Aging skin might not quickly resume its original shape when it is pinched. It is skin that has lost its elasticity, as well as its smooth appearance. Because certain factors play a part in how quickly the skin ages, the rate at which it ages varies from person to person.
Significance
Many people experience changes in their skin such as wrinkling and the appearance of age spots when they get older, according to the National Institute on Aging. New cells are not made as quickly as they were when the skin was young. This is a normal part of aging and cannot be avoided, but other causes that contribute to skin aging can be prevented. Knowing about skin aging factors can help you maintain youthful looking skin for a longer period of time.
Illness
Although dry skin is a symptom of aging skin, dry skin can also be a sign of diabetes. Kidney disease also causes dry skin. Stress can cause dry skin as well. According to Joel Gerson, author of "Milady's Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians," dry skin that does not have enough moisture in it is more likely to develop wrinkles.
Abuse and Smoking
Heavy rubbing of the skin when washing it or applying skin creams stretches the skin and causes skin wrinkling and sagging. Light pressure should be applied to the skin at all times, especially to the skin under the eyes. Drying soaps cause skin dryness, as does washing the skin too often, according to the National Institute on Aging. Smoking is a skin-aging factor as well since tobacco use prevents oxygen from getting to the skin. When the skin lacks oxygen, it withers and wrinkles form. Alcohol consumption also contributes to aging skin, according to the book "Linda Page's Healthy Healing.".
Diet
A healthy diet is essential to young-looking skin. When the body lacks vitamin A foods such as carrots, green lettuce, liver and dairy foods, the skin may age faster. A deficiency of vitamin C and E foods can also cause the skin to look old before its time. Citrus fruits contain vitamin C. Nuts and seeds contain vitamin E. Foods that contain sugar or caffeine make your skin dry. Red meat causes skin dryness as well.
Sun Exposure
According to the December 22, 2009, publication of "HealthDay News" on Womenshealth.gov, "while usual skin aging is characterized by the development of fine wrinkles and skin growths, sun-damaged skin includes more coarsely wrinkled skin, spots of extra pigment or lost pigment and dilated blood vessels on the face." Too much sun can create wrinkles, dry skin and age spots, according to the National Institute on Aging.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Skin Care and Aging
- Womenshealth.gov: Aging Skin
- Womenshealth.gov: Sun, Smoke, Extra Weight Add Years to Skin
- "Milady's Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians", Joel Gerson, 1999
- "Linda Page's Healthy Healing, All New Eleventh Edition," Linda Page, 2001
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