Signs of skin aging are easy to recognize

Dr. Quach Thi Bich Van, Dermatology – Cosmetic Dermatology Specialist, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that the signs of the skin most clearly show the aging condition. Skin aging is part of the general aging process of the body. The aging process often occurs with many changes, occurring slowly, and is difficult to recognize in a short time.

Usually after the age of 25, the skin begins to age, from the decrease in skin density, the structure of the proteins under the skin, collagen, elastin, gradually becomes deficient, loose, causing loss of firmness and smoothness. The lack of collagen, elastin gradually accumulates and signs of skin aging appear more clearly at the age of 35.

Dr. Bich Van points out the typical signs of aging skin including:

Wrinkle: The most noticeable signs are tiny wrinkles in areas that move a lot, such as the eyes, forehead, mouth, and cheeks. These signs indicate a decrease in elastin and collagen. The skin around the eyes is thinner than other areas, so wrinkles often appear first.

Skin thinning: As the skin ages, the proteins under the skin decrease and the ability to produce vitamin D3 – the vitamin responsible for skin regeneration – also decreases. At that time, the skin’s protective barrier becomes weaker and thinner, making it vulnerable to environmental factors such as sunlight, temperature, dust or impact.

Impaired skin function causes slow healing of scars, reduced sweating, poor thermoregulation, and easy bruising due to fragile blood vessels under the skin.

Skin gradually dries out: The cause is due to the sebaceous and sweat glands reducing the production of oil and sweat, leading to a decrease in the skin’s natural moisture. As you get older, your skin produces less oil. Changes in weather such as cold, dry, and windy conditions also affect the skin’s moisture and make it chapped and rougher.

Reduced elasticity: The lack of elastin and collagen makes the skin firm, elastic and smooth as before the age of 25. Some fat tissue also redistributes in some locations according to the natural aging process. The face also begins to appear some sunken areas around the eyes, nasolabial folds, and sunken mouth. This is also the cause of sagging skin on the eyelids, chin, neck, under the cheeks; forming a double chin.

Hyperpigmentation: Aging skin, especially due to sunlight, causes skin pigmentation problems such as uneven skin tone, dark spots, freckles on the cheeks. Exposed skin areas such as the face, neck, forearms, and back of the hands are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.

If signs of premature skin aging appear suddenly, progress rapidly, affecting aesthetics and quality of life, the patient should go to a dermatology or cosmetic skin department for examination and to find out the cause. The doctor will provide appropriate treatment to slow down the skin aging process.

Doctor Van recommends preventing skin aging by taking care of your skin early, before the age of 25, such as applying moisturizer to provide enough moisture, applying sunscreen, limiting direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours from 10am to 4pm, limiting the use of stimulants, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, sweets… You should go to bed early and get 8 hours of sleep, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and drink two liters of water a day.