As we age, signifi cant changes occur in our skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, research shows there are two distinct types of aging: intrinsic, due to our genetic makeup, and extrinsic, which is caused by environmental factors.

Intrinsic aging cannot be slowed because it isn’t affected by environmental factors. It normally begins in one’s twenties when collagen production begins to decline and the elastin in our cells (which, as the name implies, imparts elasticity to the skin) decreases. The overall physiology of the skin begins a long, slow process of deterioration. The AAD said intrinsic aging shows up in skin in the following ways:

• Fine wrinkles,

• Thin, transparent skin,

• Loss of subcutaneous fat, leading to hollowing of the cheeks and eye sockets and loose skin on neck,

• Skin sags as bones shrink from osteoporosis, and

• Dry, itchy skin.

Extrinsic aging is caused by many factors, which, according to the AAD, includes sun exposure, dry air, smoking, dehydration, nutrition, the effects of gravity, sleeping positions, facial expressions and stress.

Sun exposure, also known as “photoaging” has the largest typical effect; small sun exposures accumulate damage over time which becomes very signifi cant, and may lead to rough, mottled, leathery skin. Thick, rough patches of reddish skin called actinic keratosis, and the most serious – skin cancer – can all be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.

Dr. Josephine M. Futrell, is a boardcertifi ed dermatologist at Ark-La-Tex Dermatology, part of the Willis-Knighton Network. “As we age, we all develop more undesirable skin problems. These are generally easy to treat with cosmetically pleasing results. Some of the more common skin problems or complaints associated with aging that I see are: dry, dull, itchy skin; an excess of benign growths (skin tags); seborrheic keratosis; lines and wrinkles; age/sun spots and skin cancer,” Futrell said.

“As you age, your skin care basics are the same. Unfortunately, our skin barrier is not as strong and does not retain moisture as well. Skin cell turnover is much slower. The solution is to use a moisturizer daily as well as exfoliant to get rid of the dead skin. Cosmetics today can provide moisture and many also provide sunscreen to protect from the damaging UVA/UVB rays. Just make sure you use something that contains an SPF of 30 or higher.”

Along with the sunscreen recommendation, the AAD warns people to avoid deliberate tanning, including indoor tanning, that they stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest, and that they wear protective clothing when outdoors during the day. “Start young, but it is never too late to begin a good skin care plan! Our skin’s two biggest enemies are the sun and tobacco. Both of these create free radicals, which can damage your DNA, and both accelerate aging and the risk for skin cancer,” Futrell said. “Whether you are 20, 40, 60 or 80 the three most important things for skin care are the use of a good moisturizer (good doesn’t mean expensive), a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, Retin A or Retinol. Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, can treat or prevent damage to the skin.

“Everyone should have a yearly total body mole exam,” Futrell said. “At this time, cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions can be treated. Other less serious conditions can be identifi ed and treated as well. If you discover a new mole, have a sore that does not heal or have an older growth that has changed in size, shape or color, you should see your dermatologist.”

– Michael Stone

DID YOU KNOW?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends one to regularly examine one’s skin for moles, and use the “ABCDE” rule” to determine whether one should see your physician right away:

Asymmetry

Borders that are irregular

Color changes or more than one color

Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser

Evolving - the growth changes in size, shape, symptoms, surface (especially bleeding), or color.