Skin shows signs of aging at a different rate for each person. A number of factors, including genetics, sun exposure, diet, alcohol, caffeine and exposure to smoke, affect how your skin looks as you get older. The natural aging process is caused by the slowing of collagen production and the elastin losing its ability to keep the skin looking smooth. As you age, new skin cell production may not replace dead skin cells as often, leaving your skin with a dull, flat appearance, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Call any skin changes of concern to your doctor's attention.
Wrinkles
One of the first and most notorious signs of aging is wrinkling skin. Some of the lines around the mouth and eyes may be deep, while others may be finer and only show when during facial expressions, such as smiling, laughing and frowning.
Thin Skin
As skin ages, it becomes more fragile, states the American Academy of Dermatology. It may bruise and tear more easily, and take longer to heal. Aging skin may have a transparent appearance, so veins are more visible.
Rougher Texture
Aging skin may develop a dull texture. Pores may become more prominent and as the skin dries out, it may become itchy, with a flaky or chalky appearance.
Gaunt and Sagging
As you age, you may develop a gaunt appearance. Your cheeks might appear hollowed, and your eyes sunken. The loss of collagen and elasticity may cause the skin to sag around the face, neck, upper arms and other areas.
Visible Veins
Over time, you may develop varicose or spider veins. Varicose veins are large, bulging veins with a bluish or greenish color. Spider veins are smaller and bluish, purple or red, and they tend to be in clusters around the ankles, thighs and feet.
Sweat and Oil Reduction
As you age, your skin is likely to experience a decrease in oil production. This may result in dry skin and create itching and flakiness.
Age Spots
According to Mayo Clinic, as you age, you may develop age spots, also called liver spots. These spots are brown and flat that are often found on the backs of your hands, on your back and on different areas of the face.
Skin Tags
Skin tags appear as skin-colored growths around the neck and in the armpits. They can be removed by your doctor with one of several methods, including cutting with surgical scissors, liquid nitrogen or an electrical removal tool.
Cherry Angiomas
Small, red spots that are found on the trunk of the body are called cherry angiomas, according to Mayo Clinic. They may be a pin-sized dot or up to 1/4 inch in diameter. Your doctor can remove cherry angiomas with liquid nitrogen or a laser.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Mayo Clinic describes the seborrheic keratoses as black, brown or skin colored growths that appear as drops of wax on the skin. They may show up on the face, shoulders, chest or back, and they can be anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter. Your doctor can remove them with liquid nitrogen or a surgical tool.
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