Aging
Skin
The
Dermis: Is the ‘middle layer of the skin and is composed of
connective tissue containing collagen
and elastin. The dermis is thick in the palms and soles and very
thin in the eyelids. It contains blood vessels, nerves, glands, and
hair follicles.
According
to dermatologists, 80 per cent of all aging can be directly related
to exposure to sunlight. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid the
mid-day sun, or if you have to be out in the heat of the day, than
cover up. Penetrating UVA rays will start to damage collagen
fibres and elastin coils in your skin.
There
are several factors influencing how quickly our skin ages, ranging
from genetic factors, your natural skin type, as well as external
factors such as exposure to sunlight, environmental factors and
whether you smoke or not. In general, pale skins wrinkle faster than
darker skins, which are protected by increased amounts of pigment
and lipids.
By the
time you get to your 30s skin cell turnover has slowed.
Environmental damage from pollution, smoke and sunlight are starting
to take their toll on the dermis, causing collagen
fibres to loosen so that skin starts to loose its tone and develop
fine lines and wrinkles. When you smile, subcutaneous fat forms
ridges and refuse to bounce back as readily as it once did. Your
first wrinkles may start to appear.
Maintaining
well hydrated tissues by drinking plenty of water each and every day
(3 litres a day is not at all excessive) is vital to retain moisture
in your skin. In addition, you should ensure that you get enough
quality sleep.
In your
40s, collagen
fibres decrease in number, stiffen, break apart, and form
into a shapeless, matted tangle. Elastic fibres lose some of their
elasticity, thicken into clumps, and fray. The result is the skin
forms crevices and furrows known as lines and wrinkles. In addition,
loss of fat in the subcutaneous layer leaves your skin more fragile,
whereas the dermis will continue to lose its elasticity.
As we
reach our 50s and beyond, the hair and nails grow more slowly.
Langerhans cells (involved in the immune response, dwindle in
number, thus decreasing the immune responsiveness of older skin.
Decreased size of sebaceous (oil) glands leads to dry and broken
skin that is more susceptible to infection.
In
women, after the menopause, decreased oestrogen levels mean that
skin lose its plumpness and tone, and it may be left dry, itchy and
more sensitive to allergens.
At this
stage in your life it is important to take that extra care of your
skin’s health. Mature skin is more fragile, prone to injury and
infection and bruises easily. As if this was not bad enough, it also
takes longer to heal. Taking care of your skin will reduce the aging
effect; keep it healthier as well as more resistant to injury and
infections.
Source:
Dr. Danny Siegenthaler
