Skin aging

Abstract

Skin aging is a complex process that involves intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The age at which it begins varies and is influenced by genetics, hormones and the environment. Intrinsic or chronological aging is an ongoing process resulting from decreased collagen and elastin production in the dermis. Hormonal changes, such as alterations in estrogen levels, may be related to intrinsic aging. Extrinsic aging is mainly due to the cumulative effect of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, which causes elastosis in the skin, appendages and blood vessels. In addition to the sun, other factors, such as smoking and gravity, contribute to the extrinsic aging process. Skin aging is characterized by mild skin atrophy or deep rhytids, facial areas with muscle hypertrophy and changes in the distribution of subcutaneous tissue, telangiectasia, solar melanosis, poikiloderma and the development of premalignant and/or malignant skin lesions. The literature describes several therapeutic approaches to treating intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging, including the use of sunscreens, antioxidants, chemical peels, lasers and intense pulsed light. Despite advances in research, nothing has succeeded in preventing the aging process in skin. However, it has become clear that avoiding smoking and ultraviolet radiation can reduce skin aging. © 2013 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.