As we age, our skin gets thinner and more sensitive. You’ve probably heard the phrase “thin skin” when describing someone who can’t take criticism well.
What else happens to our skin as we age?
Skin may sag and hang loosely.
Our skin also becomes more fragile as we get older.
Think about how your shaving regimen would differ if your face suddenly got saggy overnight and you had to quickly adjust how you use a razor on your skin.
Why does skin get thinner with age? Because we’re aging. But there are more specific answers too, some of which we have an impact on. Especially if you’re young(ish) and have time to made amends.
Why Does Skin Get Thinner With Age? Well, Aging…
What does aging have to do with our skin getting thinner and more fragile? As we get older, our body produces less collagen and makes it more likely that our skin bruises, tears or is otherwise damaged. Collagen is a protein that is essentially the building block and major component of our skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Now you know why men and women often consume collagen supplements products. In addition to help increase skin hydration, consuming collagen may help to improve wrinkles. While not the fountain of youth per se, it might help you slow down the ride to looking your age.
How can you get more collagen naturally? Eat foods that aid in the production of collagen. Namely foods high in Vitamin C, zinc and copper. Eat a diet high in protein whether from plant or animal sources, too.
Sun Exposure
Sun damage that we have accumulated over the years starts to catch up with us too. This is especially important for guys like us who shave their heads. Damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays accumulates over time and in addition to an increased chance of skin cancer, long term damage to our skin may also occur.
If you tanning beds, your exposure to UV rays and its damaging affects to skin only increase.
We’ve already talked about how guys with shaved heads need to protect their skin moreso than people who have full heads of hair.
Lifestyle Choices
While sun exposure is a contributing factor that can be somewhat avoided, there are other lifestyle choice that contribute to premature aging of your skin.
- Not consuming enough water and chronic dehydration. This is a problem for me…
- Excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Smoking and otherwise unhealthy habits.
- Lack of exercise and a general sedentary lifestyle.
- Consuming too much sugar and refined carbohydrates ie. junk food.
- Chemical irritants such as laundry and cleaning products that you use.
Medications
While there are medications that might help you improve your skin and repair damage, there are others that can have the opposite effect and cause damage. Some drugs make your skin more sensitive to light for example.
Drugs that are known to cause trouble for your skin include some antibiotics such as tetracycline and certain cancer drugs, diabetes medications, hormones, pain relievers, cardiovascular medications and more.
Check with your doctor if you are prescribed any medications to see what the side effects are.
Shaving And Thinning Skin
I used to cut myself more frequently when I first started shaving. I remember cutting my neck numerous times as a kid. The red marks bothered me but I assumed my skin wasn’t strong enough or that I had sensitive skin.
When I started shaving my head in 1995 in my mid 20s, I remember seeing videos of me where the back of my neck was red and inflamed after shaving. I wouldn’t have even known if not for the video!
I figured my skin wasn’t used to shaving and needed to “toughen up” and believed this would happen as I got older.
As it turns out your skin doesn’t really do that. Instead, I got rid of the cuts (for the most part) and the red, inflamed skin with better shaving techniques and better quality shavers.
What can you do if you are getting older, have sensitive skin or just want to stop cutting yourself and leaving yourself with red, inflamed skin like I used to do?
Shaving As You Get Older And Have Sensitive Skin
Here are some tips to be a better shaver regardless but especially if you are getting older (we all are of course) and notice your skin is getting thinner. Or if you’re cut yourself more frequently or simply have sensitive skin. Even if you just want to become a better shaver, here’s what to do.
Wash your face before shaving
Washing your face first removes any bacteria and dirt that might otherwise get in a cut or nick once you start shaving.
Use a pre-shave lotion
Pre-shave lotions containing an essential oil like almond oil or aloe vera help to lubricate and moisturize the skin before you’ve even put the shaving cream on. Many pre-shave oil contain other soothing ingredients like sandalwood or neroli.
Shave properly
Use good quality shavers and shaving cream/gel/soap. Shave with the grain. Rinse your blade regularly. Don’t overshave. Shave after your shower so that your skin and whiskers are softened from the hot water and steam.
Use a post shave lotion
Often called a post shave balm or oil, too. Plenty of products exist that are easily found depending on your skin type and needs. After shave lotions can help to soothe and moisturize skin. Some act as antiseptics too if and when you cut or nick your skin.
Many products are available that incorporate essential oils that may offer benefits to your skin, too.
Conclusion
- Why does skin get thinner with age? Our body produces less collagen and we often make lifestyle decisions as mentioned above that age our skin quicker than we might like.
- While we can’t stop aging we can make changes to our lifestyle and we wary of certain medications that can negatively impact our skin.
- Improving your shaving regimen early on can pay dividends for your skin. The quicker you become a better shaver, the sooner you’ll cut down (no pun intended) on cuts and nicks to your skin.
- Use good quality shaving products and consider use of both a pre-shave and post-shave lotion especially if you have sensitive skin.
What do you do to keep your skin healthy as you age? Let us know in the comments below!