According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, changing skin, gray hair and thinning nails are the most common signs of aging. The appearance and texture of the skin changes to create wrinkles and sagging skin. Changes take place in all three layers of the skin, from the epidermis to the underlying subcutaneous levels.
Color
The outer layer, or epidermis, becomes thin in seniors and the number of cells containing pigmentation decreases, leaving the skin to look translucent and pale. Age spots appear in areas that have been exposed to the sun longer, such as on the backs of hands and the face. Darker-skinned seniors who had more original melanin in their skin tend to show aging on the skin slower than light-skinned, fair people with blue eyes. Bruises and hematomas, or collections of broken blood vessels, are more prominent under the thin layers of skin.
Elasticity
The skin's elasticity and strength weaken with aging as the connective tissues begin to show years of wear and wrinkles. Called elastosis, the weakened skin is particularly evident in areas that have received extensive sun exposure, leading to the leathery look seen on people who spend much of their days outdoors such as sailors and farmers. The blood vessels in the inner layer of skin also become weaker and easily can cause bruising that is apparent under the thinner top layer of skin. The skin becomes more prone to injury when it's pulled or torn because it becomes so fragile.
Dryness
Oil glands dry up with age, resulting in dry skin that's itchy and flaky. Women tend to lose more oil than men and undergo massive drying during menopause, whereas men don't begin to experience the drastic effects of drying until well over age 80. Layers of fat that are located in the third layer of skin also weaken and fail to protect the skin from injury. Body temperature is more difficult to control as the fat layer dissipates as well. Medications taken by seniors also can affect the fat layers and the aging effects on skin. Sweat glands slow their sweat production, making the risk of heat stroke higher among seniors.
Healing
Sores and injuries are slower to heal on aging skin. Coupled with a tendency to be less active and eat fewer nutritional meals, seniors often see permanent effects of aging on the skin. Wounds can remain open for up to four weeks, increasing the incidence of scarring. Ulcers and infections are more common on elderly skin because of the slow healing process.
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