5 Home Remedies and Medical Solutions for Treating Thin and Fragile Skin

When the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin, becomes thin, you are faced with a more sagging skin that is full of wrinkles and creases. You may also notice that you can see the veins, capillaries, tendons, and bones beneath the skin of your hands and arms. There is no way to prevent the thinning of the skin due to aging, but with some actions, you can help improve the skin's health and reduce signs of aging. In today's article, we will talk about ways to treat thin and fragile skin. If you also suffer from this problem, we recommend that you read this article to the end.

Why does the skin become thinner with age?

As you age, your skin gradually becomes thinner for four reasons:

1.Natural changes in the skin

The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue (innermost layer of the skin). Changes in any of these three layers, especially the epidermis, can lead to thinning of the skin.

As you age, the rate of replacement of old cells with new cells in the epidermis decreases. As a result, a thinner layer is created that is susceptible to damage and dryness. In addition, the production of collagen (a protein that supports the skin) in the dermis layer decreases, and the hypodermis loses fat. For this reason, the skin appears discolored and dull.

2.Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

 Smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages are unhealthy habits that accelerate the onset of aging signs. Research has shown that smoking is associated with the creation of deep lines on the forehead and crow's feet wrinkles around the eyes, while individuals who drink alcohol are likely to experience a reduction in facial volume.

3.Exposure to Sunlight

Being under sunlight may feel good, but ultraviolet rays can damage your skin more than you think. Experts believe that excessive exposure to sunlight is the most important factor in thinning the skin. Sunlight damages the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to thinning, wrinkling, and sagging of the skin. A good way to understand this is to look at the skin on the inside and outside of the forearm. The skin on the inside of the forearm is less exposed to sunlight, so it is likely to have fewer wrinkles.

4.Menopause

People who are going through menopause may notice thinning of their skin due to hormonal changes. When going through menopause, the significant decrease in estrogen levels increases the loss of collagen and elastin. As a result, your skin begins to thin.

The side effects of skin thinning due to aging are:

A thin skin is more than just a cosmetic issue. As the largest organ of the body, the skin acts as a protective barrier against environmental factors. Therefore, when it becomes thinner, you may experience the following problems:

1.Skin bruises easily

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, thin skin bruises easily. In addition, older adults often use medications such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, which increase the speed of skin bruising, or they may be deficient in vitamins C, B12, and K, which can cause bruising. Thin skin cannot effectively protect you from bruising caused by accidents or falls.

2.Skin tears easily with the slightest injury

Unlike thick skin, which is more elastic, thin skin is fragile and tears quickly with any injury. If you use blood-thinning medications, the likelihood of bleeding from even the smallest cuts and scrapes is high, which can be dangerous. If you have an underlying condition and feel that your skin is easily torn, consult a doctor.

3.Healing takes a long time

 In childhood, wounds and cuts heal quickly. However, as you age, even a small scratch may require more time to heal. Slow-healing wounds are at risk of infection.

Treatment options for thin skin Fortunately, with the help of some home remedies and medical treatments, you can strengthen your skin and improve its health.

1.Use Sunscreen

Before going outside, apply sunscreen to the parts of your body that are exposed to sunlight. Be sure to use sunscreen on areas where the skin easily becomes thin, such as the back of your hands and neck. Lips and the area under the eyes naturally have thinner skin, which is why it is important to protect them.

Note The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and applying topical vitamin C to your skin in the morning to protect your skin from UV radiation damage. Be sure to use vitamin C before applying sunscreen. Although these products do not restore the skin, they can help slow down its thinning process.

2.Use topical retinol

Retinoids and retinols are derivatives of vitamin A that can increase collagen production and help create thicker and more flexible skin. Retinoids are stronger than retinols and have a greater impact on dryness and skin irritation. Therefore, it is better to use these products under the supervision of a dermatologist. To minimize burning, apply a small amount of the product, about the size of a pea, to your entire face and then use a moisturizer.

Note: Start using retinoids or retinols once or twice a week and gradually increase usage to allow your skin to adapt to the product.

3.Talk to a doctor about laser therapy

One way to treat thin skin is to increase collagen production. Methods that use lasers do exactly that. These lasers work by creating controlled microscopic damage to the skin, which stimulates the skin. As a result, the skin naturally produces more collagen, which can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

There are various types of laser therapy available. Therefore, it is important to talk to a dermatologist about your goals and concerns so that they can recommend the appropriate method for you. It is important to note that if you have a weak immune system or suffer from connective tissue disease and autoimmune disease, this method is not suitable for you.

4.Use fillers

Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, are gel-like substances that can help eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, and creases by increasing the volume of the face, and can help with treating thin skin. The effect of fillers is temporary and can last between 6 months to 2 years.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin fillers can be used in various areas of the face and body such as hands, cheeks, under the eye area, and any deep wrinkles or creases on the skin. There are different places that offer skin fillers, but the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that the safest place to use this method is at a doctor's office.

5.Get essential vitamins and minerals through your diet

Unfortunately, there is no specific vitamin, mineral, or supplement (even collagen supplements) that has been proven to significantly thicken the skin. However, eating healthy foods has many benefits. For example, foods rich in vitamins A, E, and K all help to keep the skin strong and healthy. Foods rich in these vitamins include: citrus fruits, broccoli, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

Final words: There are many challenges that appear as we age. It's important to understand what natural aging is and what can control its symptoms. Familiarizing yourself with the causes of premature skin aging and learning ways to care for your skin can help you take effective measures to protect your skin before complications that require medical intervention occur. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are always important, especially for supporting and maintaining healthy skin. We recommend protecting your skin from sunlight and having a healthy and balanced diet.