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Skin Aging

As the body ages, the appearance and characteristics of the skin changes. The areas of skin exposed to the sunlight's ultraviolet radiation suffer the most damage and expectedly age more rapidly. It can occur at an early age in people who have spent time outdoors and those who are often badly sun burned, mainly those who are fair skinned.

The combination of short wavelength (UVB) injury to the epidermis (outside layers of the skin) and long wavelength (UVA) to the dermis (middle layers), is known as photo aging.

Again, ultraviolet radiation is largely responsible. The continuous and intense effects of oxidation, ionization and genetic changes of cellular components including DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) weaken the skin's immune system. Hence, aging skin is prone to skin cancer.

Scarring from recurring swelling due to sunburn (also acne and other skin diseases) increases dermal collagen and causes the dermis to lose elasticity. The epidermis becomes thinner so the skin easily dries up blisters and tears. The skin is weaker than normal and feels dry because it is not able to hold water.

The ageing changes are particularly apparent on the face where fine lines, wrinkles discolorations and textural changes can be noticed a closer look at the face or in serious cases, these changes are remarkably noticeable.

Lingering under the sun without adequate protection causes over activity of tanning cells called melanocytes. Consequently, unattractive sight of blotchy pigmentation with brown freckles, solar lentigines and white marks would appear.

Twisted masses of damaged elastin protein in the dermis result to yellow thickened bumps (elastosis or heliosis). Aging skin is also very prone to develop brown warty lesions (seborrhoeic keratoses), cherry red spots (angiomas), dilated small blood vessels (telangiectases) and bruises (senile purpura).

Tender red, dry spots or solar keratoses (also known as actinic keratoses), though more common on the back surface of the hands are also often found on the temples, bridge of nose, cheeks and upper lip.

Dermatologists have classified the degree of photoageing as:

• Mild (age 28-35 years): Few wrinkles, no keratoses;
• Moderate (age 35-50 years): early wrinkling, pale complexion with early actinic keratoses;
• Advanced (age 50-60 years): constant wrinkling, discoloration of the skin with actinic keratoses; and
• Severe (age 65-70 years): rigorous wrinkling, photo aging gravitational and dynamic forces affecting skin actinic keratoses with or without skin cancer.

Range of cosmetic products to care for ageing skin - from simple moisturizers and sunscreens to retinoid creams and Alpha-hydroxy acids are available in the market today. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon is still the best source for expert advice. A cosmetic surgeon may suggest clinical treatments that rejuvenate photo aged skin such as botox. Cosmetics to reduce frowning and several resurfacing procedures such as dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing remove the top layer of damaged skin. Cosmetic surgery is necessary to remove unneeded sagging skin baggy eyelids necessitate blepharoplasty while a face-lift is needed to tighten the jowls.