Skin changes as we age; it wrinkles, losses elasticity and the outer skin layer, the epidermis, thins. This occurs even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. Thin Skin creates an increased risk for skin injury. Your skin is thinner, more fragile, and the protective subcutaneous fat layer is lost. In addition, your ability to sense touch, pressure, vibration, heat and cold may be reduced. Thus, your skin is at higher risk for injury.
Rubbing or pulling on the skin can cause skin tears. Fragile blood vessels are easily broken. Bruises, flat collections of blood (purpura), and raised collections of blood (hematomas) may form after even a minor injury. This is most easily seen on the forearms, but can occur anywhere. Loss of subcutaneous fat, a tendency to be less active, nutritional deficiencies and other illnesses can also contribute to pressure ulcers. Aging thin skin repairs itself more slowly than younger skin. Wound healing may be up to 4 times slower. The blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile. This leads to bruising, bleeding under the skin (senile purpura) and similar conditions.
Sebaceous glands produce less oil as you age. Men experience a minimal decrease, usually after the age of 80. Women gradually produce less oil beginning after menopause. This can make it harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness and itchiness.
The subcutaneous fat layer thins, reducing its normal insulation and padding. This increases your risk of skin injury and reduces your ability to maintain body temperature. Because you have less natural insulation, you can get hypothermia in cold weather.
PREVENTION
Because most skin changes are related to sun exposure, prevention is a lifelong process.
• Keep skin moist with creams and lotions. Do not use soaps that are heavily perfumed. Bath oils are not recommended because they can cause you to slip and fall. Moist skin is more comfortable and will heal more quickly.
• Good nutrition and adequate fluids are also helpful. Dehydration increases the risk of skin injury. Sometimes minor nutritional deficiencies can cause rashes, skin lesions and other skin changes, even if you have no other symptoms.
• Prevent sunburn by using a sunscreen and/or clothing to protect the skin.
