Intrinsic Aging

Intrinsic aging, or chronological aging represents the structural, functional, and metabolic changes in the skin that parallel the aging and degenerative changes in other body organs. Also known as the natural aging process, it is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s.

In intrinsic aging, collagen production slows; the skin becomes thinner and loses much of its elasticity; dead skin cells do not shed as quickly; and turnover of new skin cells decreases slightly. The boundary between the epidermis and the dermis is flattened, and the dermis starts to wither. The number of blood vessels in the dermis also begins to fall, and within the skin there are fewer hair follicles and sweat glands. The elastins also decrease in amount, but the proteins remain in a reasonably stable state. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades.

Symptoms of chronological aging include:

Dry and Thin Skin: While young skin renews itself every three to four weeks, older skin takes approximately four to six weeks to renew itself. The top layers loose more moisture due to the aging process, and older skin has a dryer and more dehydrated appearance. On the surface, aged skin is often perceived as rough and dry because less oil is produced and the protective barrier is diminished. Additionally, as the cell turnover slows, the cells on the surface do not shed as efficiently, and the skin becomes flaky.

Fine Wrinkles: In the dermis, the collagen produced by the fibroblasts becomes disorganized and stiffens. Diminished production of collagen leads to fine wrinkles initially observed around the eyes (commonly known as crow's feet), forehead, and other sun-exposed areas. More prominent effects include furrows at the site of facial expression lines, and sagging folds over the eyelids, neck, jaw, and arms. The elastin produced by the fibroblasts loses its ability to stretch and spring back, causing the skin to sag.

Abnormal Blood Vessels: Within the countless small, delicate blood vessels supplying nutrients to the skin, abnormalities develop. This is particularly noticeable over the nose and cheeks.

Age Spots: These are pigmentations that surface as a result of a decrease in the number and function of pigment cells in sun-exposed areas.

Benign and Malignant Skin Tumours: Such tumours develop due to the deterioration of the skin's immune system.

In addition to these symptoms, the skin develops a tendency to develop cellulite; growth of unwanted hair increases; nail plates thin, the half moons disappear, and ridges appear; and bald patterns becomes more conspicuous.

Genes control how quickly the normal aging process unfolds. Some notice their first grey hairs in their 20s; others do not see graying until their 40s. People with Werner’s syndrome, a rare inherited condition that rapidly accelerates the normal aging process, usually appear elderly in their 30s. Their hair can grey and thin considerably in their teens. Cataracts may appear in their 20s. The average life expectancy for people with Werner’s syndrome is 46 years of age.