Why Skin Changes With Age

Whether we like it or not, our skin often gives away our age.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body that is made up of three layers: the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer) and hypodermis (bottom layer). Each layer has its own distinctive cellular structure and each layer is responsible for different physiological functions. It is your skin that protects you from your external environment, controls your internal body temperature, controls your fluid balance and has nerve receptors to aid in your sense of touch.

Most people are concerned with their epidermis their entire lives. Teenagers often wish to appear more mature by disguising their full faces, while older adults can become increasingly self-conscious about wrinkles, skin spots and sagging skin. People of all ages can become obsessed with getting the “perfect tan” to help them feel more attractive or appear thinner.

Just like other organs in your body, your skin is constantly changing. Over the years, the effects of certain lifestyle choices and genetic makeup will be shown on the skin.

Contributing Factors of Skin Changes

A combination of different factors leads to aging skin:

• ·         Sun/ultraviolet exposure
• ·         Stress (physical or psychological)
• ·         Alcohol and tobacco use
• ·         Poor nutrition
• ·         Pollution
• ·         Hormone changes
• ·         Muscle contractions in the face from squinting or frowning
• ·         Genetics
• ·         Loss of fibrous tissue and collagen depletion
• ·         Loss in number of pigment-containing cells
• ·         Changes in connective tissue, making the skin less elastic
• ·         Less oil production in the sebaceous glands in the skin

You can combat some of the effects of aging on your skin by changing your lifestyle habits. However, for most people, especially fair-skinned/blue-eyed people, wrinkles and skin sagging are an inevitable fact of life.

The good news is that you have options for improving your skin. Cosmetic surgery procedures have proven very effective in reversing the effects of aging skin, helping people to feel more confident and self-assured. Invasive procedures, such as facelifts, necklifts and browlifts, as well as non-surgical procedures, such as BOTOX®, skin lifting or dermal fillers can rejuvenate your appearance. The best way to determine which type of procedure can achieve the look you desire is by scheduling a cosmetic consultation with a reputable cosmetic surgeon.

If you would like to learn more about how cosmetic procedures can fool people into thinking you are as young as you feel, contact Dr. Fan at 77 PLastic Surgery to schedule a cosmetic consultation. Visit   www.77plasticsurgery.com or call 415 655 7546.