Since the skin is a visible organ, it is the organ that most clearly reflects the signs of aging. Skin changes due to aging occur with the effect of both the natural aging process and environmental factors. In the natural aging process, the skin may begin to wear out, but sun rays and environmental factors accelerate the aging process in the skin. It is difficult to determine the age of onset of skin aging. Because genetic, endocrine and environmental factors differ for each individual.
The most common changes in our skin during the natural aging process; thinning, drying, coarsening, wrinkles, decreased skin elasticity, loosening and sagging, brown spots, sparse and gray hair, and an increase in the incidence of smooth and macular benign formations. Today, as many of our individuals, who make up the elderly population, are socially active, they want the existence of healthy and pleasant-looking skin, nails and hair more.
With aging, the cell renewal rate decreases, and the upper layer of the skin becomes thinner. There may be a delay in wound healing and a decrease in barrier and thermoregulation functions. Contact eczema increases as the cleaning speed of chemical elements from the skin decreases. As the number and functions of color cells decrease, unsystematic brown spots occur in sun-exposed areas. Skin wrinkles occur with the decrease in the amount of collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the skin and the decrease in the number and volume of the cells that make them. As the number of sweat glands decreases with aging, sweating decreases. Oil secretion in the sebaceous glands decreases, the size of the sebaceous glands increases and small sebaceous cysts form on the face. Gray or white hair is one of the most obvious signs of aging. With the decrease in the number and density of hair, the rate of hair growth decreases. Widespread hair loss can be seen in both sexes with age. With the change in hormonal stability, thick and hard hairs may occur in the lower part of the chin after menopause.
In elderly people, dryness and brittleness, opacification, yellow-gray discoloration can be seen in the nails. Nail elongation is reduced. There may be fragility and separation of fingernails, thickening and curling of toenails.
Skin dryness is one of the most valuable problems of old age. Although it is more common in the legs, it can also be seen on the hands, arms and trunk. The skin is dry, dandruff and cracked in appearance. Moisturizers are used to relieve dryness. These can be in the form of cream lotion or in the form of liquid soap. Dry skin often brings along itching. Hot water and an irritating bath increase itching. Increasing the ambient humidity, dressing with warm water, moisturizing and steroid drugs are effective in the analysis of this problem.
The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers increases with aging. In addition, benign formations called seborrheic keratosis and solar lentigo occur on the skin. Sunscreens and skin hydration are valuable in preventing them.
Our feet are our most precious limbs that bear our burden for years. For this reason, they are most exposed to mechanical forces in old age. When thickening of the soles of the feet, calluses, nail disorders, occasional wounds, fungal infections are more common, maintaining foot health is of critical importance.
After what we have said, we can ask ourselves who wants to grow old, well, who can prevent aging? If you ask me, the most precious elements that slow down aging are keeping one’s soul young and taking care of the skin, which is the outer garment, thanks to its spiritual pleasantness. In particular, protection from sun rays, moisturizing our skin, using therapeutic and preventive cosmetic products, interfering with cosmetic processes if necessary, drinking plenty of water, exercising can reduce the age of our body and skin. Of course, every age has its charms, but there is no harm in seeing ourselves looking nicer when we go in front of the mirror at every age. In addition, skin diseases that may occur during the aging process will be seen less frequently with this care and care.
I wish everyone a healthy and happy new year.
Please take good care of your skin and soul.