Thin skin is a common condition, particularly with older adults. As your skin ages, its protective fat layer diminishes, while prolonged and excessive exposure to sun also plays a role, breaking down the collagen and elastin fibers. Thin skin, which lacks suppleness and elasticity, is more vulnerable to injury, including cuts and bruises. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking steroids can also cause thin skin. Although thin skin in itself is not a dangerous medical condition, it is sometimes caused by diseases such as amyloidosis. If your skin is thinning, consult your doctor to find out the cause. There are things you can do to care for---and even thicken---your thin skin.
Step 1
Use a prescription or over-the-counter product containing retinoic acid on affected areas nightly. The American Academy of Dermatology says that retinoic acid can increase dermal collagen, thereby helping to thicken skin. Khaled El-Hoshy, a dermatologist in Detroit, agrees and notes that the cream formulation of retinoic acid is less irritating than the gel. El-Hoshy advises using the cream every other night, following it with a moisturizer. Stephen Mandy, a dermatologist in Miami, also endorses retinoic acid and notes that over-the-counter creams with peptide formulations---such as Olay Pro X---increase collagen content in the skin as well.
Step 2
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect your thin skin from injury. Geriatric nurse practitioner Jennifer Serafin in San Francisco recommends cutting the toes from a pair of long, thick cotton socks and wearing them over your arms for a cheap and washable protective garment. If you have thin skin on your ankles, you should also wear thick socks and sturdy shoes to prevent cuts and bruises.
Step 3
Create clear and easy access to rooms in your home, and keep your rooms and hallways uncluttered to avoid falls and bumps that could cause cuts and bruises. Secure area rugs so they don't wrinkle or slip around underfoot, and maintain adequate lighting.
Step 4
Wear a brimmed hat and use sunscreen when outdoors on sunny days. The AAD recommends using a product with an SPF of 30. Skin Care Physicians, part of the AAD, cautions that without protection from the sun, a few minutes of exposure each day can add up to noticeable changes in the skin.
Step 5
Moisturize your skin daily with a good-quality moisturizer, especially after showering or bathing. The AAD recommends petrolatum, a good natural emollient, and advises using products with urea, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid or ammonium lactate, all of which help the skin retain moisture.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside to give your skin time to absorb it. Skin Physicians advises reapplying it after sweating or being in the water. Use a cold compress on a bruise for 20 minutes while elevating the affected area, then apply a warm compress after swelling has gone down. The Mayo Clinic says this may speed removal of the blood causing the bruised appearance and help the discoloration disappear more quickly.
Things You'll Need
- Retinoic acid cream, either prescription or over the counter
- Skin cream with peptide formulations (optional)
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long pants
- Sturdy shoes
- Pair of thick cotton socks (optional)
- Brimmed hat
- Sunscreen with SPF of 30
- Moisturizer containing petrolatum, urea, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid, or ammonium lactate
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