While the expression about thick skin is more proverbial in nature, there is something to be said for its physical embodiment. When your skin is thicker, it’s typically a sign of healthy, nourished, and hydrated skin.
Conversely, thin skin is skin that has been depleted of certain nutrients and is a common occurrence during the natural process of aging. Depending upon a person’s genetics, environment, and lifestyle, oftentimes what causes thin skin is simply life taking its course.
So, how do we keep skin young and fresh? There are several contributing factors to skin becoming noticeably thinner over the years, which we’ll uncover in this article. We will also share our best ideas and recommendations for how to treat thinning and aging skin.
Although several factors can contribute to subpar skin elasticity, we will cover six main thin skin causes:
- Aging
- Sun exposure
- Medication
- Lifestyle
- Genetics
- Sleep Deprivation
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Skin Layers and Their Functions
Thin, fragile skin can be found commonly in many places: under the eyes, on the eyelids, under the chin, or even underneath the upper arms [1]. But before we dive into why the thinning of skin occurs, we first need to understand the components of our skin health and layers.
Our skin consists of not one, but three layers. Each layer performs a list of unique functions to maintain the vital job of protecting our body from harmful elements in the environment.
The primary layers of the skin include:
- Hypodermis – This is the deepest (bottom) layer, acting as a protective cushion for tissues and organs. The hypodermis layer is responsible for storing body fat and regulating body temperature [2].
- Dermis – This middle layer is made up of collagen and elastin, and contributes the most thickness. The dermis consists of two strong, interlocking layers containing oil and sweat glands, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and collagen fibers. It supports the skin’s overall structure and maintains moisture, allowing for movement and stretching [3].
- Epidermis – The epidermis is the topmost layer of your skin. It’s the source of hydration, melanin (skin color), and skin cell production. Although it is the thinnest layer, it still serves as a strong shield against dirt and bacteria [4].
What are the Main Causes of Thinning Skin?
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen in our skin. This prevents the skin from repairing itself as well as before and removes some of the supple smoothness we see in our youngest years. Genetics also plays a part in how rapidly this happens [5].
The depletion of collagen in our skin is one of the internal ways the skin becomes thinner over time, but there are also a number of external factors that can contribute to your face aging so fast. Let’s take a look at the primary internal and external factors.
#1 Aging
A person’s skin produces less collagen as the body ages, meaning that wrinkles, sagging, and moisture loss tend to be more prevalent. Collagen is the “building block” of the skin, which helps with elasticity, and as the skin produces less collagen, your skin is not as able to repair itself, becoming thinner [6].
When elasticity is affected by the thinning of the dermis, it is easier to see veins and the outline of bones under the skin primarily in the face, hands, legs, and arms. Genetics may also control how much collagen will be lost and at what point in the aging process the loss occurs [7].
#2 Sun Exposure
- Wrinkles or thinner, sagging skin
- Rough, dry patches
- Loss or change of facial skin tone
- Broken capillaries
- Blotchy, red, and uneven texture
- Pigmentation changes (freckles and liver/age spots)
Once the damages of UV rays take hold of your skin, they are difficult if not impossible to reverse. Therefore, you should always use daily moisturizer with SPF on your face and body every day, even when you’re not in direct sunlight.
#3 Medication
Blood thinners, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can contain chemicals that impact the skin over time. Some steroid creams (such as eczema treatments) can shrink epidermis cells and tissue, causing the skin to loosen. Long periods of taking medication can weaken the skin, making it more vulnerable to bruising and tearing [10]. Talk with a board-certified dermatologist if you're concerned about your skin aging to plan the right skin treatment while preventing skin damage.
#4 Consumption
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Sedentary routine
- Unhealthy diet
Choosing healthy alternatives in your lifestyle, such as nutritious foods while dining out, can be another proactive way to prevent skin thinning.
#5 Genetics
#6 Sleep Deprivation
While your body sleeps, cells regenerate and the skin has a chance to repair itself [13], so be sure to maintain a healthy sleep schedule to reap those benefits.
How to Treat Thinning Skin
Most experts agree that thin skin can’t be reversed, but it can be prevented with healthy habits throughout your life. Some of these habits can start with a well-managed skincare routine from a reliable source, while others may include partnering with a dermatologist.
Incorporate these habits into your daily routine to promote healthy skin:
- Maintain a diligent skincare routine – Moisturize often and adopt a personalized skincare set that contains high-quality ingredients targeting premature aging. An essential element to the ideal anti-aging skin care routine includes a gentle facial cleanser, moisturizer, and night cream. PROVEN takes it a step further using AI to build the right formula for your skin needs.
- Seek vitamin-rich formulas – Speaking of high-quality ingredients, use skincare products that contain plenty of vitamins, like vitamin C and squalane [14][15].
- Consume plenty of antioxidants – Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which can speed up the aging process. You can absorb antioxidants from food and beverages you regularly consume. Look for green tea [16], vitamin A [17], and vitamin E [18].
- Eat a healthy diet – Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet can help improve skin rejuvenation [19][20]: foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, and cauliflower), foods containing vitamin E (olive oil, avocados, pumpkin, and mangoes), foods containing vitamin A (sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots), whole grains leafy greens, and nuts and seeds.
- Supplement with fish oil – If you’re not already taking a vitamin supplement that contains omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil, you may want to start. Fish oil can help increase collagen production and help with skin hydration [21].
- Stay hydrated – Most nutritionists agree that half your body weight in ounces is the right daily amount of water intake. Other sources will tell you that at least eight cups of water a day is enough for the average healthy adult [22]. Either way, consuming more water means that your skin will receive more hydration to nourish itself every day.
- Cover up outdoors – Protect your skin from the wind and sun when spending time outside to help prevent damage caused by UV rays and other pollutants in the air. Cover forearms, wear a hat to shade the face, and use sunscreen of SPF 30 and above [23].
- Develop healthy habits – While you are increasing your healthy intake of nourishing foods and supplements, also think about cutting back on unhealthier habits that invite toxins into your system, like alcohol and tobacco. Reducing tobacco and alcohol can help reduce inflammation and allow your skin to repair itself more adequately [24].
- See a dermatologist – Your dermatologist may suggest such treatment plans as laser sessions and skin peels. Or, they can recommend fast-acting products containing ingredients like retinol, a vitamin A compound known to stimulate collagen production [25].
While thinning skin is a natural part of life, there are plenty of options to choose from if you want to proactively prevent it or slow the process down. Adopting just one of these habits into your daily life can make a world of difference. Not only will your skin thank you, but your overall health will, too.
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