Skin Healing Concerns & Tips

The changes that occur as we get older are both in look and in how we function. However, aging is not something that occurs at the same rate in all individuals, although all people do age. The part of aging that occurs just because we are older is called intrinsic.

An example of an intrinsic aging that occurs in the tissue itself is the graying of hair. Hormonal changes, like the change in the secretion of sebum in the skin, occurs because of reduced secretion of androgen hormones elsewhere in the organism.

But there are several features of the aging process that are the product of external or extrinsic factors. Prevention is avoiding these extrinsic factors that may increase the aging process. And, of course, there are some treatments that we can have done, which will alter appearance.

Aging of the skin is called atrophy by doctors. Visual and microscopic alterations appear with a decrease in the connective tissue of the skin. Skin seems rougher, finely wrinkled, soft, and dry. The lower layer of the skin, the dermis, becomes thinner. Veins and other structures in the skin can seem much more evident because of this change. Small, red blood vessels can show in numbers. The skin can bruise easily, look fragile, and doesn't heal as readily. The skin has less elasticity, and is less firm, with sagging.

The color or pigment of the skin varies as we age. Discolorations appear as darker pigmented patches, on face, chest, hands, back, and legs. Studies have shown that over 50% of population over the age of 45 have these spots. And studies done in strongly pigmented people indicate that pigmentation augments with age in sun-exposed skin and afflicts men more than women.

Effects of Aging on Skin

Sebum secretion in the skin is reduced, as do underarm secretions, resulting in less odor. Spontaneous sweating in the rest of the skin also decreases. Nail growth begins to decrease early, after the age of 25. The sense of touch decreases, and this can result in an elevation in the ability to bear pain. The immune system is less responsive, resulting in greater risk of chronic skin infection.

Prevention

At least for skin alterations, retarding the aging process can be achieved by avoiding solar exposure and applying sun blocks. This process will also decrease the likelihood of acquiring a sun-related skin cancer. Importantly, smoking is as damaging to skin as the sun is. Smokers face a five-fold (500%) greater risk of skin abnormalities at any given age than do non-smokers. Smoking cessation is thus a crucial part of looking younger.

It is also important to nourish your skin with antioxidants applied topically. Nowdays, there are skin care ingredients that act as antioxidants and can help to reduce the damage that oxidation causes to our skin.