As you get older your skin changes. It becomes drier, thinner and more susceptible to damage. Dry skin can be a nuisance but you don't have to live with it. There are ways to prevent your skin from drying out as you age and things you can do to help moisturize already dry skin.
Skin
Skin is the body's largest organ, weighing almost 8 pounds. Your skin has three layers that are waterproof, act as insulation for your organs and guard against extreme temperatures, damaging sunlight and harmful chemicals, according to the National Geographic website. The subcutis, the base layer of your skin, is the layer that insulates and cushions your insides. The dermis, the middle layer, gives your skin its strength and elasticity. The epidermis, the outer layer of your skin, consists mostly of protein.
Aging Skin
When your skin ages, the epidermis becomes thinner, paler and translucent. It loses the ability to retain moisture and can dry out. When your skin dries out, the normally plump cells shrivel, and this is what creates fine lines and wrinkles, according to MayoClinic.com. Your skin may also show large pigmented spots, which are often called age spots or liver spots. Changes in aging skin's connective tissues reduce the skin's elasticity and strength. The sebaceous glands in your skin produce less oil and the sweat glands produce less sweat.
Risk Factors
The percentage of water in your body declines as you age, resulting in a gradual loss of extracellular and intracellular fluids. This aging process contributes to the visual appearance of aging skin that many are familiar with. Other causes of late onset dry skin include cigarette smoking and sun exposure. Long-term cigarette smoking dries out the skin due to the chemical changes caused by cigarette ingredients, according to the University of Iowa. Sun exposure can cause roughness, wrinkles, age spots, dilated blood vessels and skin cancers. Stasis dermatitis is a skin condition commonly found in women over 50. It causes redness, dry scaly skin and swelling in the lower leg from poor blood flow in the veins. Exfoliative dermatitis occurs in men over 40 and causes excessive peeling or shedding of the skin. It may occur from drug reactions, leukemia, malignancies or immune deficiencies.
Treatment
Prevention is one of the best treatments for some skin damage. Avoid or quit smoking to help prevent the dry skin associated with it. Always wear protective clothing and sun block to avoid the damaging rays of the sun. Do not bathe or shower too frequently, as this can cause your skin to dry out. Use lotion liberally to help replace lost fluids. Treatments for stasis dermatitis include medication and raising the leg and wrapping it with an elastic bandage. Exfoliative dermatitis calls for bed rest, antihistamines, steroids, creams or lotions.
Considerations
No one can slow aging but you can help slow the effects. Skin is driest in winter and can benefit from the use of humidifiers, which add moisture to the air. You should limit your time in the sun and always wear sun block. A healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will help to keep your skin hydrated throughout your life.
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