Skin aging signs you shouldn’t overlook

by Dr. Natnicha Loichuen

It's no secret that the body gets older every day. All our organs begin to show signs of ageing, and skin–being the largest organ–is the first to go down. As we age, distinct changes occur in skin which impact both its functional abilities and visual appearance. One of the first signs of prematurely aging skin is the noticeable loss of a glowing complexion, paired with dark circles, fine lines or dry, less elastic skin. Damage to the skin caused by the environment and our lifestyle are known as "extrinsic factors". These could happen from excessive exposure to UV rays, medication, smoking, stress and several others. You need not be a beauty or skin expert to know everything, but we suggest that you understand these basics in order to better tend to your skin's beauty.

Sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles

Wrinkles are a result of age-related weakening of the skin's collagen and elastin, the fibers that keep the skin firm in youth. Skin becomes loose and lax, looses fat, becomes thinner and thus looks less plump and smooth. Lastly, gravity pulls the skin to cause it to sag. Factors that increase fine lines and wrinkles include sun exposure, cigarette smoking and genetics.

Skin discoloration

Blotches in which small patches of skin appear to have a different color than the main skin area become common as we age. Skin discolorations will likely be harmless, warts and liver spots and others will be temporary such as melasma. But some can be harmful; a small flat brown spot can become cancerous especially if its shape changes or it starts to itch. Most aberrant skin discolorations are caused by years of sun exposure, so wearing sunscreen is again a number one defense.

Dry, rough and dull skin

As we age, skin becomes drier simply because the sebaceous glands are less efficient at producing the natural oils required to maintain the hydrolipid system.

Rough skin is commonly caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin's surface. These dead skin cells are usually discarded by the body via a natural process called exfoliation, where newer cells push older skin cells to the surface and the uppermost layer of the dead cells flake off to reveal the newer cells underneath. However, for some reasons, exfoliation does not always happen. The resulting buildup of dead skin cells causes the skin surface to appear bumpy and rough in texture, and the complexion looks dull.

Up to age 14, the skin on the face exfoliates naturally every two weeks. This quick rate of renewal leaves the youngster with a healthy-looking, glowing complexion. However, as we get older, the rate ofnatural exfoliation slows down. By age 25 and over, the skin will exfoliate every four weeks or so. The resulting build up of dead skin cells can leave the skin looking dull or gray.

Pores

Pores are tiny openings in the skin which provide a way for oils secreted by the sebaceous glands to reach the skin's surface. During puberty, this gland begins to produce greater quantities of oil; this makes the pores enlarge so that they can handle the increased amount of oil passing through them. However, real problems occur if the pore becomes clogged due to excessive amount of oil passing through; this is when pores start to become very noticeable. The glands don't stop producing oil and the clogged pore gets bigger and bigger if left to its own devices. If left unattended, the oil will harden and cause blackheads.

Though we cannot stop the clock from ticking, we can still do something to make ourselves look and feel young. It never is a waste of time to visit a dermatologist. Dermatologists–the experts and professionals–are the best people to help you analyze the problem and provide the most appropriate treatment for any of your skin concerns.

Call 038-411190 or visit Nicha Clinic at Pattaya 2nd Road (Opposite View Talay Beach Condo and Central Festival Pattaya) for more information and to book a FREE consultation.