There are many signs of aging skin. In fact, there are probably over 1,000 changes that we see in our skin as we get older. Dermatology deals with more than just skin changes. Dermatology refers to the medical field focused on skin, hair, and nails, and covers health issues like acne, eczema, rashes, skin cancer, as well as cosmetic care for healthy skin.
Gray Hair and The Aging Process
We are all familiar with graying of the hair as a normal change we see with aging. And this is a great example of how we can see aging differently in different people. What I mean to say is, we all age at a different pace.
- We all know that hair can get gray when you are a grandparent, but often it happens to new moms and dads. So maybe stress plays a role in our aging.
- Natural gray hair can even be seen as early as the teenage years in some people.
Nails: A Window Into Your Internal Health
Nails change, too. As we get older, our nails get thicker. They can also get harder to cut or trim, and more brittle.
- Longitudinal Ridges: I think the first sign of aging nails that we see is something we call longitudinal ridges. These are raised lines that we see on the nail. They are normal and not a bad sign—younger nails are simply smoother.
- Internal Health Warnings: If you notice any changes to your nails, they can be a window into your internal body. Ask your dermatologist about any changes you notice. Your nails can be a sign of liver, kidney, heart, or autoimmune disease, and your nail changes can be the first sign.
As with most things, the earlier we catch a problem, the easier it is to fix.
Understanding Skin Changes as We Age
Skin goes through a lot of changes as well. We are all familiar with wrinkles or age spots, but there are many changes that we can see early on that, if we pay attention to, can help us avoid a lot of problems as we get older.
As time goes on, every year we produce less oil for our skin. We may be happy about that as a teenager, but as we get older, it means our skin gets less efficient at handling irritation. When our skin is not naturally oiled or moisturized with a good lotion, it is more likely to get dry and itchy from common things like:
- Excessive dry air and particles in the environment
- Challenging working conditions
- Soaps that have antibacterial properties or added perfumes and scents
If we don’t pay attention to these early signs of itching or dry skin, these can lead to eczema as we get older. Luckily, dermatologists can treat itchy skin or sensitive skin at any stage of life.
What We Can Do: Sun Defense & Daily Care
Then the question becomes, what can we do? Well, just as you would expect, the most important thing is sunscreen and sun protection.
- Wear It Daily: Sunscreen and sunblock are safe, and here in California, we should wear it every day—even on cloudy days.
- Reapply Often: Reapply your sunscreen every two hours when you’re going to be outside.
- Cover Up: Don’t forget about hats, umbrellas, and neck gaiters if you’re a fisherman.
The first signs that show up on our skin that we are getting too much sun are freckles, fine lines, and pigmentation on our cheeks or upper lip. These can all be treated, and in many cases, we can reverse a lot of these signs with our new technologies.
Prolonging Youthful Skin
We all get older. We all get older at a different pace, and we all will have different challenges as we get older. That is part of life, but there are many things that we can do to prolong our youthful skin.
The most basic needs are sunscreen, sun protection, and moisturization. Any dermatologist can help tailor a plan for your individual needs based on your skin type and findings during an exam with a dermatoscope.
A dermatoscope is a small, handheld medical tool that combines a bright light and a magnifying lens to let doctors see deep beneath the top layer of the skin. It helps doctors check moles, spots, and hair without cutting the skin.
Enjoy the beautiful place we live. Be safe. Wear sunscreen every day!
Dr. Robert Beer is a Dermatologist. His advice is not meant to substitute visits with a primary care Doctor. If you have a Dermatology question, write to Dr. Robert E. Beer at inbox@skinquestion.com. Visit us at www.SkinQuestion.com and on IG @BalfourDerm.
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