How To Reverse Skin Thinning

Dr. Andrea Suarez makes it easy for us:

Not so thin-skinned after all

Skin thinning (skin atrophy) happens when both the outer layer (epidermis) and the deeper layer (dermis) become thinner, which makes your skin fragile, easier to bruise or tear, and slower to heal.

Collagen and elastin gradually decline after your 30s at a rate of about 1% per year, fibroblasts produce less structural protein, hyaluronic acid decreases so your skin holds less water, and sun-induced enzymes break down existing collagen.

How to slow or prevent skin thinning:

• Sun protection: daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds reduce collagen-destroying UV exposure.
• Don’t smoke: smoking damages collagen production and accelerates dermal aging.
• Enjoy a balanced diet: sufficient protein, fruits, and vegetables support collagen formation and help avoid nutrient deficiencies that worsen skin fragility.
• Avoid unnecessary steroid use: long-term topical or systemic corticosteroids can cause skin atrophy if overused.

Treatments that can help reverse or improve thinning skin

• Topical retinoids: prescription retinoids such as tretinoin and tazarotene stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, reduce collagen-destroying enzymes, and increase epidermal cell turnover, which can gradually thicken skin.
• Hyaluronic acid: topical hyaluronic acid can improve hydration and elasticity, and studies using mid-size hyaluronic acid fragments showed improvements in skin thickness and fewer actinic purpura spots.
• Lactic acid (ammonium lactate): applying 12% ammonium lactate twice daily for several months can increase epidermal and dermal thickness while smoothing the skin.

Hormonal approaches to do both:

• DHEA creams or supplements: topical or oral dehydroepiandrosterone can increase oil production, hydration, and skin thickness in older adults.
• Estrogen therapy: bioidentical estradiol hormone replacement therapy can improve dermal thickness and collagen, amongst other markers of skin health.

For more on all of this, enjoy:

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Take care!