source of imparting aging changes in the skin. Since the gradual depletion of the ozone layer,  skin complications are becoming prevalent due to ultraviolet (UV) light damage. 

Continuous exposure to UV rays can breakdown elastin fibers in the skin, resulting in the following:

• Skin sagging
• Skin growths
• Loss of elasticity
• Pigment changes
• Skin thickening

Sun can also cause skin cancers. Taking prevention measures, such as using sunscreen and taking NAD+ supplements NMN Supplements Canada like NMN 9000 Ultra and NMN 4500 starter , can help counter the deleterious effects of UV light. 

How to Reverse Aging Skin: Tips to Look Younger

Follow these tips to help reverse aging skin and maintain a youthful appearance: 

• Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Wear sunscreen with SPF 30+, a hat, and protective clothing.
• Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, or use a humidifier.
• Use Retinoids: Boost collagen production and improve skin texture. Get OTC creams or prescription-strength products.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Include antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in your diet—good foods for the skin: berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fish.
• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking causes wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.

Also Read - Does NMN Make you look Younger?

Final Thoughts

A person's skin texture changes as they age. Depending on the level of aging, some signs are apparent, while others are more subtle. Effects of aging on the skin originate deep within. 

Often, the symptoms of skin disorders are confused with those of aging skin. It can lead to poor handling of the disease, which can get worse if not given immediate medical attention. Therefore, it is important to know the common aging signs in the skin—I hope this article does that for you.