Factors Associated with Skin Aging in Adults Over Forty-five

Abstract

Background: Skin aging signs affect body image satisfaction and decrease self-confidence and self-esteem. Objective(s): The present study aimed to assess factors associated with skin aging among community-dwelling adults over forty-five years. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 360 individuals aged above forty-five years. Participants were recruited from various social clubs in Alexandria. Structured interviews were conducted to gather socio-demographic information, medical history, personal habits, and lifestyle factors that are possibly associated with skin aging. Skin aging was clinically evaluated using the Skin Aging Score. Results: Most participants had pigmented spots on their forehead and cheeks (87.8% and 90.8%, respectively). Fine lines (89.4%), nasolabial folds (90.6%), crow's feet (90.3%), and wrinkles under the eyes (98.3%) were prevalent among the majority with tissue slackening being marked in 77.5% of participants. Results of linear regression analysis showed that, eight variables proved to be significant predictors of skin aging among the study sample; age (B=0.16, p <0.001), being widowed (B=2.00, p= 0.01), sleeping less than 6 hours per day (B=2.35, p= 0.02), daily intake of more than one spoon of sugar (B= 1.42, p= 0.01), daily intake of less than 8 cups of water (B=2.81, p <0.001), smoking (B= 3.59, p <0.001), frequent sun exposure (B=2.00, p <0.001) and sun exposure from 12 pm to 4 pm (B= 1.82, p <0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of lifestyle factors in skin aging among individuals above forty-five years. Implementing strategies to promote healthy habits may help mitigate skin aging effects.