Chronological Aging - Skin And The Aging Process: Skin Health
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Chronological aging
Time takes its toll. As the years go by, skin undergoes a number of biochemical changes. Epidermal cells don't slough off as easily, and the supportive fibers of collagen and elastin break down. Skin doesn't retain as much moisture as it once did. The skin's ability to fight infection, feel sensations, and regulate body temperature also diminishes. Over several decades of sending instructions for new cell production, the DNA can become damaged and allow cells to grow out of control, with skin cancer as the result.
The deterioration of collagen and elastin and the pull of gravity can result in some of the classic signs of aging skin: fine lines around the eyes, deepened expression lines at the corners of the mouth and across the forehead, and sagging skin. The nails usually become more brittle, and hair may begin to thin.
| Last updated: | July 20, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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