Although we’d rather not admit it, our skin becomes thinner and more sensitive as we age. Thinning skin is not medically a problem, but it can lead to more bruising and can be more easily damaged. However, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and to prevent further thinning!
Kinship Comfort Brands’ Skin Protection Sleeve helps protect thinning skin
Skin Basics
Each of the skin’s three layers play a different role:
- The deepest layer is the hypodermis, consisting of tissue fat and sweat glands.
- The middle layer is the dermis, holding the nerves and blood supply.
- The outer layer of skin is the epidermis, protecting against dirt and bacteria.
Thin skin usually means that the epidermis is less thick than it should be. The hypodermis can also have less fat in it, which can also cause thinner, more damage-prone skin.
Wearing a Skin Protection Sleeve while playing or training pets can also prevent scratches or tears.
Shop the Kinship Comfort Brands selection of Arm Protection Sleeves
Causes of Thinning Skin
- A natural part of getting older, aging is the most common cause of thin skin. Along with wrinkles and furrows, less skin elasticity, and skin that is dry or easily damaged.
- Sunlight’s UVA and UVB rays can kill or damage skin cells. It can play a large role in thinning the skin over time.
- Drinking Alcohol and Smoking can cause premature skin thinning and aging over time.
- Steroid creams can shrink the cells in your epidermis. Tissue connecting skin cells can also be affected, leaving the skin looking wrinkled or loose.
- Other medications,such as topical steroids, which people apply directly to their skin, can also cause thinning. Usually in the form of a cream or ointment, it’s used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema.
Wearing long sleeves or Skin Protection Sleeves while doing yard work or gardening can help.
Using Topical Steroids only causes thinning if used for an extended period of time. The effects can be reversed after stopping use, but it often takes a few weeks for skin to renew itself.
How to Protect Yourself Against Thinning Skin
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats can help. Wearing skin protection sleeves to protect your forearms when doing yard work or gardening, or activities where your arms or legs could get scratched. Kinship Comfort Brands’ KinGrip tubular badge or rolled gauze bandages can also help!
- Avoiding being out in the sun for extended periods of time.When being outdoors can’t be avoided, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Re-apply every 2 hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- A good moisturizing cream can go a long way in keeping skin moisturized and protected, making it less likely to tear.
- Vitamin A (Retinol or Retinoids) has been known to help prevent further thinning of the skin. Talk to your doctor if planning on using these products!
- Drink lots of fluids, keeping your skin hydrated and less likely to be damaged. Eating a well-balanced diet for overall health is also key!
- Vitamin E, found in Avocados and Almonds contain good fats, which can replenish some of what your skin may have lost and keep skin supple.
Prevention is always the best option, as specific treatment is not available for thin skin. Keeping the skin hydrated and protecting the skin from sunlight may help to prevent further thinning of the skin.
More resources:
How to manage Thin Skin: Medical News Today
Healthy Aging: Mayo Clinic
