What Causes Thin Skin?
- Posted on: Aug 30 2022
What Is Thin Skin?
Fragile, thin skin that easily tears or breaks is a common skin concern for most older adults. You’re more likely to develop thin skin on your face, arms, and hands. With thin skin, you may notice that your veins and bones are more visible on your hands and arms.
What Causes Thin Skin?
Aging
Aging is a common cause of fragile, thin skin. Your body produces less collagen and elastin as you get older. Collagen is a protein that is also a building block of skin, and it promotes plump, youthful-looking skin. Collagen loss makes the skin less able to repair itself, causing thin, fragile skin.
UV Exposure
Sun exposure also contributes to thin skin. Frequent exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays damages skin cells and further diminishes collagen and elastin.
Medications
Taking certain medications can also cause thin skin. This includes long-term use of these medications:
Oral and topical corticosteroids
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen
Aspirin
Prescription blood thinners
Lifestyle
A variety of lifestyle factors contribute to your skin’s health. If you engage in any of these behaviors, you’re at an increased risk of premature aging and thinning skin:
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Not exercising regularly
- Eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
Can Thin Skin Be Thickened?
Unfortunately, you can’t reverse the process of skin thinning. However, there are treatments available that are designed to increase collagen production, repair elastin, and improve the overall appearance of thinning skin. Let’s explore in-office treatments and what you can do at home for thinning skin.
In-office Treatment Options for Thin Skin
At Asarch Dermatology, we offer many treatments that can improve the appearance of thinning skin. Talk to your Asarch dermatologist about the following treatment options:
Microneedling
During a minimally invasive microneedling treatment, micro-wounds are created on the surface of your skin. These small wounds stimulate the production of collagen and elastin as the skin heals, increasing skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Injectables and Dermal Fillers
Injectable dermal fillers are composed of a soft gel and work by replacing lost volume. Most dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain moisture and plumps up the skin.
Laser Resurfacing Treatments
Laser resurfacing treatments use high-intensity light beams to create small wounds on the skin. The new, healthier skin cells that form during the healing process give your skin a firmer, younger-looking appearance. Our fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment tightens collagen and rejuvenates the skin by stimulating cell turnover.
Intense Pulsed Light
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a skin rejuvenation treatment that delivers focused light energy to the skin. The light penetrates just below the skin’s surface, which stimulates collagen production and improves your skin’s plumpness. IPL is ideal for improving the appearance of the skin on the face, chest, neck, and hands.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-surgical option for skin rejuvenation. PDT can improve the tone and texture of your skin, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, reverse sun damage, and stimulate the production of healthy new skin.
Home Treatments for Thin Skin
In addition to receiving in-office treatments, there are things you can do at home to improve the appearance of thinning skin.
Topical Retinoids
Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A. Topical retinoids promote skin cell turnover and encourage elastin and collagen production. With consistent use, topical retinoids can fade brown spots, soften rough skin patches, and reduce the visible signs of aging.
Diet and Nutritional Supplements
Drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet can also improve the appearance of thinning skin. Try to eat a diet that includes plenty of fish, fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy oils. Talk to your doctor about taking these supplements that can support skin health:
- Vitamin C
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Collagen peptides
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
Protecting Thin Skin
Follow these tips to protect thinning skin from tears and cuts:
- Wear a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Keep your skin moisturized by wearing a rich moisturizing cream, such as DermaSpa RX’s Antioxidant Facial Cream.
- When outdoors, protect your skin as much as possible by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
If you have thinning skin, the experts at Asarch Dermatology are here to help you with your skin care needs. We can provide the guidance and treatment you need to preserve your skin’s health and restore vitality to your skin. Contact Asarch Dermatology today at one of our three convenient locations.