|  | Conditions Treatments | Skin Conditions

Aging Skin Symptoms

A lifetime of smiling and crying can wreak havoc on a person's skin. With sun exposure and time added into the equation, a person's skin deteriorates as she ages. Modern technology has yielded some treatments to ward off symptoms of aging skin. For example, a cream called retinoic acid can reduce signs of aging, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

  1. Dryness

    • Skin dries as it matures. Connective tissue called collagen and elastin changes, leaving the skin looser and drier. To alleviate dryness, moisturize the body after showering. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you look for lotions with good moisturizers such as petrolatum or lanolin. Chemicals including urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid and ammonium lactate promote water retention in skin. The academy recommends bathing less frequently and using warm water, because hot water can irritate the skin. If dry skin persists, see a doctor.

    Wrinkles

    • The changes in collagen and elastin that lead to dryness also lead to wrinkles and fine lines. The fat underlying skin disappears as people age, making the skin thinner and more susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. Gravity pulls on loose skin, making it sag. The American Academy of Dermatology says the majority of a person's wrinkles can be traced back to sun exposure earlier in life. Other factors include cigarette smoke and genetics. The academy recommends using sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, wearing a hat with a brim and avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when rays are strongest.

    Skin Lesions

    • A lifetime of sun exposure can also lead to sun spots, warts and liver spots. Most of these changes are harmless, but the risk of skin cancer increases with age. People should look out for scaly spots colored red or brown. Called actinic keratoses, the spots can progress into cancer. Another type of skin cancer, known as squamous cell carcinoma, can appear on the ear's rim, lips, face, or back of the hand. The spot appears rough and scaly, and can either resemble a wart or an open sore. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a shiny bump and occurs most often in light-skinned, light-eyed older people with blonde or red hair. Melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer, resembles a mole but has color variations and irregular borders. People should check their bodies for skin changes and consult with a doctor if suspicious.

Skin Conditions - Related Articles