Age-Related Features of the Skin and Skin Hygiene

Lecture

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It protects the body and takes part in thermoregulation, respiration, and metabolism. With age, the structure and functions of the skin change, so the rules of skin care also differ.

Structure of the skin

Figure 1. Structure and disorders of the skin

Age-Related Features of the Skin and Skin Hygiene

Figure 2. How the structure of the skin changes with age and why wrinkles appear.

The diagram shows the layers of the skin:

Epidermis (upper layer)
Dermis (deep layer)

The dermis contains:

Collagen — responsible for the density and firmness of the skin
Elastin — responsible for elasticity (the ability to return to shape)
Fibroblasts — cells that produce collagen and elastin

How the skin changes with age

1. Up to about age 30

Plenty of collagen and elastin
The skin is dense and firm
Fibroblasts are actively working

2. After age 40–45

Breakdown (degradation) of collagen and elastin begins
The skin becomes thinner
The first pronounced wrinkles appear

3. After age 60

Severe deficiency of collagen and elastin
The skin loses density and firmness
Deep wrinkles form (for example, the "deep wrinkle" in the diagram)

The graph at the bottom shows that the amount of collagen decreases gradually and steadily with age.

What this affects

The decrease in collagen and elastin leads to:

wrinkles and sagging skin
reduced firmness and tone
slower skin recovery
creases and "drooping" of tissues

How to slow these processes

Aging cannot be stopped completely, but it can be slowed considerably:

1. Sun protection (the most important)

SPF every day
ultraviolet radiation breaks down collagen faster than anything else

2. Skin care

retinoids (accelerate cell turnover and stimulate collagen)
vitamin C (an antioxidant that supports collagen synthesis)
moisturizing (hyaluronic acid, creams)

3. Lifestyle

sufficient sleep
quitting smoking (it strongly damages collagen)
less sugar (glycation "cross-links" collagen fibers)
a diet with protein, vegetables, and omega-3

4. Professional procedures (optional)

laser procedures
microneedling
biorevitalization

Age-related features of the skin

1. Skin features in children

The skin is thin and delicate.
It contains a lot of water and loses moisture easily.
The protective layer is underdeveloped.
The sebaceous and sweat glands do not yet function fully.
It is easily subject to irritation, overheating, and infections.

Skin hygiene in children:

Daily face washing and regular bathing.
Use of mild cleansers.
Timely changing of clothing and underwear.
Protection from sunburn and chilling.
Keeping the hands clean.

2. Skin features in adolescence

The activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands increases under the influence of hormones.
The skin becomes oilier.
Blackheads and pimples often appear.
Sweating increases.

Skin hygiene in adolescents:

Washing the face twice a day with mild cleansers.
A regular shower after physical exertion.
Use of personal towels.
A balanced diet and sufficient water intake.
Do not squeeze pimples, to avoid inflammation and scarring.

3. Skin features in adults

The skin has its greatest strength and elasticity.
It performs its protective functions well.
Under the influence of the environment, it may lose moisture and firmness.

Skin hygiene in adults:

Daily care according to skin type.
Protection from excessive sun exposure.
Maintaining a balance of work and rest.
A complete diet and sufficient sleep.

4. Skin features in older people

The skin becomes thinner and drier.
The amount of collagen and elastin decreases.
The activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands declines.
Injuries heal more slowly.
Wrinkles and pigment spots appear.

Skin hygiene

Skin hygiene depends on a person's age.

Age	Features of skin hygiene
Newborns and children (0–10 years)	Daily washing, regular bathing, frequent changes of underwear and clothing, protection from irritants and sunlight.
Adolescents (11–18 years)	Washing in the morning and evening, a daily shower, especially after physical exertion, care of problem skin when pimples appear.
Adults (19–60 years)	Daily water procedures, cleansing and moisturizing of the skin, sun protection, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Older people (60 years and over)	Gentle skin cleansing, regular moisturizing, protection from dryness and injury, monitoring of skin condition.

Types of skin growths and defects, causes, and ways of eliminating them

Types of skin growths by origin

Infectious — warts, herpes, boils, fungal lesions.
Benign — moles, papillomas, lipomas, atheromas.
Precancerous and malignant neoplasms
Traumatic — calluses, corns, scars.
Inflammatory — acne, pimples, eczema.

Skin defect	Possible causes	Ways of eliminating
Blackheads (acne)	Hormonal changes, increased sebaceous gland activity, improper skin care	Regular skin cleansing, a proper diet, special products recommended by a doctor
Pimples	Skin contamination, bacteria, hormonal changes	Maintaining hygiene, using medicated products, not squeezing them
Dry skin	Lack of moisture, cold air, frequent use of soap	Moisturizing creams, sufficient water intake, mild cleansers
Oily skin	Active sebaceous glands, heredity	Regular cleansing, using products for oily skin
Pigment spots	Sun exposure, age-related changes, hormonal disorders	Sunscreen products, cosmetic procedures prescribed by a specialist
Freckles	Heredity, exposure to sunlight	Sun protection, using sunscreens
Wrinkles	Age-related changes, ultraviolet exposure, lack of moisture	Moisturizing the skin, sun protection, a healthy lifestyle
Skin flaking	Dryness, allergy, vitamin deficiency	Moisturizing, a proper diet, eliminating the cause of irritation
Scars and marks	Injuries, burns, consequences of acne	Special creams, physiotherapy, cosmetic procedures

Age-Related Features of the Skin and Skin Hygiene

Cancerous and precancerous skin neoplasms

Type of growth	Characteristics and causes	What to do
Actinic (solar) keratosis (precancerous condition)	Occurs due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Presents as rough, dry patches on the skin.	Monitoring and treatment by a dermatologist are essential.
Bowen's disease (precancerous condition)	An early form of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Looks like a red, scaly plaque.	Requires examination and treatment by a specialist.
Cutaneous horn (may be precancerous)	A dense horny growth projecting above the skin surface.	Examination is necessary to rule out cancer.
Basalioma (basal cell carcinoma of the skin)	The most common skin cancer. Grows slowly and rarely metastasizes. Often appears on exposed areas of the body.	Treatment by an oncologist or dermatologist, usually surgical removal.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin	A malignant skin tumor capable of spreading to other organs.	Requires timely treatment by an oncologist.
Melanoma	One of the most dangerous types of skin cancer, developing from pigment cells. It may arise from a mole or on unchanged skin.	See a doctor urgently if melanoma is suspected.

Signs requiring a visit to the doctor

Special attention should be paid to moles and other growths if they:

rapidly increase in size;
change shape or color;
have irregular borders;
bleed or become crusted;
cause itching, pain, or burning.

For melanoma, the ABCDE rule is often used:

A (Asymmetry) — asymmetry;
B (Border) — irregular borders;
C (Color) — uneven color;
D (Diameter) — diameter greater than 6 mm or enlargement;
E (Evolution) — any changes over time.

Regular skin examination and protection from excessive exposure to sunlight help reduce the risk of developing precancerous and cancerous skin diseases.

Prevention of skin growths

Follow the rules of personal hygiene.
Eat a proper diet and drink enough water.
Protect the skin from sunlight.
Use skin care products suited to your skin type.
See a dermatologist promptly if problems appear.

Conclusion

Age-related changes in the skin are linked to the features of its structure and functioning at different stages of life. Following the rules of personal hygiene helps maintain skin health, prevent diseases, and preserve its protective properties.