You need to develop thick skin! Where have we heard that expression before? But what if I told you it could be a literal statement! Yes! Living with a condition of thin skin is a real ordeal for many people.
Having thin skin means that the epidermis is not as thick as it is supposed to be. Also, the hypo-dermis may have less fat, which may cause this layer to be thinner.
While living with thin skin is not a great cause for a medical concern, it can be problematic and frustrating. People affected by thin skin may have instances where the skin bruises, cuts, or tears easily from the slightest abrasions.
So what causes thin skin?
Various causes can lead to the thinning of the skin. Some of the reasons include activities or factors that may be out of our control. Here are some contributing factors to thin skin.
Aging is one of the leading causes that contribute to thin skin. As it is natural for us to get older, it is also natural for the skin to get thinner because our bodies produce less collagen. Collagen is a family of proteins that provide the structure and connectivity tissue in our skin and other structural and supporting parts of our bodies.
Therefore collagen helps prevent wrinkles, sagging, and moisture loss. As the dermis produces less collagen, your skin is less able to repair itself, resulting in thin skin. When the skin begins to go through this process, it loses its elasticity, tends to get dry or damaged quickly, and produces the expected wrinkles.
Sunlight is another leading cause of the thinning of the skin. However, exposure to the sun that causes thin skin usually happens over a long period. These cases are not that severe since there are effective and well-known ways to protect our skin from excessive sun exposure. However, it is still a cause for concern, mainly because UVA and UVB rays can kill or damage skin cells.
While smoking and drinking alcohol is seen as leisure by many different people, these activities can have a negative impact on the skin by accelerating the speed up of skin aging and can contribute to thinning of the skin over time.
The use of steroid creams can cause the cells in the epidermis to become smaller. These creams may also affect the tissue connecting skin cells. Once this happens, it will leave the skin looking wrinkled or loose.
A diet that lacks the vitamins and nutrients vegetables and fruits provide and is higher in foods that contain sugars and carbohydrates may also cause thin skin.
According to an article posted by Healthline, written by Kitty Jay, other medications that may have been prescribed to you or bought over the counter can also cause skin thinning. The thinning of the skin usually occurs after these medications have been used over an extended period. These medications used to treat skin conditions traditionally come in the form of a cream or ointment.
After considering all these factors, thin skin may become a cause for concern for most individuals. However, we urge readers not to panic because some various protective measures and products will help you protect the skin and avoid further damage.
If you struggle with thin skin or fear you have gotten to the age where it is a cause for concern, then all you need to do is start treatment and preventative measures as soon as it is possible.
One common and effective way to treat thin skin and improve thickness is by hydration. It is best to invest in a quality filled skin moisturizer with hydrating attributes so that the skin is more flexible and less prone to further damage. It is not possible to reverse thinning of the skin. However, moisturizing the skin can make it more flexible and less likely to break.
An effective way to treat thin skin is by investing in creams and other products that include vitamin A, which is also known as retinol or retinoids. According to an article posted by Medical News Today, written by Claire Sissons.
Retinol creams, which are available for purchase from your local drugstore, may help to prevent the skin from thinning further. However, we advise you to consult your dermatologist before using retinol since it is not suitable for all skin types.
Individuals should seek to maintain a good diet and drink a lot of water to improve their skin quality. To prevent thin skin, persons should ensure that they have a regular intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, and foods that provide protein. Foods that provide healthy fat such as seafood and avocado are excellent hydration sources and moisture for the skin.
According to an article posted by SkinKraft, Advaita Ravi, protecting the skin from exposure to the sun is essential when you are making an effort to prevent thin skin. Before leaving your house or just stepping outside to get some fresh air to ensure that you are properly attired and protected from the UV rays.
Finally, always remember to moisturize! Various natural products are effective in moisturizing the skin. After taking a shower, apply the moisturizer to the skin while still a bit damp after you have patted yourself dry with a towel.
Thin skin may not be a major illness or great cause for concern, but it can be potentially serious if there are no steps to treat the skin and protect it. We may not be able to reverse the effects of thin skin completely. Still, there are various affordable and manageable options that we can put into practice to continue living and aging beautifully.
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