AGING SKIN

Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades. The signs of intrinsic aging are:

  Fine wrinkles

  Thin and transparent skin

  Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck

  Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin

  Dry skin that may itch

  Inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin

  Graying hair that eventually turns white

  Hair loss

  Unwanted hair

  Nail plate thins, the half moons disappear, and ridges develops