Sadly, this is what ageing does to your skin

To delay the effects of skin ageing, always wear a hat or use an umbrella if you're out in the sun for extended periods. — Filepic

I AM a 65-year-old grandmother. I have been noticing a lot of dark patches on my skin, which is also becoming drier. What is happening to my skin?

Let us understand your skin first.

Your skin is divided into the epidermis (topmost layer), dermis (middle layer) and hypodermis (bottom layer).

Your epidermis contains a lot of keratin inside your skin cells.

It acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and other germs. It also constantly makes new skin cells. Your body sheds 40,000 old skin cells every day, and it is estimated that you have completely new skin every 30 days because of this shedding and renewal process.

New cells are formed on the lower layer of skin and slowly move upward.

By the time they reach the skin's surface, these cells are dead and are removed daily.

Your epidermis also provides your skin colour because it contains melanin.

Your dermis makes up 90% of your skin thickness.

It contains collagen and elastin, both of which make your skin strong flexible and resilient. The elastin also helps your skin, when stretched, regain its shape.

Hair grows from your dermis, and there are also plenty of nerve receptors in it to tell you what is hot or cold, soft or hard etc.

The dermis contains oil and sweat glands, and supplies blood to your epidermis.

Your hypodermis is a fatty layer. It has connective tissue that cushions your muscles and bones.

The fat regulates your body temperature by keeping you from being too hot or cold.

Okay, well enough but what happens to my skin when I get older?

When you age, your epidermis process of constant cell renewal slows down.

As a result, your "dead cell" epidermis layer remains longer on your skin's surface, giving your skin a dull appearance.

It is no longer the 30-day renewal that you were used to when you were younger.

Your "old" skin feels rough and scaly. Your dermis contains less elastin now, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.

You are also more prone to getting elderly skin conditions.

What are these elderly skin conditions?

A common one is senile purpura.

Because your skin is thinner, it is also weaker and heals slowly following an injury.

Your blood vessels under your skin are more fragile and break easily. This results in bruises called senile purpura, especially seen on your forearms.

Senile purpura in itself is not dangerous and does not indicate a bleeding disorder.

Another condition is xerosis or asteatotic eczema, in which your skin becomes dry because your oil production decreases when you age.

This dry skin flakes easily, or becomes scaly. It can also become itchy.

This is usually seen on your limbs, especially your shins, and also your upper back, as scaly, round, red patches. It can even look like cracked porcelain.

As we get older, our skin loses its elastin and flexibility, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles. — Relaxnews

What about wrinkles? Isn’t that the commonest?

Indeed, they are.

Wrinkles appear because your skin loses its elastin and therefore, flexibility.

If you have constantly exposed yourself to the sun, you will get more wrinkles.

Please note that smokers are more likely to get wrinkles than non-smokers.

There are also other lines which become more visible with age, again because your skin loses its elasticity.

They may be horizontal on your forehead, vertical above your nose, or appear on your upper cheeks. They may also appear around your mouth and eyes.

They are called facial movement lines, and are also known as laugh lines or worry lines.

Will I be at risk of getting skin infections?

Yes.

Because there are more cracks and fissures in your skin as you age, bacteria and other organisms can enter your skin and body more easily.

You can be more prone to getting scabies or ringworm, especially around your nails and the soles of your feet.

I actually find that I have more pigmentation on my face. I am afraid some of it can turn into cancer.

These are called senile freckles or age spots.

They are brown spots that look like freckles, but are larger and more irregular in shape.

They are the result of exposure to sunlight. Therefore, they appear more on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face, hands and forearms.

They can indeed turn into cancer. If one of your freckles becomes larger, thicker, more irregular or develops a crust, you should go to a dermatologist immediately to have it checked out.

How can I get rid of all my old age skin problems?

Prevention is always best. Here are some tips:

> Use sunscreen when you have to go outside.

> Wear long sleeves and hats in the sun.

> Wrinkles can be softened with use of tretinoin, a medication used to treat acne and sun-damaged skin.

> Use moisturisers to lubricate your dry skin.

> Sleep with a humidifier.

Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.