Aging Skin
What are the most common signs of aging skin?
The most common signs of aging skin include brown spots, sun damage, crepey skin, and fine lines and wrinkles. The face is one of the most susceptible areas of the body to experience these concerns. Additionally, the chest begins to show the signs of aging with spots and crepey skin, making it hard to hide our age. The hands are also one of the more common spots for age spots to appear, since they see more sun exposure than other areas of our body.
What are age spots?
Age spots (also known as brown or liver spots) are small, freckle-like marks. They commonly appear on the face, chest, shoulders and arms because those areas of the body get the most sunshine. These spots are mostly harmless and are usually addressed for cosmetic reasons. If do notice an unusual brown spot on your skin, be sure to monitor it to make sure it doesn’t change in size or color. If it does, schedule an appointment your doctor as soon as possible.
What causes age spots?
Age spots are caused by prolonged sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV rays) accelerate the production of melanin, which gives skin its brown pigmentation. Brown spots develop when overactive pigment cells and melanin are grouped together in higher concentrations. Melanin have a tendency to develop in small circles in a concentrated area.
What is sun damage?
Sun damage describes premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays that cause sun damaged skin: UVA and UVB. UVA are longer-wave rays that activate the skin in an unhealthy way and will give you a tan. These rays are not responsible for sunburns. They penetrate the skin deeper than UVB rays and trigger premature aging and skin cancer. UVB, on the other hand, are shorter-wave rays that are responsible for sunburns, but they can also accelerate early signs of aging. UVB rays are considered the most common cause of skin cancers.
What is crepey skin?
Crepey skin refers to a thin, crinkly, saggy appearance of the skin (similar to a piece of tissue paper or a crepe). This condition can occur when the body reacts to lower levels of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are natural proteins that allow the skin to stretch and contract. Crepey skin is related to the thinning of larger areas of the skin, both at the top layer (epidermis) and the deeper layer (dermis). It can take years to develop, but most people experience this concern in their 40s.
What causes crepey skin?
After age thirty, our bodies produce 10-20% less collagen and less elastin resulting in reduced moisture, firmness and suppleness. These unwelcome changes in our skin can result in deep sources of insecurity for many of us. In addition to age, crepey skin can also be caused by losing a significant amount of weight and/or sun damage. For many of our patients, crepey skin becomes a significant concern when it occurs under the eyes, on the neck and décolleté area because this skin is the most visible.
Get treatments in Capitol Hill of Seattle
Using moisturizer and other skincare products can help fight the aging process, but aesthetic treatments provide more immediate and dramatic results. If you live in the Madrona community in Seattle, Washington, and you want to combat the aging process, schedule a consultation at Lifted Beauty + Wellness. You can request a consultation by filling out the request form on our site, or by texting/calling (206) 299-1102. We look forward to seeing you!