Intrinsic aging is a result of genes and heredity. If your parents developed wrinkles and thin skin, chances are good that you will, too. Extrinsic aging is caused by external factors such as environmental pollution, sun exposure and lack of hygiene. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, effects of aging skin begin to appear starting in the early 20s.
Changes in Skin Composition
Collagen production in the skin cells begins to slow when people hit their 20s, causing skin to be less elastic. It doesn't spring back into shape as easily as it did when you were a child. Skin turnover begins to decline as well and dead skin doesn't slough off as quickly as it once did. Drastic effects don't really begin to show, however, for 10 to 20 years.
The loss of collagen and decreased cell production eventually creates a number of effects that include fine wrinkles and drier skin. Underlying fat decreases, which often leaves hollow cheeks and eye sockets. The skin becomes thin and sometimes nearly transparent. Sweat ducts close up, making it difficult to cool the skin. Sagging skin occurs when bone loss reduces bone size and the bones shrink away from the skin. Nails become thinner and hair turns gray.
Spots
Photoaging occurs from excessive sun exposure. Effects of sun exposure that become permanent with age include freckles and age spots. Additionally, the skin becomes rough and leathery after years of sun exposure. Skin becomes blotchy with thick, rough spots of red patches. Damage accumulates over the years and the skin loses the ability to repair itself. Dark brown spots known as moles form, which can lead to skin cancer.
Wrinkles
Deep wrinkles become visible in places where facial expressions continued over the years. Repetitive facial movements create a deep groove beneath the surface of the skin that does not fill in once the collagen production ceases. Sleep lines from decades of sleeping in one position become etched on the skin.
Sagging
Gravity pulls on the skin all over the body and the effects become more pronounced in the 50s. Jowls form as the skin from the face succumbs to gravity. A drooping nose, elongated ears and sagging eyelids result from gravity as well.
Slow Healing
According to the Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, when blood vessels become dilated, they don't heal as quickly and form cords and knots that are visible through thinning skin. Wounds don't heal as fast, often leaving small red or purple patches of skin visible. Spider veins are thin red or purple cords of veins that appear just below the skin's surface and are more prominent on aging skin.
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