|
The aging of our skin is due to two
broad processes: chronological aging and photo aging.
- Chronological
aging is due to structural, functional and metabolic changes in the skin.
Symptoms of chronological aging are: - Dry and Thin Skin
The top layers lose more moisture due to the aging process. Older skin renews
itself every four to six weeks, while young skin renews every three to four weeks.
The older skin has a dry and dehydrated appearance. - Fine Wrinkles
Diminished production of collagen leads to fine wrinkles around the eyes,
forehead and other sun-exposed areas, facial expression lines and sagging folds
over the eyelids, neck, jaw, and arms. - Abnormal Blood Vessels.
Abnormalities develop within small blood vessels supplying nutrients to the skin,
particularly over the nose and cheeks. - Age Spots
As a result
of a decrease in the number and function of pigment cells in sun-exposed areas.
- Benign and malignant skin tumors
Due to the deterioration
of the skin's immune system.
- Photo aging
involves damage to the collagen and elastic fibers in the skin. Overexposure to
ultraviolet sunlight is responsible for tanning, wrinkling and sunburn. The ultraviolet
light increases the production of proteolytic enzymes that break down collagen
that may damage skin. The amount of wrinkles present is highly dependent on the
amount of sun exposure, besides genetic factors.
| 
