As people age, skin changes are one of the first visible signs. Different variables affect how quickly the skin ages including genetics and medical diseases, as well as external factors such as sun exposure, weather, smoking, or daily facial movements. Skin cells produce less elastin and collagen with time, blood vessels become thinner, oil glands decrease in production, and fat layers become thinner. All of these changes cause the skin to lose elasticity, epidermis and dermis thinning, fragility, increasing roughness, bruising, as well as developing skin lesions more easily.
Additional changes include loss of fat in areas such as the cheeks, temples, chin, nose, and eyes which can create more hollowness in the face as well as loose skin. Cartilage and bone loss may also occur which can cause puckering of the mouth and drooping of bony accents on the face.
Although the fountain of youth is a myth, it is important to take care of your skin so that you may preserve what you can for as long as possible! Good prevention includes wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. Other cosmetic procedures may help the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles such as laser treatments (Picosure) as well as dermal filler for deeper set lines.
