UGH
Why does our skin become thinner as we age?
Is there anything we can do to prevent or fix thinning, fragil skin?
I remember when my son used to play tennis in HIgh School and some of us moms decided we would try to learn the sport ourselves. So we took some lessons and joined the women’s league. I think I started on the ‘K’ team, probably the bottom of the pack; and most of the ladies were fairly aged by my standards at that time. Little did I know that these older women had been playing for years and could really strategize with that ball. They kicked my butt most of the time.
One day, I was at the net with one of these tough ladies, and a ball came straight over and hit my team mate right in the shin. I remember being so shocked at the amount of damage this semi soft shot created on her leg. Her skin was so obviously thinned, the friction from the ball created a much larger wound than I could ever have imagined on anyone in my household, or even my own parents. She had to sit out playing for a few days until her wound healed to ensure it would not erupt while playing. This was a huge eye opener for me, and one of the lessons that pushed me toward the career that I enjoy today.
So what makes this happen to our skin? Why would such a seemingly healthy individual suffer such a wound over just a little ball hit? There are actually a few reasons that cause our skin to become fragile and thin. Basically, the outer layer (Epidermis) is supported by a fattier layer called the Dermis. Over time, the Dermis loses its elasticity and can no longer support the Epidermis as it once did, causing a collapse and fragility. Capillaries become damaged and bruise more easily~ also caused by:
1. Aging. Yes, of course the basic loss of elasticity and dryness that comes with decrease in estrogen and menopause. Yippee.
2. Sunlight. UVA, UVB rays have been damaging your skin since the day you were born. It has been killing and damaging cells, and overtime this damage adds up to thin skin.
3. Smoking and Drinking. Sorry folks, these really do damage your skin. You know how anti-oxidants help to fight free radicals from killing and damaging your skin cells? Well imagine smoking as taking a free radical bath...😱
4. Steriod Creams. These can help with certain skin conditions, however with consistent use they can make cells in the Epidermis smaller and this can affect tissue connection cells, making skin look wrinkled or loose. However, this may be reversed if the cream is discontinued.
5. Genetics. There are always those lucky ones who seem to keep thick skin, and those who seem born with thin skin.
What can we do to encourage healthy skin, or try to reverse thinning skin?
1. Collagen Boosters. Although there is no conclusive evidence that suggests these can actually help with this, what can it hurt? Adding collagen to your diet only helps build your joint health and adds to your skin health.
2. Retin A, or topical vitamin A. This should probably be number one (🔝). Even if you don't have a doctors prescription, you can get good vitamin A over the counter or from a good esthetician (hint hint).
3. Vitamin C and E. Vitamin C deficency can cause bruising, so be sure you add that topically (besides it is an excellent antioxidant and part of my required A,C,E vitamin regimen). Also add Vitamin E topically, which includes those extra fatty lipds found in almonds and avacados to keep your skin supple.
4. Massage your face, or dry brush your body to improve circulation! (Another fine excuse to visit an esthetician).
5. Hydrate with water, always important!
6. Topical Vitamin K helps bruises fade quicker and may help small broken capillaries heal.
7. Fractional resurfacing laser. Stimulates collagen and dermal growth. ( Med Spa here).
8. An excellent diet. Include fruit, veggies, whole grains, portions, and fish oil supplements.
9. Keep you skin barrier strong- use cleansers ( not stripping soap) and moisturize using a good hyaluronic serum too.
So basically, you can see a lot of it is prevention. Topical anti-oxidants, sunscreens, moisturizing are always extremely important elements for skincare. Being aware of these little things can only help in our long term health and wellness, and it feels so good!
Here is a little drink for your skin at night, put it on after a hydrating moisturizer that contains a water attracting ingredient like hyaluronate or glycerin. ( Especially if you don't use a serum).
I also enjoy Frankincense oil if you prefer to substitute the Lavender.
Few drops of cold pressed Camellia seed oil
1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
3 drops Lavendar oil
1 tsp Evening Primrose oil
Mix and store in cool place.
Enjoy and sweet dreams😴
Be well!
-L
