Our skin undergoes a variety of alterations as we grow older. How the skin ages depends on a variety of variables. Our lifestyle, diet, hereditary, and other personal behaviors (smoking or drinking alcohol) play a huge part. The principal cause of skin damage is exposure to the sun. Skin damage due to the sun is because of the ultraviolet light (UV), which breaks down the skin’s elastic tissue (elastin). This causes the skin to stretch, sag, wrinkle, become blotchy, often with precancerous growths and even skin cancer.
Similarly, the loss of fatty tissue between the skin and the muscle, tension, gravity, and obesity are the other factors leading to skin aging. These and other skin issues that a person can face with increasing age are discussed in the blog.
Wrinkles
Skin begins to wrinkle over time. Stuff in the atmosphere, like the UV rays, can make the skin less elastic. Gravity, too, can cause sagging and wrinkling of the skin. Certain habits like smoking can also cause wrinkles in the skin. Many arguments are made on making the wrinkles go away, but many of them are not working in reality. Some procedures can be harmful and uncomfortable, sometimes requiring highly-experienced doctors. If a person is concerned about wrinkles, then they must consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist may prescribe skin treatment ranging from creams to Botox, depending upon various factors.
Dry skin and itching
Older people often suffer from dry spots on their skin on their lower legs, knees, and lower backs. These patches of dry skin feel rough and scaly. There several potential explanations for dry skin, such as:
- Inadequate water consumption daily
- Prolonged exposure to the sun
- Being in the presence of arid air
- Losing sweat and oil glands
- Using perfumes, antiperspirants, soaps excessively.
- Health issues related to kidney
Bruises
Older individuals can bruise more easily than younger individuals. These bruises will also take longer to heal and cause extreme discomfort. Certain medications and diseases can also trigger bruising. If one sees bruises on the body part, one must immediately visit the doctor if they are old.
Bedsores
They are ulcers that develop due to pressure from activities such as lying on a bed or sitting on a chair for a long time. The problem usually occurs in older people who have mobility problems. To prevent bedsores, individuals should rotate or reposition themselves frequently.
Age Spots and Skin Tags
Age spots are flat brown spots that are caused by years of exposure to sunlight. They are larger than freckles. While age spots can occur on any part of the body, they are usually seen in places such as the face, neck, arms, back, and feet. More age spots can be avoided using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that helps protect against two forms of sun rays (UVA and UVB).
Skin tags are tiny growths of skin that have a raised surface, which is typically flesh-colored. As individuals age, these skin tags become more in number, particularly in women compared to men. They are most commonly found on the eyelids, neck, chest, and groin region.
Age spots and skin tags are benign, but skin tags can often be highly irritating. If the age tags and skin spots annoy a person, they must consult with a doctor to remove them immediately.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a very commonly occurring type of cancer. Any individual can get affected by skin cancer, irrespective of skin type and color. People with fair skin are more at risk of getting skin cancer. While skin cancer can lead to an individual’s untimely death, it is curable when it is found in its early stages.
Three kinds of skin cancer are present. The first two types develop slowly and occasionally spread to the other parts of the body, named basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These forms of cancer are located in the skin areas that are usually exposed to the sun. But it can happen anywhere in the body. Melanoma is the third and most severe form of skin cancer. It is rather rare than other forms of skin cancer, but it can be deadly and spread to other body regions.
For anything that could be considered as symptoms of cancer, one must check the skin monthly. Cancer of the skin is never painful. Look for changes like new skin growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a mole that bleeds.
Our skin may change with age, and the problems that are mentioned above may grapple us. But we can do things in our hands that could help us. Similarly, we can always rush to the doctor.