What is a common skin change that happens with aging?

Thinning of the skin is a well-recognized change associated with aging. As individuals grow older, the skin undergoes various structural and functional changes that lead to its gradual thinning. This occurs due to a decrease in collagen production, a protein that helps maintain skin strength and elasticity. Additionally, the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) becomes thinner, and the layers of fat beneath the dermis decrease, which can make the skin appear more fragile and susceptible to injury.

This particular change can also contribute to other issues such as increased wrinkling, less resilience, and a higher tendency for bruising. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially when assessing and managing skin health in the aging population. Other skin-related changes can occur with aging, but thinning of the skin is one of the most prominent and easily identifiable alterations.