Ageing Stages of the Skin: Why and How Does Our Skin Age

As we grow older, our skin starts aging. Some clearly visible signs of aging are Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Sagging Skin etc. Let us understand what exactly happens, why skin ages.

Till the age of early twenties the dead cells of the skin renew every three or four weeks.
However in the mid-thirties and forties it takes double the time.
The skin tone reduces and complexion becomes dull.

Why Does our Skin Age

  • Sweat glands become sluggish due to decrease in number and size of sweat and oil glands.
  • There is breakdown of collagen, which provides elasticity to skin.
    As a result, body fluids dry and there is loss of tissues.
  • The body shrinks with age, but overlying skin remains the same. This excess skin sags giving rise to wrinkles.
  • Blood circulation slows down due to decrease in number of blood vessels; skin becomes extra sensitive to cold and heat.

These changes occur on a daily basis but are not noticeable everyday.

Stages of Skin Ageing

- Adolescence
The skin is usually supple and firm. However, due to hormonal changes in the body; the skin may become oily accompanied by an outburst of acne.

- Twenty-five to Thirty years
There is excessive oiliness, perspiration because of over activity of oil glands and sweat glands.

Acne appears and there is presence of large pores. In some cases wrinkles start appearing.

- Thirty-five to Fifty years
The skin looses its elasticity suppleness, becomes thinner, dries out because of the sluggishness of skin glands. The color of the skin begins to change. Broken capillaries and veins are noticed and pigmented spots appear on the skin.

- Above Fifty years
The skin gains three different shades of color and becomes extremely dry. Creases and wrinkles are seen prominently. At several places on the skin dark spots appear.

Remember, we cannot prevent the process of aging. We can only take necessary care and precautions to age gracefully.  We need to inculcate habits such as using a good sun cream while going out in the sun. It protects from UV rays and prevents damage to skin.  We must exercise regularly; it keeps the skin well toned and makes it appear radiant. We must eat foods rich in Vitamins A, C, D, E; which help delay aging process.

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