Dry skin, freckles, and wrinkles mean you are aging

The human body undergoes many changes as it ages. Often, muscles, blood vessels, and other tissues lose their elasticity. The heart becomes less efficient, bones weaken, and metabolism slows. Aging affects every part of the body. So what are the signs of skin aging?

Signs of aging

Wrinkles: As a person ages, the fibers in their skin called collagen and elastin break down and lose strength. Exposure to sunlight also accelerates this process. Without these fibers, the skin cannot maintain its good shape. Older skin retains less fat, making it appear less supple. The pull of gravity also causes the skin to sag.

Dry skin: Older people produce less sweat and oil, which makes their skin drier. Excessively dry skin can make wrinkles more noticeable.

Freckles: Dark spots on the skin (especially on the arms, hands, face, and feet) caused by prolonged sun exposure. Most people call these spots liver spots, but they have nothing to do with liver function. They actually result from excess melanin production in the areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure.

Factors and solutions

Dermatologists emphasize that some factors that contribute to skin aging can be prevented.

1. Sunlight: Scientists have proven that ultraviolet light in the sun can promote the development of skin cancer and cataracts. It also works against the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. In addition to using sunscreen, you can also reduce sun exposure by: 1. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat 2. Wearing sunglasses with lenses that block UV rays 3. Avoiding sun exposure during the strongest hours of the day 4. Avoiding intentional sun exposure

2. Smoking: Smokers usually have more wrinkles than non-smokers. Doctors and scientists have yet to determine exactly how smoking promotes wrinkles. But they believe smoking can accelerate the natural aging process of collagen and elastin.