What are the signs of skin aging?

The three manifestations associated with skin aging are wrinkles, loss of volume and loss of density.

Wrinkles are usually the first sign and usually appear in the second decade of life in the form of lines on the outer corners of the eyes. They progressively appear on the cheeks and eyebrows. The deepest wrinkles are those affecting the nasolabial folds and are related to loss of density and volume.

Loss of volume produces an appearance of sagging skin giving a sad or fatigued face.

Loss of density results in thinner, more fragile skin and is associated with a decrease in skin radiance.

Moreover, skin aging is associated with the appearance of sun spots or solar lentigines.

Causes of skin aging

There are factors inherent to the individual such as biological age that are related to a decrease in cutaneous structural change and cell turnover. On the other hand, genetics is important in the skin aging process. For example, people with low phototype (light skin) tend to develop wrinkles earlier and those with high phototype the opposite.

There are also extrinsic factors that influence skin aging because they generate an increase in oxidative stress, which is related to skin aging. These external factors include photo exposure (UV rays), pollution, smoking, a diet deficient in fruits and vegetables (antioxidants) and poor skin care.

Treatments for signs of aging

It is necessary to evaluate and modify the aspects of lifestyle that cause skin aging and to establish skin care habits.

These include sport, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoidance of tobacco, skin cleansing, skin hydration and sun protection. On the other hand, the effects of skin aging can be modulated with topical treatments, light sources and infiltrated treatments.

Reviewed by Dr. Santiago Guillén