Skin Texture Changes: An Aspect of Facial Aging

For the first three months of 2013, we are covering the three aspects of facial aging, their causes, and the available treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical. Last month we covered the first aspect, skin sagging or droopiness. For February, we will be focusing on the second aspect: skin texture changes. Changes to your skin texture can make you look older than you feel, and there are a number of them that can gang up on you, depending on your genetics and lifestyle choices. A few examples of skin texture changes include wrinkles and expression lines, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage, dull skin, skin that looks dry, and an uneven complexion. Each of these changes can increase or become more severe as we age, especially if they are exacerbated by our own habits (such as sunbathing or smoking). Other factors that can contribute to skin texture changes in your face include how much sleep you get, your nutrition, whether or not you wear makeup and what kind you wear, and your own complexion. Those with fair skin and fair hair generally show aging more quickly than people with darker complexions because the effects of the sun are more evident on their faces. As we age, the epidermis (the outermost layer of our skin) thins, leaving our skins texture feeling more fragile. We begin to lose melanocytes, the skin pigment cells in our skin, and the ones we keep become bigger. That can make us look more pale, and the larger melanocytes can gather together in sun-exposed areas to form age spots. Blood vessels also become less sturdy, which can lead to broken vessels under the skin that are visible in the form of cherry angiomas. Sun-exposed areas of the face are going to lose elastin and collagen more quickly, which can give us a weather-beaten, leathery look. Overall, our skin will become thinner and more easily wrinkled, more easily damaged, and any abuse weve given it in the sun will begin to show up. Over this month, we will discuss what we can do about these issues both in reference to products and in-office procedures. Please call our office with any questions or to schedule a consultation at (703) 574-2588. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does skin texture describe in the context of facial aging?

Skin texture refers to the surface quality of the skin including its smoothness, evenness, and clarity. In the context of facial aging, it is one of three key aspects alongside volume loss and sagging skin. Texture changes include wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation issues, and uneven complexion.

How do lifestyle choices affect skin texture?

Smoking damages collagen and creates wrinkles from repeated puckering. Sun exposure causes pigmentation changes and breaks down elastin. Poor nutrition and insufficient sleep deprive the skin of nutrients and repair time. These choices influence how quickly and severely texture changes develop on top of whatever genetic predisposition exists.

What professional treatments address skin texture changes at NOVA?

NOVA offers BOTOX for dynamic wrinkles, ProFractional and NanoLaser Peel for collagen stimulation and resurfacing, BBL for pigmentation and sun damage, chemical peels for general exfoliation, and dermal fillers for pitted or depressed scars. The right treatment depends on the specific texture concerns being addressed.

How early should I start treating skin texture changes?

The earlier you address texture changes, the easier they are to manage. Early-stage pigmentation, fine lines, and minor roughness respond very well to preventative treatments and consistent skincare. Waiting until changes become more advanced typically requires more intensive treatments.

Can genetics cause skin texture changes?

Yes. Genetic predisposition plays a meaningful role. Some people are genetically more prone to certain types of hyperpigmentation, acne and scarring, or early wrinkling. While lifestyle choices influence severity, genetics partly determine how susceptible you are and how early these changes begin to appear.