Aging can affect skin in various ways. People may notice wrinkles, dry skin, or other changes, such as age spots. However, there are ways to protect their skin and decrease their risk of certain skin issues.
Aging is a natural process that can affect every aspect of the body, including the skin.
There are two types of aging processes for the skin — intrinsic and extrinsic:
- Intrinsic (chronological): This affects the entire body of skin, including the areas that are usually protected from the sun.
- Extrinsic: This is induced by chronic exposure to UV radiation, smoking, and other pollutants. It overlaps with the intrinsic aging process.
Intrinsic aging affects everyone. Extrinsic aging, also known as photoaging, typically affects those who have chronic exposure to sunlight.
There are various ways people can protect their skin to help reduce the signs of photoaging and decrease their risk of other skin issues.
As people age, their skin changes. They may notice that it becomes thinner and does not look as smooth and plump as it once did.
Aging causes the outer layer of the skin to become thinner, paler, and less elastic or stretchy. Blood vessels also become more fragile as people age, which may lead to bruising more easily. Older adults may also produce less oil and sweat from their glands.
Influences that affect skin aging
There are many factors that can influence how aging affects the skin,
- Hormonal changes (menopause): These can cause skin to become drier and thinner.
- UV exposure: Over time, exposure to UV light (sunlight) can lead to premature skin aging, changes in skin texture, wrinkles, and, in some cases, skin cancer.
- Loss of elastin and collagen: This can cause skin to develop wrinkles, look older, and become more fragile.
Dry itchy skin
Older adults
- elbows
- lower arms
- lower legs
These areas may itch and feel scaly or rough.
There are various reasons older adults may experience dry skin in addition to the typical changes that come with age. These can include:
- not drinking enough water
- living in a dry environment
- smoking
- spending too much time in the sun
Dos and don’ts for dry skin
Do:
- use moisturizers like creams, lotions, and ointments every day
- use warm water and mild soap when showering or bathing
- use a humidifier, which is an appliance that adds moisture to the air
- drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated
Don’t:
- use hot water when bathing or showering
- use too much soap, antiperspirant, or perfume
- smoke or spend too much time in direct sunlight
Bruises
Older adults may find that they bruise more easily than they did when they were younger, and bruises may also take longer to heal.
Certain medications may also cause bruising. If a person notices bruises on their body and does not know how they got them, they may want to speak with a healthcare professional.
A note on elder abuse
While it is common for older adults to get accidental bruises, they can also be a sign of elder abuse.
If you believe someone may be experiencing elder abuse, you can contact various state, local, and national social service agencies, such as:
- Local law enforcement: Call 911 to report suspected abuse to your local law enforcement.
- Adult protective services: The National Adult Protective Services Association lists contact information for the programs in each state.
- National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA): The NCEA provides guidance on reporting abuse, where to find help, and state laws. You can find information on the NCEA website.
- Elder Protection Center: You can use your state elder abuse hotline or call 800-677-1116.
Age spots and skin tags
Age spots, once referred to as “liver spots,” are brown, flat spots on the skin that are often the result of many years of sun exposure. Age spots are larger than freckles and commonly appear on:
- hands
- arms
- back
- face
- feet
Skin tags are small, usually flesh-colored growths of skin that have a raised surface. These growths generally become more common with age. They most often appear in the following areas:
- neck
- eyelids
- body folds, such as:
- armpits
- chest
- groin
Both age spots and skin tags are typically harmless. However, skin tags can become irritated due to friction. If an individual is bothered by either of these, they can speak with a healthcare professional.
Preventing age spots
You may be able to prevent more age spots by wearing a hat and protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
Protecting your skin from the sun can help prevent many skin issues, including skin cancer.
Photoaging is sun damage to the skin. It is often premature — and sometimes dangerous — skin aging due to exposure to the sun.
Signs of photoaging include:
- wrinkles
- loss of elasticity in the skin
- added pigmentation to the skin
- age spots
- redness or other discoloration, also known as telangiectasias
- rough, uneven skin texture
- broken capillaries (spider veins), typically around the nose or chest
Who is more susceptible to photoaging?
Dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick’s scale to determine skin phototype and assess the risk of photodamage.
- Type I:
- pale skin
- light-colored eyes
- blond or red hair
- always burns and does not tan
- Type II:
- fair skin
- light-colored eyes
- burns easily and may not tan
- Type III:
- medium light skin
- may initially burn and then tan
- Type IV:
- light brown skin
- tans easily with minimal burning
- Type V:
- medium brown skin
- rarely burns
- Type VI:
- dark brown or black skin
- never burns
Everyone needs sun protection, no matter their skin type. Even if a person’s skin rarely burns, they can still be at risk for skin cancer.
Some skin changes are the result of typical aging — wrinkles, dryness, and bruising. However, other changes may be a sign of more serious skin conditions.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that approximately 1 in 5 people in the United States will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old.
Anyone with any skin type can develop skin cancer. However, older adults and people with fair skin who freckle easily are at a greater risk.
It is important for people to check their skin each month for changes that could be a sign of skin cancer, including:
- new growths
- sores that do not heal
- bleeding mole
If a person notices anything unusual, they should speak with a healthcare professional.
ABCDE of skin cancer
Early skin cancer (melanoma) may have specific signs.
- A — Asymmetry means one half of the growth looks different than the other.
- B — Borders are irregular.
- C — Color changes or more than one color are present.
- D — Diameter is greater than that of a pencil eraser.
- E — Evolving means the growth changes in any of the following ways:
- size
- shape
- symptoms, such as itching or tenderness
- surface, especially bleeding
- shades of colors
Common skin conditions in older adults
Other common skin conditions that are common in older adults include:
If a person believes they might have a skin condition, they can speak with a healthcare professional.
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There are ways people
- Limit time in the sun.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher with “broad spectrum” on the label.
- Wear protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Avoid tanning and using tanning beds or sunlamps.
Aging can affect the skin in different ways. It can lead to wrinkles, a loss of elasticity, dryness or itchiness, and more frequent bruising.
Some skin changes are the result of natural aging. However, other, sometimes more serious, changes are due to exposure to the sun (photoaging).
It is important for people to check their skin for any changes each month. If they notice changes in their skin or new growths, they should speak with a healthcare professional.