How does the skins structure change over time?

Answer 1

The structure of our skin changes over a lifetime: Our skin is exposed to number of factors, externally and internally, any of which can have an effect upon skin structure.

There are certain developments and changes that take place as our skin ages; these are part of the natural aging progression. Some, most or all symptoms in aging skin are fairly consistent and common in most people, and they can happen to anyone.

One of the signs of aging is a change in skin color; the skin can become darker or lighter with age. Lighter skin is generally the result of thinning skin or the lack of UV exposure in later years, as an individual becomes more home bound. The skin can also darken in some people; this is usually due to years of extensive UV exposure, which can result in large dark blotches, excessive freckling, even the red and ruddy appearance of some people's skin.

Other changes can be in moles; they can change color, thicken, swell, bleed, and even become malignant; angiomas (raised cherry-red bumps) can form and multiply; and areas of skin may thicken and rise.

Some other signs of aging skin are a breakdown and loss of fatty tissues in the skin; these are tissues that exist between the layers of skin. Also the body's collagen (an amino-acid/protein) production can slow, this leads to the breakdown of supporting connective tissue; this results in thin tissue, sagging skin, and wrinkles. Skin cells also lose the ability to retain moisture and natural oils, thereby affecting texture and quality.

Other natural changes are due to hormone changes, the loss or lowering of hormone count can cause skin changes. In both cases as the hormone levels drop, the skin becomes more dry, flaky, and thin; this allows the skin to bruise and tear easily; the slightest bump can cause damage.

Beyond these natural changes in the skin as we age, there are a number of factors that cause the skin to age more quickly, some of these changes, you can avoid and/or control, with changes in your lifestyle and/or proper care of your skin.

A poor diet, one with a lack of healthy nutrients, ingesting excessive salt and sugar; even eating too much fat has an effect upon one's skin health. Gaining and losing weight repetitively causes the skin to stretch and lose its tone. Lack of exercise can also have an effect on one's skin tone, leaving areas of the skin lax and more apt to wrinkle. Another thing that can cause the skin to age quickly is not drinking enough water or fluids in general.