Thin skin is inevitable with age. The loss of fat can cause the skin to wrinkle and bruise easier. Some parts of the body are naturally prone to thin skin, (eyelids and hands) while other areas are thicker and take much longer to thin. If you are blessed with good genes and have thicker skin, then you are envied by many! For those that do have thin skin, start protecting those areas now to prevent further damage. 

Causes of thin skin 

• Aging is the number one cause of thin skin. As we age, skin loses its elasticity from decreased collagen production, hormonal changes, and diet. 
• Sun exposure thins skin by destroying elasticity meant to hold skin cells together. UVA rays break down the skin cells causing thin skin and sunspots. 
• Smoking contains chemicals that destroy collagen which leads to saggy, wrinkled skin. 
• Alcohol dehydrates the body, causing the body to lose nutrients. Excessive drinking disrupts the absorption of protein.  In turn, the skin becomes dry, saggy, and wrinkled. 
• Sugar consumption prevents collagen fibers from forming strong bonds to one another, causing the skin to lose elasticity. The more sugar present in a diet, the more the skin suffers. 

What can I do? 

Thin skin is irreversible so start now to protect this precious organ from further damage. And if you have thin skin now, don’t lose hope. There are things you can do to help give your skin a plump look. 

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drinking water helps skin glow by delivering minerals and nutrients to the cells.  

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet of protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to boost collagen. The vitamins and minerals in healthy foods help skin maintain elasticity and are beneficial to your overall health.  
• Avoid sugary drinks and sweets. When buying packaged products, check the nutrition label for how much sugar is in the item. You’d be surprised at how much sugar is in prepackaged food (spaghetti sauce for example).  
• Make smart clothing choices – don’t mow the yard in a bathing suit if you’re naturally fair skinned. Wear long sleeves and a hat if you plan being in the sun for long periods of time.  
• Wear sunglasses to protect the thin skin around the eyes from damaging UVA and UVB rays. 
• Don’t squint your eyes! Frequent squinting causes lines to develop near the corners of the eyes that can lead to wrinkles. 

• Don’t pull or rub your eyelids. Frequent pulling and rubbing stretches the eyelid skin, causing a breakdown of the elastin fibers, which leads to wrinkles. 
• Wear sunscreen to protect skin when exposed to the sun. Dermatologists recommend and of SPF 30 or greater that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. 
• Use retinol creams to help turn up cell production and exfoliate the skin to give the skin a collagen boost. 
• Do not smoke. 
• Limit alcohol consumption.  

Takeaway 

Life choices play a vital role in how our skin ages. For some, thin skin is natural so preventative maintenance is key. Others may already be experiencing the effects of thin skin. If so, strive to protect and treat your skin by following the guidelines listed above. Thin skin cannot be undone. Too much sugar, smoking, sun exposure, alcohol have lasting consequences. The skin is the largest organ on the body and the organ that regulates body temperature, protects against foreign substances, prevents moisture loss, and is a sensory organ. 

Care for your skin.

Invest in your skin.

If aging is inevitable, why not make sure you are aging the best way possible? 

For more information on healthy skin aging, check out “All Things Skin.”