Skin Thinning: Causes, Signs, and Ways to Slow Down the Process
As we age, we often notice our skin becoming more fragile and thin. Skin thinning is a natural progression in which your epidermis becomes more delicate and vulnerable. This condition affects people of lighter skin tones more frequently, but it can happen to anyone. While skin thinning is a normal part of aging, its effects can be painful and stigmatizing. In this article, we will discuss the causes and signs of skin thinning, as well as the solutions to slow down its progression.
Signs of Skin Thinning
Skin thinning results in the skin becoming more transparent and fragile, almost like tissue paper. “You may notice bruising more easily as a result of collagen loss around blood vessels,” explains medical and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi. “This is particularly evident on the backs of the hands and forearms, a condition called actinic purpura.” Thin skin can also tear more quickly if you run into something sharp, or scratch yourself with long fingernails. “If you have thin skin and you’re prone to getting tears, then you are at risk for getting infections,” warns dermatologist Dr. Aanand Geria, of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey, “And the older you are, the less well your body fights off infections and you could be in serious trouble.”
Beyond the physical effects of skin thinning, the appearance of this skin condition can also affect mental well-being. “People are embarrassed because they have black and blues all over their arms. These are people who are typically used to wearing skirts and short sleeve shorts, and now they feel embarrassed to wear that stuff,” says Geria, adding that many of his older patients feel this way despite the fact that skin thinning is a normal part of aging.
Common Causes of Skin Thinning
Skin thinning primarily happens due to a loss of two essential skin proteins, collagen and elastin, explains Geria. Collagen provides structure and support to the skin, while elastin provides elasticity. For example, people at younger ages who pull their skin away from their body will see it snap back into shape quickly. However, over time, as your elastin levels drop, it will take the skin longer to bounce back. “That loss of elastin is largely sun-induced, but also—to a certain degree—has to due to chronological aging,” says Geria.
Apart from exposure to the sun, your genetics and the amount of melanin in your skin will also influence skin thinning. “Melanin, to a certain degree, does act like a low-grade skin protectant,” explains Geria. “So when we see thinning of the skin, that is particularly affecting people who have lighter skin. They don’t have that melanin that protects them from the sun rays.”
What You Can Do to Slow Skin Thinning
Both Geria and Shirazi agree that limiting exposure to sunlight, wearing proper sun protection when you do go outside, and using sunscreen every day is the number one way to care for your skin at every stage of life. “Limiting sun exposure and practicing sun protection is one of the most important ways to preserve the quality of your skin,” says Shirazi.
Apart from sun protection, lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet can improve the health of your body’s largest organ. “Scientists believe that when you exercise, muscles release myokines, IL-15 specifically, that may have an anti-aging effect on the skin,” says Shirazi. “Exercise also enhances blood flow and oxygen to the skin, and when you sweat, your pores expel oil and dirt, leaving you with a healthy workout glow.” Even moderate exercise can positively affect the health of your skin.
How to Care for Thin Skin
If you’re already experiencing thinning skin, it’s still important to wear sunscreen and hats and limit your exposure to sunlight to prevent your skin from becoming even more delicate. You should also be mindful of how you dress to avoid accidental cuts and tears: wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and consider keeping your nails short.
From a skin-care standpoint, Shirazi has a few recommendations that will help strengthen your skin barrier. “Using retinol-based creams help stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, preserve the breakdown of viral skin structures, and boost circulation,” she says. Shirazi also recommends trying products that contain vitamin C, which plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, as well as products with CoQ10, an antioxidant that “positively influences age-related cellular metabolism,” she says.
You may also consider visiting a dermatologist or a cosmetic dermatologist who can make particular recommendations based on where your skin shows the most signs of thinning. For example, a skin specialist may recommend fillers that have bio-stimulative effects that stimulate collagen production in targeted areas such as the chest, neck, and arms.
Conclusion
Skin thinning is a normal part of aging that can lead to physical, social, and emotional challenges. By using proper sun protection, exercising, and eating a balanced diet, you can slow down the progression of skin thinning. By taking care of your skin, you can help support it in good health and prevent infections. Though skin thinning cannot be stopped entirely, these strategies can help maintain the integrity of your skin and minimize damage.
