The ravages of time can show up on your skin. Even those fortunate few who seem to have a leg up on the aging process will eventually experience at least some minor skin issues. Unfortunately, the list of problems associated with mature skin is not a short one.
Dryness
Skin tends to lose moisture as it ages. This can lead to itchiness and flaking. Mature skin may be especially prone to dryness in climates that are windy, dry and cold.
Wrinkles
As you get older, your skin loses some of its protective fatty layer of youth and becomes thinner and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. The collagen and elastic fibers that work to keep plump and firm loses strength, and your skin can appear loose.
Sagging
Gravity can take its toll on mature skin. One of the classic signs of older skin is sagging jowls. They can develop after decades of gravity pulling at already looser skin.
Paleness
As the years go by, the number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) dwindle. This may cause older skin to lose its healthful glow and look washed out.
Lesions
The older you get, the more likely you are to develop skin growths and pigment spots. Most of these age spots or liver spots are the cumulative effect of a lifetime of sun exposure. They typically pop up on the face, hands, feet and back. These flat, brown spots are generally not cause for alarm. However, the American Academy of Dermatology says red or brown scaly spots called actinic keratoses may turn cancerous and must be removed.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common and recurring skin condition in older people. The scalp, nose, eyebrows and other areas with a large number of oil glands are often affected. Common symptoms include greasy-looking scales and redness. Seborrheic dermatitis may disappear on its own. If it persists, your doctor can prescribe special shampoos or topical medications.
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