Because we were looking at aging the skin in class I decided
to look at how the skin ages. In my research I found that skin changes are
among the most visible signs of aging. Evidence of increasing age includes
wrinkles and sagging skin. Whitening or greying of the hair is another obvious
sign of aging.
With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins, even
though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. The number of
pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases, but the remaining melanocytes
increase in size. Aging skin therefore appears thinner, more pale, and clear.
Large pigmented spots (called age spots, liver spots, or lentigos) may appear
in sun-exposed areas. Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's
strength and elasticity. This is known as elastosis and is especially
pronounced in sun-exposed areas (solar elastosis). Elastosis produces the
leathery, weather-beaten appearance common to farmers, sailors, and others who
spend a large amount of time outdoors.
I found that the most common effects of aging on the skin
were:
-Skin becomes rougher.
-Skin develops lesions such as benign tumors.
-Skin becomes slack. The loss of the elastic tissue
(elastin) in the skin with age causes the skin to hang loosely.
-Skin becomes more transparent. This is caused by thinning
of the epidermis (surface layer of the skin).
-Skin becomes more fragile. This is caused by a flattening
of the area where the epidermis and dermis (layer of skin under the epidermis)
come together.
-Skin becomes more easily bruised. This is due to thinner
blood vessel walls .
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